Baja Beach 4WD: 32 psi to 15 psi, see the difference!

Funny how a few pounds of air can make a huge difference.

 

It makes all the difference in the world... and should be standard info for anyone who drives into sand. Getting stuck in sand never needs a pull... just clear away any buildup blocking forward movement and deflate the tires!

 

Hey David have you ever thought of takin out the wiring goin to the battery for that compressor and replacing it with some thicker stuff? maybe a larger diameter of wire would help dissapate the load going through it and it wouldnt heat up as bad. just a thought. Im gonna have to run down to the local harbor freight store and see about one of those compressors for my truck. thanks for the good info, not just on deflation but also the compressor.

 

Perhaps... They are like jumper cables, but not as thick. I did change the 25 amp fuse with a 30 amp... and have a box of them. They don't blow, but the plastic just melts and disfigures them. Chinese made stuff, perhaps.. but I have used it dozens of times since 2007, and it still works, even if I do need to wiggle the fuse holder a bit!
They were on sale for $49, when I got it.

 

Well i know you said that they work just fine but i was just thinkin if they heat up that much sooner or later they are gonna burn a bare spot in them and then it becomes a safety issue for you and your truck. just thought it might be work lookin in to cuz a length of like aut gauge wire wouldnt cost much.

 

I only run the thing for ~ 3 minutes per tire... so in 12-15 minutes it doesn't get that hot... Just the fuse holder and fuse melt some.

 

This thing is AWESOME!!!!! A lot of taco's wouldn't make it up that, and this guys doing it in an rv!

 

It's all about traction where you need it.

The 4Runner with open differentails made it, just had to move some rocks... But, this road is one that I do think should be for those with low range and traction control or a rear locker. Art's van is amazing, however!

 

looks like it was pulling someone else up after it to

 

Good eyes... He pulled a 2003 Tacoma/ camper up that grade and the other 5 uphill miles... The whole story was posted here on TW last June. You can catch up also on the web page I made of that trip (link in my signature, as well): Epic 2010 Baja 4WD trip to Mision Santa Maria: http://vivabaja.com/msm2010/

 

I wonder how air pressure might effect puncture resistance?

 

Just wanted to chime in on the air compressor thing because right now I don't have a rechargeable one. I have a 1(?) gallon one thats about as big as a shoe box with a 25' retractable hose I picked up from walmart which I can plug into the bed outlet. Think it was around 50$.. I just looked quick and you can get a rechargeable one for 30$ that runs off your battery or 110v.

 

With some air removed, the tire has more 'give' and might be less prone to sharp rock damage. Your ride is a bit smoother, too.

With too much air removed, the sidewalls become exposed and have a greater chance to be punctured... and you can't repair a sidewall hole.

I usually drive graded roads at full pressure, but wouldn't have a problem if I dropped to 25 psi... I think 20 psi is too low, but that is where a lot of Baja guys go on the washboard roads.

 

Do test the pump in your bed plug before you need it. I tried one 110v compressor and it drew more amps then that outlet could deliver!

The rechargeable and cigarette lighter air pumps are slow... about 2 psi per minute in our tires. 15 psi to 30 psi will take 8 minutes per tire... a half hour for all four.

The direct battery, clamp on one that I have now is 3 times faster... or 10 minutes for all 4 tires.

 

when Art sells his motorhome, I'm buyin!!!! that thing is rad...

Adamo

 

It is... did you see the Mision Santa Maria trip that Art took with us (link below and photos on TW too)?

Art just posted on Baja Nomad forums and I told him he has a fan here!

 

It is for sale, $4000, you can afford it.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=729399#post729399

 

Why Art... you worked so hard on it and we showed it could do the toughest road and deepest sand beach that Baja could throw at it? That machine ROCKED... and it blew everyone's mind on the Mision Santa Maria trip that you made it... and even pulled a Tacoma out of there, up the mountain!!!

 

I know what you mean David, one spend years refining a machine and just when it's working perfectly we move on. Thanks for the compliments and the plug. Whoever will own this beast next will surely enjoy it.

As you may have read in another forum, I have moved on to bigger and better things - BIGGER 4x4 motorhome, that is LOL. Here:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=966138