Yes I do deflate the tires when I do off road - usually I take out 10psi
and 15psi on sand - in any case I leave a minimum 20psi. As Dennis
mentioned there's a risk of damage to tires specially on the side wall if
the road has a lot sharp rocks such as the one from Ubehe Crater to the
Race Track in Death Valley. I always carry a 12V air pump, off road or not.

On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 7:26 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> Off roaders will air down the tires to improve traction and reduce sinking
> on soft dirt, mud, and sand. As the pressure is lowered the contact patch
> increases. They will often air down low enough that the sidewalls can also
> provide a floatation effect, 12-16psi is common. The down side of this is
> an increased chance of rolling the bead off the rim and having a tire
> completely air out and hitting any type of sharp object can damage a tire
> internally. Note this approach is for low speed operation.
>
> You didn't say what tire you are using, size or type, If using a regular
> passenger tire you reach full capacity at ~35 psi. Above that you are going
> for handling or reduced rolling resistance.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Stan Shapiro
> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 10:14 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>
> Another question on suspension.   I have a 90 Westy, 16 in wheels,
> Michelin tires, and Bilstein shocks from GoWesty.    It is terrible on
> washboard roads.     I notice the 4 wheelers let air out of their tires
> before going off road.    Does anyone have any experience in letting a
> small amount of air out for a washboard road??    If so, how much do you
> let out?   Do you carry a 12 volt compressor to refill?
>
> Thanks
> Stan
> Idaho
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Chris S.
> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:58 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>
> See Burley Motorsports' custom upper control arms that eliminate the
> finicky bushings. Also, for a good off road ride you may consider
> progressive long travel springs. I have Schwenk springs on my Syncro and
> they are wonderful.
>
> Chris.
>
> Wysłane z iPhone'a
>
> Dnia Nov 15, 2014 o godz. 14:47 Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
> napisał(a):
>
> > Hello:
> >
> >
> > I thought about posting this on the Samba but you all seem a bit more
> civil… and helpful.
> >
> >
> > We are traveling full-time in a 1984 Westy we bought just months before
> leaving, and are about to end Month 16. Challenging, yes… and perhaps equal
> parts commendable and committable. But we are in for the long haul.
> >
> > I have had four alignments done in 12K miles. At first I thought the
> mechanics weren't torquing the right upper control arm enough, as it keeps
> coming loose and knocking toe way out… last time it was over AN INCH out,
> and now a few hundred miles later, it's out again and baking our new BFG
> ATs. Ugh.
> >
> > The easiest solution seems to be replacing the control arm bolts, as I
> do not think Loctite will solve it in the proper way. But, if the arms need
> to come off anyway, and possibly new bushings are needed as well, what are
> my options for upgrading the suspension for constant dirt travel? I saw a
> gray panel Synchro at Buses by the Bridge in January with Fox shocks and it
> looked like a great solution. I am willing to trade highway comfort for off
> road softness before parts start flying off at will.
> >
> > We hope to keep our Bus forever, and though we are short of funds I do
> not necessarily want a quick fix. We have to rely on this Thing (Ahem,
> sorry, Bus) for a long time and may take it around the globe. So anything I
> can do for the long-term good is of prime interest, and getting to remote
> places is partly why we live in it.
> >
> > Also, if you know of anyone in So. Cal. or near Yuma capable of this
> work (where we're wintering), I'm all ears. I found a cooperative tire
> store owner in Pahrump who owns a few Vanagons, but have yet to ask if such
> an upgrade is within his realm.
> >
> >
> > Thanks in Advance,
> >
> > Eric
> > Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > Lakewood, CO 80228
> >
> > 303. 988. 8717
> > VW@EricWunrow.com
>