How to Air Up, Air Down, and Get the Most from Your RBP Tires On and Off the Road
When you’re running 35s on beadlocks or tearing down the trail in a lifted Tacoma, there’s more to performance than horsepower and ground clearance. One of the most overlooked variables in off-road performance is tire pressure, and it plays just as big a role in daily-driving comfort and tire life too.
Whether you’re tackling mud, crawling rocks, floating over sand dunes, or just getting through snowy switchbacks, managing your PSI can be the difference between grip and slip, or even between getting home and getting towed. In this guide, we’ll break down how PSI impacts your Rolling Big Power tires on various terrains, how to air up and air down the right way, and what numbers you should be aiming for.
Tire pressure isn’t just about keeping your tires inflated. It impacts:
Use the following chart as a general guideline. Always factor in your vehicle’s weight, load, and tire type when adjusting.
| Terrain | Recommended PSI Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pavement | 35–40 PSI | Optimized for fuel economy and tire longevity |
| Mud | 15–20 PSI | Wider contact patch helps push through muck |
| Sand | 12–15 PSI | Max flotation to prevent sinking |
| Snow | 20–25 PSI | Balanced grip without compromising stability |
| Rocks | 10–15 PSI (Beadlocks) | Maximum flex and grip on uneven terrain |
Note: If you don’t have beadlock wheels, avoid going below 15 PSI to reduce the risk of debeading.
Airing down takes seconds, but doing it right takes the right tools and technique.
Airing Down
Tools Needed:
Steps:
1. Park on a flat surface and chock the wheels
2. Remove the valve cap and use your deflator tool
3. Check PSI frequently as air is released
4. Repeat for all tires
Bonus Tip: Use tire deflators for a quick, consistent drop without overdoing it.
Once you’re back on the pavement, you need to air back up to avoid sidewall wear or poor highway handling.
Airing Up
Options:
Steps:
1. Set your compressor to target PSI (typically 35–40 PSI)
2. Inflate each tire evenly
3. Confirm final pressure with a gauge
4. Recheck after 10–15 minutes of driving
Running the wrong PSI is a recipe for trouble.
| Low PSI Issues | High PSI Issues |
|---|---|
| Overheating on pavement | Harsh ride and reduced traction |
| Sidewall and bead damage | Center tread wears too fast |
| Risk of debeading off-road | Increased chance of puncture |
| Poor fuel economy | Poor grip in off-road conditions |
Keeping your tire pressure in check, especially when switching between terrains, gives you better control, a longer tire life, and fewer roadside headaches.
For most mud conditions, 15–20 PSI offers a great balance between traction and avoiding tire spin. RBP’s aggressive tread patterns are built to bite, especially when aired down.
No. Air down for off-road, but always air back up to 35–40 PSI before returning to pavement. Low pressure at high speeds can cause heat buildup and potential blowouts.
If you’re going below 15 PSI, especially on rocks or sand, beadlocks are strongly recommended to keep the tire seated on the rim.
At least once a week for daily drivers. If you switch terrains often, check before and after every off-road run.
Yes. Lowering to 20–25 PSI can increase surface area and prevent digging in. Pair that with the right tire like RBP Repulsor M/T RX for maximum winter traction.
Rolling Big Power tires are engineered to perform, no matter the terrain. But pairing the right tire with the right PSI strategy is what separates a good run from a great one. Whether you’re building a show rig or living that overland life, managing your air pressure should be part of your off-road prep every time.
Explore our full tire lineup now and see which RBP tread belongs on your truck.
