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How low is too low

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Old 11-23-2015, 06:32 PM
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Default How low is too low

So im sure this has been discussed but i cant seem to find the thread. How low can you really go psi wise before you break the bead and can justify beadlocks? how necessary are beadlocks? I understand the benifits and what a beadlock does im just curious about how many of you think a beablock would be necessary. I have stock wheels with bfg ats on and i dont normally air down past 18 psi but as i am now in Colorado winter is here and i plan to do some snow wheeling. So how low is it safe to go?
Old 11-23-2015, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by robbins84
So im sure this has been discussed but i cant seem to find the thread. How low can you really go psi wise before you break the bead and can justify beadlocks? how necessary are beadlocks? I understand the benifits and what a beadlock does im just curious about how many of you think a beablock would be necessary. I have stock wheels with bfg ats on and i dont normally air down past 18 psi but as i am now in Colorado winter is here and i plan to do some snow wheeling. So how low is it safe to go?

i belive low teens is as low as you wanan go safely. need beadlocks if you wanna get into the single didgets.
Old 11-24-2015, 05:22 AM
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Depends on rim/tire width. I had poor mans bead locks (narrow rim) and ran 8 all the time on my 35s

Last edited by Maertz; 11-24-2015 at 07:27 AM.
Old 11-24-2015, 06:46 AM
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It's dependent on rim width + diameter, tire diameter & load rating.

An E rated tire will have stiffer side walls compared to a C rated tire. Rim diameter & tire diameter are also important as airing down too much can damage the rim if you don't have enough tire between the obstacle and rim. Narrower rims hold the bead better like Maertz said.

In the snow you typically run lower pressure.

I have D rated 37" tires on 17s rims and run them at 10 psi all the time without issue. In the snow I'll run them a few psi lower. I don't have beadlocks.
Old 11-24-2015, 10:50 AM
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I run 35x12.5 on the factory rim. In snow I run 2-3 PSI, never lost a bead. In rock/mud I run 7-8PSI, never lost a bead.
Old 11-24-2015, 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by SiliconTi
I run 35x12.5 on the factory rim. In snow I run 2-3 PSI, never lost a bead. In rock/mud I run 7-8PSI, never lost a bead.
Factory rim is very narrow
Old 11-24-2015, 01:00 PM
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I run 12psi with no issues. My wheel width is 8" and my tires are 35x12.50r15.
Old 11-27-2015, 05:19 PM
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I run 10-12 with no issues in mud and rocks with 35s and the stock rims.
Old 11-27-2015, 05:25 PM
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I run 10-11 in my C rated MTRK's on 9" pro comps all the time. Never(knock on wood) had a problem on rocks at Rausch Creek in PA.
Old 11-27-2015, 05:47 PM
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13.5" wide E-load rated tires, 8.5" wide wheels...I've reset my TPSs to 10psi and will run them no lower than 10 in fear of losing a bead. I've accidentally run them down to 8 with no issues bouncing them pretty hard during rock crawlin' out in CO.

It's just piece of mind when that low tire pressure warning light goes off, I know I'm approaching the "more risk vs. more reward" zone (or I have a flat).


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