Airing down your tires for an off-roading adventure is crucial for enhancing performance and safety. It increases the tire’s footprint, providing better traction and stability on challenging terrains, and minimizing the risk of getting stuck. Additionally, lower tire pressure helps absorb shocks from rough surfaces, resulting in a smoother ride and reducing the likelihood of tire damage. And at the end of the day, you’re going to have to air back up.
In short, this fundamental practice for off-road enthusiasts helps maximize their vehicle’s capability and comfort.
With numerous options available, choosing the right system can be difficult. This article will explore some of the best systems available today.
Table Of Contents
Why They Are Useful
Unfortunately, airing down each tire individually can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Thankfully, multi-tire systems have revolutionized this process, making it quicker and more convenient than ever. Being able to inflate or deflate all of your tires simultaneously saves time and ensures consistent results. This is equally useful on and off-road.
- Traction: Properly inflated tires improve traction and handling – these systems ensure consistent PSI levels in each tire.
- Safety: Having the correct tire pressure minimizes the risk of blowouts and punctures.
- Fuel Efficiency: Tire pressure directly impacts fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
- Adjustability: A kit provides versatility to adapt to varying terrains.
- Convenience: It’s easier to maintain equal tire pressure across all tires.
- Environmental Protection: Improper tire pressures off-road can cause your tires to spin excessively, causing damage to the trails. Airing down to increase traction helps prevent this from happening.
- Supports Compressor:Â Less strain on your high output compressor, which will equal more longevity.
1. MORRFlate
Find It Online:
- MORRFlate Kit: Check Price
MORRFlate stands out for its versatility and innovative design. As far as we know, these guys made the original 4-hose tire kit. It is particularly popular among off-road enthusiasts who need a reliable system. This system’s high-quality materials and robust construction ensure long-lasting performance. And the hose come with a lifetime warranty!
Their easy-to-use quick-connect fittings make tire adjustments easy and efficient, whether you’re on a rugged trail or a sandy dune. These guys are super focused on supporting the community, too. MORRFlate puts money back into trails through donations and special fundraiser products, with over $100k in lifetime donations. They educate on various topics and donate/petition to keep your favorite off-road spots open and available. MORRFlate is the only hose kit company that has 4 different patents pending as well. In addition to all that, they have a nationwide dealer network, so if you have any issues you can go to any dealer nationwide and get help, not just at MORRFlates location in California.Â
It’s fair to say that MORRFlate was the first to introduce a hose kit, and is the most dedicated to the 4×4 community, however, we’ll list some other options below for you to consider as well.
2. EZ Flate
Find It Online:
- EZ Flate Kit: Check Price
I’m sure at this point, you’re seeing a recurring pattern. There is a lot of overlap between these different kits. EZ Flate looks to provide another good option. They offer a one year warranty. It is only offered in orange.
3. Speedflate
Find It Online:
- Speedflate Kit: Check Price
Similar in function to all the other kits on this list, the Basic kit has a good price point and offer 4 different colors to choose from.
I could not find any warranty information.
4. Frontrow Offroad
Find It Online:
- Frontrow Offroad Kit: Check Price
This company is from Canada. If duties are an issue, you can potentially save money by buying within Canadian borders. It is available in blue and has a two-year warranty.
5. 4X4 Colorado
Find It Online:
- 4×4 Colorado Kit: Check Price
Last but not least, a kit that stands out with it’s color. This is is the only sand/tan colored option we have seen. Might be a good choice if you have a color scheme in mind. These are available on Amazon as well.
6. Thor’s Lightning
Find It Online:
- Thor’s Lightning Kit: Check Price
Thor’s Lightning Air Systems offers a robust and durable solution for tire pressure management. This setup is available on Amazon, and it currently comes in two different attachment styles. It is offered in blue, red, and silver. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
Why I Chose MORRFlate
After evaluating various options, I chose MORRFlate for its pioneering efforts in the space and exceptional balance of durability, efficiency, and ease of use. Its robust construction means it can withstand the rigors of off-roading, while its quick-connect fittings and flexible hoses make tire adjustments a breeze. They have gone through many updates and changes to refine the kit to where it is now.
Additionally, the system’s compact design allows for easy storage and transport, which is essential for my off-road adventures. MORRFlate’s reputation for reliability and performance reassured me that I’m investing in a product that’s fully backed by fellow off-road enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
A multi-tire air kit is crucial for anyone serious about off-roading. Each of the above offers unique features and benefits but accomplishes the same task of conveniently and effectively managing your tire pressure.
Investing in a quality tire inflation system not only enhances your off-roading experience but also ensures safety, performance, and environmental responsibility. Make an informed decision and enjoy your off-road adventures to the fullest!
I want to add Pro-flate to the list from Traverse Adventure Gear, a small business located here in Las Vegas.
I’ve had their Pro-flate for about 7 months now and I love it! No issues whatsoever!.
Pro-Flate – Four Tire Inflator & Deflator System
what off-board compressors do you recomend?
I agree with Max. I just use screw on deflators. Super tiny, low tech, no messing with valves. Do I have to monitor it? Sure but it’s no big deal. I’ll bet I’m just as fast as an octo deflator by cutting out all the fussiness. I will concede the point about weather, so if that’s important it might be worth it. Luckily I live in the desert southwest!
Cheers!
For sure, I use the R4T deflators when airing down but for airing up, you can’t beat a hose kit.
I don’t off-road often but when I do I deflate and later inflate each tire individually. What is the advantage of having this manifold like setup? It seams to take up more space and time to set up.
While I primarily use mine to air up… it saves time, equalizes pressure, and is less involved than doing each one and checking until it’s perfect. Is it the end of the world? Probably not. But it’s definitely convenient in certain situations.
One of the biggest benefits is that it equalizes the air in all four tires while airing down and up, which is great if you ask me. Secondly, during winter, you do not have to go to each tire individually; you can just relax inside the cabin while it does its job!
Is there a lower tire psi that is best for off-roading in my 4runner ?