Safe PSI to air down to?

So I've always been afraid to air down too much because I don't want to lose the seal/bead (is that what it's called?) on the trail.

Last time I wheeled I kept the tires inflated at 32 psi and obviously it caused a lot bumpier of a ride, but worse, I got bounced around to the point of crushing my rocker panel.

What's a safe psi to air down to without fear of losing the bead?

I'm on the stock 15" alloys running 31 x 10.5 BFG all terrains.

Thanks.

 

Carry some either and matches if it does come off.

 

10 in sand and 15 in rocks in mud is about spot on for your tires. in sand i have to drop to 8psi or so cause my tires have a tendency to dig in very easily

 

^ Ether and matches?

Please elaborate.

 

I'm really never on sand (unless I make the trip to the sand dunes). I'm on forest service roads treading lightly.... often over rocks, etc...

 

something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ADdx9Sy1XU

 

When I had my 2001 Xterra stock PSI was 26 (lowest I have ever seen OEM). I still aired down for certain situations but never extreme like mentioned here as I was mainly on pavement.

 

Good god...

If I ever tried that and recorded it, I'd go down in the TW annals of stupidity.

Beating out the kid who got pulled out of sand in park and the other dude who jumped his 2nd gen and destroyed it.

 

I recall seeing Top Gear do that when they knocked a tire off the rim....they were in the artic though, and it made for good TV.

 

Why is that?

 

Cause I'd probably blow myself up and take rubber shrapnel to my entire body all the while setting a forest fire ablaze.

 

yeah mounting a tire like that is rather scary. i have had to do that on a large equipment tires. took me about an hour cause i didnt wanna blow the bitch up in my face but we got the tire back on the rim while it was still on the machine

 

Fair enough. In an emergency that technique can really help get you out of a bind though.

 

^^^ when doing that, remove the valve core first. the purpose is not to inflate the tire, but rather reseat it on the rim. with the valve core in is where you risk blowing it and yourself up.

 

Totally understood and duly noted.

Just use any flammable aerosol?

 

Nice tip... I knew there was more to it than to spray some fluid and just light 'er up!

 

Never ahd removed core since usually I pump air immediately after tire expands. (this is the trick)

Now I have to admit whole process looks scary to somebody outside. Last time I was doing this my family refused to participate and was cowarding behind stone wall.
So I had to spray carburetor cleaner ( no ether on hand), light up, then immediately grab air hose to pump air. I should mention I had cigg in my mouth .
Anyway I had same truck with same tires and rims. Runned 15-18 PSI fine

 

I run 15 psi on 15" WHEELS (NON BEADLOCK) using BFG Mud terain tires (KM2) 33x12.5. And I drive really fing fast, lol. Never lost a bead.

 

You really do not need NEARLY that much ether if you have a small on board air compressor (Oriellys $60 ones work). Hook it up to the tire and turn it on. Then maybe two or 3 light shots of ether on the bead and light. It is much less dangerous and works just as well.



On topic. I run around 8-10 anytime i'm in serious wheeling conditions that is with 33X10.50X15. I have met a few guys recently that run about 4-5 without beadlocks and will probably be attempting that when I go wheeling with them next. They say they have had the sidewall stretched in where you can see the bead and it has held.