Off Roading What pressure do I run?

[Corndog]

Headed down to baja for X-mas with recently acquired CTD and 1984 Lance Camper 840. Very psyched!



Do I reduce tire pressure off-road, like I usually do without the camper, or do I risk tire failure? I've added airbags and I'm running BF Goodrich 285/75/16's All-Terrains rated load range D that take a max of 65psi.

 

[DiTrani]

Load Range D? I'd say you're a little under-tire'ed for a diesel with a camper, although I guess with 285's you're probably OK by the numbers.



You don't really increase the likelyhood of tire failure by airing down unless you run sustained road speeds. Underinflated tires heat up at road speeds. So yes, you can and should air down for the sand.

 

[DBentley]

I run 315s and a large slide on camper out on the beaches of ma. cape cod. Nauset is very soft sugar sand and its 6 or so miles out over crude trails up and down dunes. My camper is around 3000 loaded and i got a large cooler mounted out front thats another 200 lbs+ ,my self 250++ ,2 kids ,a wife ,75 gal of water , fridge full of food,2-30 packs of beer,firewood and 22-25 rear---14-18 frot is ideal. Never lost a bead in 18 years running these pressures. Runs real sweet over the sand. Have fun in baja. Id love to be following you out there. Im sure you know but dont forget to take transmission out of overdrive and run low 4wd in the soft stuff.

 

[Desert Proven]

Corndog,



It really depends on what kind of "off road" driving you are going to be doing, and the weight you are hauling. I've taken my camper down to Baja many times, but mine is pretty light weight (1500 pounds +/-). In soft sand, I'll drop down to 25 psi or less. On extended washboard roads, I'm usually around 32 psi. I run my truck hard and fast, but have really good tires (Toyo Open Country M/T), and great suspension to soak it all up.



The other big question is whether or not you carry some form of on-board air. While you might be tempted to run soft, you might have to keep those tires soft for another hundred miles to get air at a Pemex. Really soft tires on pavement with a heavy load can be pretty scary in Baja. You might find that without on-board air, you might have to come up with a compromise.



In either case, be careful in the sand with a camper. The CTD is heavy enough and unless you have bigger footprint tire, you might find yourself in need of a shovel.



If you have a lot of questions, feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to expand.



Have a great trip!