I am looking for the experts here to tell me all about airing down and back.
I know what I do and why but I'm looking for explanations that really break it down. I go down to 10-12 when I'm out on the trail. I don't have any devices to air down except a large chuck that I use without a hose. I know they make devices to take you down to a predetermined psi. Take me to task and tell me all about it. I am willing to learn.

 

just buy the Stuan deflators, set them at your desired air down pressure screw them on your valve stems when you are ready to air down,they take the pressure down to the pre-determined psi and shut off automatically when that psi is reached. ...... simple !
air up when you are finished wheeling with a small compressor you hook to your battery and off you go.(got my deflators from northridge and my compressor from costco).

 

In response to the question, "Why?"...

Airing down provides three main benefits:

1. It gives you a larger footprint, i.e., it enlarges your contact patch (the tire width), but more importantly, it enlarges your tread patch (the tire length that comes into contact with the driving surface).
2. It allows the tires to conform to surface irregularities. When the tires can "wrap" around a rock, they provide greater shear resistance and therefore better traction.
3. It provides for a smoother ride. Less pressure allows the tires to absorb the bumps and transfer less movement to the suspension and cabin.

 

Ryno- perfect explanation. couldnt have read it better in a book.

 

I just got the Staun deflators, can't wait to try them this weekend. Though after my last trip and how hot it was while airing back up with my small compressor, I'm thinking about getting a tank to speed things up. When it's 100+ out, it's get's really hot while waiting 20 minutes to air up the tires.

I can't add much to what was said above, they hit it perfectly with the explanations.

 

Fish - quick question, do you leave the deflators on while on the trail or take them off after they are done? I've read you can leave them on, but they see to stick out a lot and I'm afraid they'll get damaged or ripped off by rocks.

 

also if you air down, your tires will be more resistant to getting cut from a sharp rock. i punctured one of my stockers because i left it at 35psi.

 

So on a stock Rubicon what PSI should I air down to for rock climbing?

 

Stauns are ok but if your looking for an easier way with a more adjustability get this.

http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...d=ARB-DEFLATOR

 

With RubyDoo loaded with whats in my signature i go to 20 with the stock wheels and tires. Less weight you can go down to 15, when i did this i kept breaking beads.