Outback Road Tyre Pressures

[TOPNDR]

Recently did 2500k on outback dirt roads/and tracks, I normally run 40/41psi (bitumen) in Bridgestone LT 964 and always did  lower to  around 26psi on dirt roads but on last trip (tug loaded weight was 3T& towing a 1.3T camper) only lowered to 36psi and no punctures, while others had numerous when running between 25-30psi. So who has any idea !   

I did the GRR, Mitchell Falls, Bungles and Duncan/Buntine/Buchanan Halls Ck to Dunmarra in 2010 with 21 psi front, 23 or 25 psi rear, and had no punctures but a far more comfortable ride than pressures in the 30s or 40s.

[duggie]

I drive a hell of a lot on dirt roads, I was raised in the bush and learnt to drive on dirt roads. Regardless of dirt roads or black top I have a starting pressure of 28 pound front and rear. When loaded I may increase the front to 30 pounds and rear to 32 pounds.

I cant remember when I last got a flat tyre, and my tyre wear is even across the surface of both front and rear tyres and when checking the tyres for heat they are never hot to touch.

Too many people play with their tyre pressures when on dirt roads trying to get a smooth ride across corrugations, instead of pulling the thing into high four wheel drive and getting up to a speed that allows the vehicle to sit on top of the corrugations.

By driving dirt roads in high four you get safer drive-ability, better grip on the road surface, even tyre wear and can maintain a speed that allows for a smoother ride.

Don't mock it, next time your are on a dirt road and half way through a corner, reach down and pull the thing into high four, you will be amazed at the difference. As for diff wear , it does not hurt anything as there is always enough slippage to allow for the diff's. Why do you think manufactures are producing constant four wheel drives ?

cheers and safe travels, duggie

[weeds]

I drive a hell of a lot on dirt roads, I was raised in the bush and learnt to drive on dirt roads. Regardless of dirt roads or black top I have a starting pressure of 28 pound front and rear. When loaded I may increase the front to 30 pounds and rear to 32 pounds.

I cant remember when I last got a flat tyre, and my tyre wear is even across the surface of both front and rear tyres and when checking the tyres for heat they are never hot to touch.

Too many people play with their tyre pressures when on dirt roads trying to get a smooth ride across corrugations, instead of pulling the thing into high four wheel drive and getting up to a speed that allows the vehicle to sit on top of the corrugations.

By driving dirt roads in high four you get safer drive-ability, better grip on the road surface, even tyre wear and can maintain a speed that allows for a smoother ride.

Don't mock it, next time your are on a dirt road and half way through a corner, reach down and pull the thing into high four, you will be amazed at the difference. As for diff wear , it does not hurt anything as there is always enough slippage to allow for the diff's. Why do you think manufactures are producing constant four wheel drives ?

cheers and safe travels, duggie

gotta agree....as soon as i hot dirt or san i engage centre diff lock

[yogi]

Me three .... centre diff lock for corrugations or anytime I am off road I lower the front's to where I am comfortable 20-30 PSI and then the backs to the same amount of sidewall bagging then the trailer. No issues and have done a bit of outback / off road driving like this.

yogi

[lindamc]

me four for high 4wd, and lowering tyre pressures, but haven't worked out a perfect pressure for corrugations at 80kph or thereabouts yet. I guess time and experience with our vehicle in those situations will work that out.  And yes I have always driven gravel roads, grown up on a farm, but this is my first 4wd.

[Diver]

One tip I picked up from an experienced traveller, when you stop, instantly walk up and feel the trailer tyres.. if they are very hot, your pressures are very wrong..

And while you are at it check the hubs for excess heat - first sign of bearing failure.