Sorry, but just because a Cherokee is running 33s or smaller tires doesn't mean that it is a DD. If the tire has the 2 to 1 sidewall ratio it is ok to air down. How low you go would depend on how low you needed to go. [ I've ran 7 lbs in 32s and it worked just fine. ]

 

trails i run 15psi rear, 17psi front
dunes i go down to about 5psi.

33x10.5 bfgs

 

Obviously this was not geared towards dedicated trail rigs. Like I said, can you? Yes. Should you? No.

 

If the guy is asking about airing down his tires he's obviously going to be running some trails. Also, like I said before, there's no reason not to, just be sure to air them up ASAP when you're done. Basically, can you: yes, should you: yes. IMO if you're looking for extra traction you'd be stupid not to.

 

If the OP is Asking about Airing down , I am sure he plans on airing up at the then of the trail. An for whats it's worth I have Aired down as low as 10 psi an never popped a Bead on other rigs, however I have popped a Bead at 8psi

 

If hes asking this question hes a weekend wheeler use your head and give good advice. In a DD you dont ever want to go too low or you run the risk of dameging the tire or popping the tire from the wheel. Like I said before, dont go lower than 15 psi.

So let me barney this down. Air down just not too low!

 

my 97 is my DD i have 33x12.5x15 km2s depending on what i'm wheeling i air down between 10 to 15 never have i messed up up a rim/tire/bead... Pab's just because someone only wheels on the weekend doesnt make them a noob or anything like that im not i've been wheeling for 5 years and i only wheel on the weekend because i work all week this guy has probably just started wheeling he is asking for advise so he can LEARN how to wheel right so he doesnt mess his jeep up and your being a @$$ about people helping him out saying your barneying it down what are you in high school noone on here has talked down to you have they...so why are you talking down on here

 

Should you air down for mud? And is it ok the drive to a gas station to air up? If you say don't go over 35mph?

 

Yes, just remember that you're aired down and the jeep is gonna handle way different lol

 

Maybe im not wording it right but I never said he's a noob i mentioned the weekend wheeler part because if you have to ask this question you obviously are not a pro wheeler. Im not an *** i just dont sugar coat things. This guy, its safe to say is new to airing down what kind of advice is it to tell him to go down to 10psi when you know thats pushing it (like another poster said hes seen them pop at 8) 15 is safe and will get him good traction...once hes used to 15 if he feels ok with it and wants to go lower then thats up to him.

And "barney style" is a term widely used in the corps to break things down...not meant as an insult.

 

And yes I drive to the gas station aired down just slow and no sharp corners lol

 

+1

Its also pretty obvious its a DD that hes going to USE offroad. Not an offroad vehicle he sometimes uses on the street. Why is it obvious? the fact that he's got street tires.

I'd say 15 PSI at the VERY VERY lowest, 20psi is fine.

 

Good thread, I bet a lot of guys on this site are asking the same question, but don't want to post it......
I've been on a few Jeep Jamboees right at the enterance to the trail, the leader tells everyone to "air down", 15psi is where most go to, the more experienced guys go to 10ish if there are a lot of large rocks to get over (bigger foot print means more to grab with). Like most guys mentioned, I stay around 15psi on the trails & yes, air back up as soon as you can. If you have to, take a nice slow ride to the nearest gas station or buddies house to air back up (if nobody has on-board air).

- Now this leads to: what are you airing back up to on the road? Anyone?
I'm running 33 x 10.5 BFG on a 15x8 Alum. Rim. I am at 26 psi or so. I seem to get the best wear on the tread at that psi. If I go any higher my tires bulge in the middle & kill the tread!

 

^^^ I never really cared about my current tires so i had it at 35. but in 4wheeler mag yesterday i saw " the chalk method" look it up. and anyone else have opinions on airing down for mud? i talk to people down here ( none with jeeps ) and they say " naw i dont do that **** "

 

what is the condition of the trail?
if there's roots and rocks, you want to air down for comfort reasons as well as traction.
if you're running at street pressure, you will be driving slow holding up everyone else in the group cause you'll be bouncing off every rock.
lowering the pressure makes it a lot smoother. just don't go too low.

air down a bit, for that wheel/tire combo, i wouldn't go lower than 20.

for the guy with the 31's, no lower than 15 with your stock rims. but your tires can handle it at 13.

just don't be hammering it over rocks, you'll just smash a rim and loose your bead.