Tire Air Down Calculator
Find the right PSI for your terrain, tire size, and rig weight. See how much contact patch you gain and when you're risking a bead unseat.
For soft sand, air down to 12–18 PSI for a 40–60% larger contact patch. For rocks, 18–22 PSI balances traction and sidewall protection. Below 15 PSI without beadlocks, you risk unseating the tire bead. Always carry a portable compressor (like the VIAIR 400P) to re-inflate before pavement.
HOW IT WORKS
Pick Your Terrain
Sand, gravel, mud, rock crawling, or snow, each has different ideal PSI ranges
Set Your Details
Enter tire size, vehicle weight, current PSI, and beadlock status
Get Your PSI
See recommended pressure, contact patch gain, and safety warnings
Step 1, Pick Your Terrain
Different surfaces need different pressures. Select where you're headed.
Step 2, Your Rig Setup
Step 3, Dial In Your PSI
We recommend 15 PSI for soft sand / dunes. Adjust below to fine-tune.
Your Results
Air back up to 35 PSI before hitting pavement. Driving aired-down on asphalt causes excessive heat, uneven wear, and potential blowouts.
🏜️ Soft Sand / Dunes Tips
- Momentum is your friend, don't stop on uphills
- Lower PSI = wider footprint = more flotation
- Avoid sharp turns, they dig ruts and can unseat beads
- Air down before you hit the sand, not after you're stuck
- Carry a portable compressor and tire gauge, always
Essential Air Down Safety
Carry a Compressor
Always bring a portable air compressor. You can't safely drive aired-down tires on pavement back home.
Know Your Bead Limit
Without beadlocks, most standard wheels risk bead unseating below 12–15 PSI, especially in turns.
Watch Tire Temps
Aired-down tires flex more and generate heat. Keep speeds low and take breaks on long runs.
Re-Inflate Promptly
Air back up before any paved road. Even 5 miles on asphalt at 15 PSI can damage sidewalls.