Education Corral · On the Trail
Tire Pressure & Airing Down
Tire pressure is the cheapest traction and comfort upgrade there is — no parts required, just knowing when and how much to adjust.
Why People Air Down
- Softer ride over washboard and rock.
- Bigger tire footprint for more traction in sand and loose dirt.
- Less chance of a sharp impact damaging a wheel or suspension.
The Basics
- Highway pressure is usually 35–40+ psi; trail pressure runs meaningfully lower for comfort and traction, though exactly how low depends on your rig and the terrain. (Running Sasquatch’s 35″ mud-terrains? That larger footprint makes the pressure difference matter even more.)
- Lower pressure means more sidewall flex — good for traction, but not safe at highway speed.
- Always air back up before the drive home; expect a TPMS light for a bit until the system recalibrates at speed.
What to Bring
- A tire pressure gauge you trust — the Bronco Trail App has one built in if you’re using it, but a physical gauge is a good backup either way.
- A small compressor, or know where you’ll air up at the end of the trail.
- A valve core tool or deflator, if you have one.
On UBC Runs
We’ll usually talk through whether airing down makes sense for a given trail — you’re never required to do it. New to this? Don’t go extremely low your first time; ask a trail leader what they’re running and why before you copy it.
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