Air down or not?

[soupy1234]

Hi, I'm heading out to Death Valley and want to get to the "Racetrack". 26 miles each way half gravel, half mild 4x4. I'm not worried about traction, but it has a reputation for cutting sidewalls. Any opinions on whether airing down helps with sidewall protection?

Running 265/70/17 KO3's load range E. I run 38PSI on paved roads.

Thanks.

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[Cappaworks]

I’ve made that run and many others in that area many times. Your best bet is to pay attention when driving, know where all four tires will track and ovoid the larger and sharp rocks. Airing down to 20-25 psi will provide a significantly smoother ride.

 

[Dirt]

Never been there, but my in experience the less sidewall contact with sharp rocks the better, so I generally don't air down when I know I'm going thru rock piles. The 10 plies will help for sure.

 

[Pappy]

The road to the Race Track sucks. Mostly wash board the size of ski moguls. Yes, air down, especially with those load range E tires. Your side walls are not an issue. Your back is.

I was there last spring. I had already aired down from travel on other trails. When I hit the Race Track I aired down more. I think I ended up in the 12-15PSI range, but I was in my 4R, not the Tacoma.

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