Air Down For What?
The cheapest, fastest way to improve your off-road performance isn't a lift kit or lockers -- it's your tire pressure.
EDITORIAL TERRAIN ILLUSTRATION / NOT PRESSURE EVIDENCE
New: Tire Upgrade Impact Calculator
Upgraded your tires? Find out how much more work your compressor just signed up for.
Run the Calculator →Quick PSI Reference
| Terrain | Suggested PSI | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel & Graded Dirt | 16-28 PSI (varies by vehicle weight) | Start modest. 22-28 PSI for heavier rigs. Keep speeds smooth to reduce heat buil... |
| Rock Crawling | 12-22 PSI (lower for lighter rigs) | Lower gradually until wheelspin calms. The tire should visibly bulge at the cont... |
| Sand & Dunes | 10-18 PSI (lower = more flotation) | Flotation is everything. Maintain steady momentum -- avoid sharp turns at very l... |
| Mud | 16-24 PSI (moderate reduction) | Moderate PSI helps the tread self-clean. Too low can create suction that bogs yo... |
| Snow & Ice | 18-26 PSI (aim to float) | Similar approach to sand -- aim to float, not dig. On packed snow or ice, a touc... |
Vehicle PSI Guides
Specific tire pressure recommendations for your rig. Select your vehicle for a detailed breakdown by terrain.
Rivian R1T / R1S (20" LT Upgrade) EV
6,800 - 7,200 lbs -- 275/65R20 LT (KO2, Falken AT4W, Toyo AT3 EV)
Terrain Guides
New Pillar: Recovery Physics
A snatch recovery puts more force on your rig than anything else you'll do off-road. See the actual physics, mapped for four right-sized rigs.
Explore Recovery →Ready to Gear Up?
MORRflate makes the best multi-tire inflation and deflation systems on the market. Air down all 4 tires at once.
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Want Hands-On Training?
Reading about airing down is one thing. Feeling the difference on the trail is another. We teach recovery, vehicle dynamics, and trail skills in person at Sierra Nevada Off Road Academy.
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