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.

Learn the Basics Find Your Vehicle

Quick PSI Reference

TerrainSuggested PSINotes
Gravel & Graded Dirt16-28 PSI (varies by vehicle weight)Start modest. 22-28 PSI for heavier rigs. Keep speeds smooth to reduce heat buil...
Rock Crawling12-22 PSI (lower for lighter rigs)Lower gradually until wheelspin calms. The tire should visibly bulge at the cont...
Sand & Dunes10-18 PSI (lower = more flotation)Flotation is everything. Maintain steady momentum -- avoid sharp turns at very l...
Mud16-24 PSI (moderate reduction)Moderate PSI helps the tread self-clean. Too low can create suction that bogs yo...
Snow & Ice18-26 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.

Jeep Wrangler JL / JLU

Jeep Wrangler JL / JLU

4,200 - 5,300 lbs -- 245/75R17 (32")

Rock: 15-20 -- Sand: 12-15
Toyota 4Runner (5th & 6th Gen)

Toyota 4Runner (5th & 6th Gen)

4,400 - 5,000 lbs -- 265/70R17 (31.5")

Rock: 15-20 -- Sand: 12-18
Ford F-150 / Raptor / Tremor

Ford F-150 / Raptor / Tremor

4,500 - 5,700 lbs -- 275/65R18 (Raptor: 315/70R17 / 37")

Rock: 18-22 -- Sand: 15-18
Toyota Tacoma (3rd & 4th Gen)

Toyota Tacoma (3rd & 4th Gen)

4,200 - 4,800 lbs -- 265/65R17 (30.5")

Rock: 18-22 -- Sand: 12-18
Ford Bronco / Bronco Raptor

Ford Bronco / Bronco Raptor

4,300 - 5,500 lbs -- 255/70R17 (Raptor: 315/70R17 / 37")

Rock: 15-20 -- Sand: 12-15
Rivian R1T / R1S

Rivian R1T / R1S EV

6,800 - 7,200 lbs -- 275/65R20 (LT) or 275/55R22

Rock: 24-28 -- Sand: 24-28
Rivian R1T / R1S (20" LT Upgrade)

Rivian R1T / R1S (20" LT Upgrade) EV

6,800 - 7,200 lbs -- 275/65R20 LT (KO2, Falken AT4W, Toyo AT3 EV)

Rock: 22-26 -- Sand: 20-24
Jeep Gladiator JT

Jeep Gladiator JT

4,600 - 5,500 lbs -- 245/75R17 (32")

Rock: 15-20 -- Sand: 12-16

All Vehicle Guides

Terrain Guides

Gravel & Graded Dirt

16-28 PSI (varies by vehicle weight) (standard wheels)

The most common off-road surface. Airing down on gravel and graded dirt roads transforms the ride from jarring to smooth, especially on washboard sections.

Rock Crawling

12-22 PSI (lower for lighter rigs) (standard wheels)

Rock crawling demands maximum traction and tire conformity. Lower pressures let your tires wrap around obstacles instead of bouncing off them.

Sand & Dunes

10-18 PSI (lower = more flotation) (standard wheels)

Sand requires the lowest pressures for most drivers. The goal is to float on top rather than dig in. A wider contact patch distributes your vehicle's weight across more surface area.

Mud

16-24 PSI (moderate reduction) (standard wheels)

Mud is counterintuitive -- you don't want to go as low as sand or rock. A moderately aired-down tire with aggressive tread will self-clean better than a flat, mushy tire.

Snow & Ice

18-26 PSI (aim to float) (standard wheels)

Snow driving follows similar principles to sand -- you want to float on the surface. But ice and packed snow require enough pressure for the tire's siping and tread to grip.

Ready to Gear Up?

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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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