Compressor or not?

The_Gump

The_Gump

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2021
Messages
14
Location
Canberra
Car Year
2008
Car Model
Forester
Transmission
Manual
Hello again Suburu faithful,
I am finding this forum a wealth of insight - thank you!

Yesterday I brought a pressure gauge ahead of a weekend away 4wd on 'medium difficulty' tracks. I hear a lot about the necessity of airing down to appropriate pressures for 4wd tracks, muddy terrain, sand etc.

My question, though, is when does a compressor become essential. For example, if I was to air down to between 20-25psi for the tracks on the weekend, would I need to air back up straight away? Or would it be safe to drive to the nearest service station to air back up?

Extrapolate this to mid-year when we plan a trip to Fraser Island. Will a compressor be unnegotiable when attempting this trip? I think so.

Thank you all for your answers and help!
 
Fraser yes as may need to go down to 15 psi or a tad less. Not good idea to drive any distance on normal roads at that psi. Probably don`t need to air back up until off barge at mainland.
Short drive to air up at 20/25 not a great problem but take it easy. Low(ish) steady speed and watch for rocks and protruding sticks which don`t do sidewalls much good.
 
Last edited:
SubyNooby said:
xtrapolate this to mid-year when we plan a trip to Fraser Island. Will a compressor be unnegotiable when attempting this trip?
Click to expand...
Absolutely! So get one anyway and a puncture repair kit (metal handled not plastic) as you never know when you will need it. I can highly recommend any ViAir based pump; I've had a 400P for many years.
 
I agree with everyone above. Tyre pressure is king off-road and off-track. Make sure you don't cheap out on this. Don't get the cheap digital ones as they have plastic internals. I still have my 150 LPM one which airs up my G015s from 15 psi to 36 psi in about 35 seconds.
 
Yes correct tyre pressure can be the difference between going or staying. Going usually means a lot less work. Staying generally means digging.
Don`t be scared to experiment with pressures but do it systematically and carefully.
 
Yh dont go cheap. But no need to go too crazy too. Wouldnt care for brands. Tire preasure mean everything. Unless you dont care to do it right then you force it and see what happens. Most times for subarus it works too. Doesnt mean its right way to do it.
 
631CA470-AD76-4D50-98AD-328108034898.jpegHi Gump I recently installed a fixed air compressor under the front passenger seat. Custom bracket for the switch, relay and air outlet. Air hose and pressure gauge are in a bag also under the seat. Very happy with this setup.
 
I was close to installing in my wheel well. Very glad I didn't. Portable has been very useful for a range of functions, helping others out etc. I fairly small single pot. It gets my foz tyres up from 15psi in about a minute. These are small tyres. No need to go overboard
 
Nice install @Bill_P,
I have also decided to keep my loose at the minute for versatility but it can be a bit annoying finding a good spot for it in the boot :unsure:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top