Inflating RIB in cold weather

[Wee Venture]

We’re doing some off-season cold weather cruising and I noticed our factory supplied, Ranger branded RIB inflatable was quite soft, so I got out the pump and made it firm again. I remember the last time I pumped it up was late August on a very warm day. After putting the pump away I got to thinking about how warmer temperatures will come again in the Spring, and all that cold air I just pushed into the tubes will expand again. So I am wondering... can I count on the built-in pressure relief valve to take care of any over pressure situation or should I proactively remember to bleed some air when the weather warms up again? It is easy to notice when the tubes are soft but I think over pressure would be harder to catch.

John

 

[BradOwens]

I have added air to mine every winter since we got it in 2015, and have never bled any off. Either the relief valves are working or there is a very slow leak.

 

[Mr. Ed]

As long as the valves work as they're designed, they'll bleed off over-pressure when needed. Nothing to worry about. Might be fun to listen to your dinghy 'fart' when the sun comes out next summer, though. :lol:

 

[Wee Venture]

Might be fun to listen to your dinghy 'fart' when the sun comes out next summer, though. :lol:

I’ll try not to miss that. :?

And thanks for the responses. So I’ll just pump it up when it needs air and not worry about what happens when the weather warms. Thanks!

John