caniscream

I posted this in the off-road section, but I didn't get any replies. Thought I'd try in a busier forum. Sorry for posting twice.

I'm taking my 2014 F-150 to the outer banks (Ocracoke Island) for vacation next week. We've been doing this for many many years. This is the first time I'm taking this truck though. The sand is really deep and I know guys who don't deflate their tires tend to get stuck out there.

I still have my stock tires on the truck. They are Pirelli Scorpions. Pirelli's site says not to deflate them below 1.6 bar or 23 psi. In the past, I've done other tires on smaller/lighter vehicles down to about 10 psi or so. Will I damage my tires if I go down to 10-15 psi? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

STingray1300

Damage your tires? Not likely. But radial tires don't need the go as low as bias ply tires. 10 might be lower than necessary. 15-20 psi is probably a better psi to run. You do NOT want to pop a bead!!!

Running at Pismo Beach, CA I would run 20 psi for all around driving with radials. If you have 20" tires I might not go below 20.

You can always let more out if things get dicey. Got an compressor to air them back up? A worthy investment...

caniscream

They're 20" wheels. Thanks. Popping a bead is my fear. I supposed it'd be easier to dig/tow out of a rut than it would be to change a tire in this deep sand, so I'll err to the side of more air.

I don't have an air compressor, but my dad has one on his truck. We'll both be out there with the family.

SportsLab

Granted an Explorer is much lighter weight but I did run my 02 Explorer 4x4 there on several occasions without letting air out. I did have a 12 volt compressor, shovel, come-along, tow strap, etc. Better to have all that and not need it.

caniscream

Haha. I ran a 99 Explorer there and an 06 Escape as well. We definitely have all that with us as well.

Joeyz85

keep a eye out for them sharks!!

shortride

iTrader: (1)

I've read that one of the reason Pirelli's are so hard and rough riding is because of the sidewall structure. I think I would be concerned if Pirelli recommended that the tire not be under-inflated.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Ditch the Pirelli's before you go and install some KO2's

justjimmy

Agreed...maybe not KO2s but certainly NOT Pirelli's

wird06

Ocracoke beaches are not that bad. I go to the OBX frequently to fish. The worst ramps always seems to be ramp 44 at Hatteras. There I have to run my tires down to 20psi. I have Bridgestone Dueler on a 20" rim.
I never seem to have much issue, very rarly do i need to run 4L.