This year I was able to get a drive-on oversand permit for Plum Island, MA... previously I have had my former 06 Pathfinder on the beach and aired down to 12-14 psi with no issue.

Question: got rid of the Pathy and drive a 2000 Cherokee Lmtd with 265/75/16 Firestone A/T tires.... I was wondering if airing them down that low will do any not so good things to the tires/sidewalls.....

Thanks

 

You need a permit to drive on the beach?!

 

Yup.... Parker River National Wildlife Refuge..... used to give out between 150-200 permits.... new refuge manager dislikes such activity.... 85 permits by lottery. Limited time too due to the piping plovers.....

Same gig on Cape Cod.....

 

I think it's up to you, you run a risk carrying the same load with less psi than the tire was designed for. Tire will move in ways it's not designed for.

 

I would say stay at 17 or higher that should be aired down enough for beach sand. Remember when in doubt throttle out haha

 

Start out around 15 and if you find yourself getting stuck or having trouble you can let more out easily. I took my cheap 235s down to 8 psi and I was able to get up every dune at silver lake easily.

 

I air down to around 10 psi regularly for wheeling, I'd go lower if I had beadlocks. And only run 18 psi on the street. Different tires than you have, but my tires are handling low pressures fine. Mine are also a load range c truck tire.