Airing down to prevent punctures?

[dcampen]

Several weeks ago while I was driving out in the desert I got a puncture in the tread of one of my tires. At the time I had been driving along washboard dirt roads strewn with small rocks at 40-50 mph. Last week I went past another truck that was changing a flat and again we were on dirt roads with washboard and small angular rocks.

I have heard many times about the advantages of airing down for driving in sand and mud. Also, I seem to remember one web site by a guy who writes off-roading books and leads trips and he was advocating airing down to reduce tire punctures.

Anyone have any opinions on airing down to reduce tire (tread) punctures?

 

[Thai]

Airing down will make the tire "softer" (aka more conforming to the terrain). This may make it more resistant to sharp rocks. Otherwise, airing down makes a bigger footprint, allowing for better traction and "floating" across sand.

My advice: if puncture happens often through this path, then i would get a LT-rated tire or AT tire (preferrably BFG AT KO). LT-rated tires tend to have more tread plies (and/or more steel belts). BFG AT KO has a strong sidewall to prevent puncture on the sidewall (which is non-repairable). In addition, check out Goodyear Fortera or AT tire with Silent Armor:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=8881

BTW, your Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires are basically highway tires. They are not the strongest nor highest quality.

 

[dcampen]

Yeah, when I get new tires they will be LT rated. I had been thinking of Dueler Revos but since neither Costco or Firestone will mount 265/75-16 tires it looks like instead I will be getting the BFG AT KOs since they are sold by Discount/Americas Tire who will mount that size for the 4Runner.

I will look into the new Goodyear Wrangler also. Wow, they are expensive, MSRP for the 265/75-16 is $194! MSRP for the 265/70-17 is $214.

 

[Bobby]

Go for the Revos. I just got them and I'm very impressed with them.

Discount Tires should be able to get them for you.

 

[Brewster]

Sometimes "airing up" can prevent punctures by reducing the amount of sidewall bulge. I drive an old Ford Explorer on and off ranch roads with thorns and sharp rocks. On the advice of the operator of a local fleet of service trucks, I began running the tires at the maximum rated pressure. It either helps a lot or I've just been very lucky since changing tactics. (I use LT tires.)

 

[Expat]

Before going to DV I read a lot about people getting punctures out there. So many stories were coming up in fact, that Cheifiji and I discussed getting new tires before we went.

Well, of all 7 Runners, none of us got punctures and we all aired down everyday.

I ran my original Dunflops which had 17,000mi at about 24psi I think.

In Australia even passengers cars will air down for wash board dirt roads.

Softer tires will more likely allow the tire to "float" over washboards (smoother ride) and accomodate rough edged roacks and stones.

My 2 cents.

 

[bulldog-yota]

You can get the Revos from Discount/America's tires. I ordered mine from them and it was 265/70/17s soone size up. You are lucky in having the 16" wheels as you can getthe Revos in LT ofr 16", but not 17". No idea what Bridgestone was thinking there. This is a huge advatage for the BFGs for guys running 17" wheels.

I believe airing down helps a lot to reduce punctures from the thread surface, as said above the tires becomes softer and deform to accomadate rocks, etc easier. Great for dirt and washboard roads. My concern with P tires however is that if you air down the sidewall becomes more exposed and the tire is softer, this makes it easier to pop a bead ( I did that at Pismo) also more susceptable when climbing rocks and stuff to get a sidewall puncture. The thing is you have to air down when doing it to increase traction, but I wont recommend you air down as much as an LT tire. Probably the reason why Goodyear gave the MT/R such beefy sidewalls and it is the favorite rock climbing tire currently.