Tire Pressure and Your Argo

Tire pressure is critical to getting the best performance from any off-road vehicle, and even more so for your Argo amphibious ATV. Here’s everything you need to know to get the right pressure for specific terrains and operating conditions.

Getting Accurate Measurements

The maximum pressure for an Argo tires is 7 psi. While there are automotive tire pressure gauges that will measure that low, they won’t do so accurately. If you don’t already own one, you should pick up one of Argo’s specialty low pressure gauges for your XTV.

Standard vs. Beadlock Rims

While standard rims depend on tire pressure to keep the bead seated, beadlock rims use a two piece rim that clamps onto the tire. This keeps the bead from rolling off the rim at low tire pressures. Argo recommends limiting standard rims to a minimum tire pressure of 2 psi. Beadlock rims can be aired down to 1.5 psi.

Recommended Tire Pressure for Different Terrains

1.5-2.5 psi: Soft terrain, including mud, sand, marshes and snow (beadlock rims)
2-2.5 psi: Soft terrain (standard rims)
2.5-3.5 psi: Hard ground, dirt roads and pavement.
6 psi: Rocky terrain

Operating on Water

Increasing tire pressure increases buoyancy. All tires should be the same pressure. If you need to balance the vehicle, do so by moving cargo around, not by changing tire pressure to alter buoyancy.

Tire Pressure for Argos with Tracks Installed

Tracks supply the traction and support for the vehicle, so tire pressure doesn’t need to change depending on terrain. To get the correct track tension, you need to air up the tires to different pressures, depending on their position. On 6 wheel models, the front and middle tires should be aired up to 5 psi. The rear tires should be 6 psi. On 8 wheel models, air up the front tires to 5 psi, the middle tires to 7 psi, and the rear tires to 6 psi.

Tire pressure does not compensate for slack in the tread. Slack is measured with the vehicle off of the ground, between the track and the bottom of the center tires. Avenger and Frontier XTVs should have no more than an inch of slack. Other models can have up to 2.5 inches of slack. If you notice the track flapping around with the correct tire pressure, you may need to remove a track section to compensate for tire wear.

Tire Pressure for Amphibious Trailers

The wheels and tires on these trailers are identical to those on an amphibious ATV. However, the tires on both four and 8 wheel trailers should always be aired up to 4 psi, no matter the terrain.

Replacing Tires

While you can use standard tire equipment to install an XTV tire, Argo tires should never be inflated above 32 psi. Once the bead seats, immediately lower the tire pressure to 2.5-3.5 psi.

We’re Here when You Need Help with Your Argo

Shank’s Argo doesn’t just sell Argo amphibious ATVs. We also have the parts, accessories and service you need to get the most from your vehicle. We’re one of the largest dealers in the East, which means we have a massive warehouse full of parts for XTVs. We can set up your vehicle for tracks, install beadlock rims, and replace tires. Do you need a low tire pressure gauge or new tires for your XTV? We can help you there, too. Visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA, or visit us online at www.shanksargo.com. We ship parts and accessories to any address in the U.S. and Canada, so you can fix your Argo no matter where you are.