I'm new to RIB ownership and have a black Bombard.
I'm unsure how hard I should have it inflated. In the sun it is pretty hard, but when it's cooler it's a bit floppy!
Am I safe to pump it up hard when cold?
Are there any pressure relief valves, or should it be OK when it gets hot?
Shouldn't be a problem if you do have pressure relief vales of course, if not, I find its best to half deflate if left sitting around on the trailer in this weather, always best then to just top up when needed.
Welcome to RIBnet BTW
In the sun it is pretty hard, but when it's cooler it's a bit floppy!
Am I safe to pump it up hard when cold?
Are there any pressure relief valves, or should it be OK when it gets hot?
I don't think any of the Bombards come with pressure relief valves. They typically look like a fill valve but there's no cap to remove to inflate with. There would be one per chamber so you'd have 2 "valves" on each chamber.
Yes I would say damage could happen if inflated say overnight, especially if then left on the trailer through the day in weather like this, water temp and wind chill factor will also effect tube pressure at sea.
Dark colors do get very hot increasing tube's pressure specially during summer than light color ones. Once at sea top tubes to min 2.5 max 2.8 psi, during mid day on a shinny day, overall pressure will increase accordingly, expect some tubes deflation at days end..
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