The Ultimate Guide to Overlanding Tyre Pressures: Don’t Just Guess—Know.
Everything you need to set the right PSI for the surface under your tyres—plus how to tune for weight, tyre construction, wheel size, and speed. Includes printable quick-reference, field techniques, and a calculator for personalised starting points.
How to use this guide
- Start with the range for your terrain then adjust for rig weight (light <2.2t / medium 2.2–3.0t / heavy >3.0t).
- Drop in 2–3 PSI steps, drive 200–300 m, reassess steering feel, grip, and sidewall bulge.
- Keep speeds modest when aired down; re-inflate for pavement and long hardpack transits.
- Use a reliable gauge + fast deflator; air back up with a high-flow compressor.
- Watch heat: if sidewalls feel hot or steering goes vague, add air or slow down.
- Match front/rear to load split; heavy rears often need +2–4 PSI on-road.
Pressure tuning fundamentals (beyond the numbers)
Tyre construction
LT (Light Truck) vs P-metric: LT casings are stiffer and often need higher on-road PSI for the same load. Off-road they tolerate lowering well—apply the same percentage reductions from your highway baseline.
Wheel & sidewall
More sidewall (e.g., 17" on 33s) allows lower PSI safely at crawl speed. Low-profile A/Ts on big rims have less cushion—don’t chase extreme lows on rock without beadlocks.
Load & balance
Heavy drawers, water, spares, and roof loads shift the balance rearward. On-road, run rears slightly higher; off-road, fronts can be a touch lower for steering bite while rears carry weight.
Heat & speed
Low PSI + speed = heat. Corrugations and long beach runs are where tyres die. Keep speed down, take breaks, and check sidewall temperature by hand.
Sand & Dunes (flotation first)
Soft sand demands a wide, gentle footprint so you ride on the surface. Momentum and smooth inputs matter more than power.
| Rig weight | Typical PSI (A/T) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light (<2.2t) | 12–16 | Go lower in powder; avoid sharp steering at crests. |
| Medium (2.2–3.0t) | 14–18 | Plan run-ups; keep throttle smooth and constant. |
| Heavy (>3.0t) | 16–20 | Watch heat on beach transits; momentum > torque. |
Technique
- Stage straight run-ups; steer gently on the crest.
- If bogging, stop early, reset tracks, use boards.
- Carry a shovel and traction boards—they save tyres.
Failure modes
- Wheelspin digs — lower PSI or use boards.
- Bead unseat from abrupt steering at very low PSI.
- Sidewall heat on long, fast beach sections.
Mud & Clay (tread evacuation)
You want lugs to clear and bite. Too low can fold sidewalls and feel vague; too high skates on packed mud.
| Rig weight | Typical PSI (A/T or M/T) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 16–22 | Keep some firmness for shoulders and steering. |
| Medium | 18–24 | Clean lugs with brief wheel speed, not constant spin. |
| Heavy | 20–26 | Balance bite vs. sidewall support; avoid lateral ruts. |
Technique
- Pick higher, firm lines; straddle ruts where possible.
- Steady throttle; recover with boards/strap rather than burying it.
- Air up slightly if steering goes mushy.
Failure modes
- Low PSI + camber = sidewall pinch/de-bead.
- Suction pits — plan exits before entry.
- Improper recovery points — never use tow balls.
Rocks & Ledges (deformation & protection)
Use lower pressures to wrap tread over edges at crawl speed. Protect sidewalls; avoid lateral shocks.
| Rig weight | Typical PSI (LT A/T or M/T) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 14–18 | Spot carefully; keep shoulders off sharp edges. |
| Medium | 15–20 | Slow steering; avoid side loads on off-camber faces. |
| Heavy | 16–22 | Consider beadlocks if frequent crawling. |
Technique
- Creep with smooth throttle—let tyres conform.
- Use a spotter; reset the line if diffs scrape repeatedly.
- Build small ramps from rocks/sand if needed.
Failure modes
- Rim strikes from speed — keep it walking pace.
- Bead unseat from lateral shock.
- Sidewall cuts on turned tyres against rock.
Gravel & Corrugations (damping washboard)
A small reduction improves comfort and control by adding compliance. Respect heat and speed.
| Rig weight | Typical PSI (A/T) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 24–30 | Short sections at moderate speeds; don’t “skip” corrugations. |
| Medium | 26–32 | Check temps at breaks; extend casing life. |
| Heavy | 28–36 | Err higher under load; reinflate for long transits. |
Snow & Ice (footprint + finesse)
Cold drops pressure naturally. Aim for a longer, flatter patch; use very gentle inputs. On ice, tyres need micro-slip, not spin.
| Rig weight | Typical PSI (A/T, winter-capable) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 16–22 | Feather throttle; avoid sudden steering/braking. |
| Medium | 18–24 | Chains where legal for ice; momentum is gentle. |
| Heavy | 20–26 | Weight helps, but manage descents carefully. |
Combined quick-reference & tools
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Prefer personalised numbers? Use our tool to blend vehicle, load, tyre construction, and terrain.
Open Tyre Pressure CalculatorAir-Management Essentials (field-tested)
Gauge, deflator, compressor — the fastest combination for real-world trails.
JACO ElitePro-X Tire Pressure Gauge (60 PSI)
- Accurate: ANSI B40.1 (±1.5%), no batteries.
- Lightning Chuck™ locks airtight; quick bleed valve.
- Durable aluminium body; braided hose.
ARB ARB600 E-Z Deflator Kit (10–60 PSI)
- Core-removal design for very fast deflation.
- Bronze bourdon tube gauge; robust brass/stainless build.
- 1 PSI increments; geared brass movement.
MORRFlate TenSix 10.6 CFM 12V Compressor
- Speed: Set of 35s in minutes with 4-tyre kit.
- ~80% duty cycle; ~50A continuous; threaded filters.
- Ideal with multi-tyre hose systems.
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Field workflow & quick troubleshooting
Fast air-down → trail → air-up
- Check placard PSI; note current load (water, fuel, passengers).
- Pick terrain range; drop in 2–3 PSI steps; drive and reassess.
- Before pavement: air up to placard (or slightly above for loaded highway miles).
Common issues
- Vague steering: Add 2 PSI to fronts.
- Hop on corrugations: Drop 2 PSI, reduce speed.
- Sidewall hot: Slow down and add air.
© Overland Gear Guide — Tested in the field by real overlanders.