Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
While I get the recommendation to use 2 inch tires, I think the Ritchey is limited to 43mm.
[...]
We converted to tubeless, and so far no pinch flats or other problems.
That is certainly one way to avoid the pinch flat problem.
Something to be considered though. If one is getting snakebite punctures with properly inflated relatively wide tires like the 37mm Top Touring, then the total weight of the tandem+stuff+riders is approaching the limit what the tire+rim can handle when the surface is rough. The sidewall of the tires are hitting the rim edge hard enough to cause a pinch flat.
Using tubeless may avoid a pinch flat but your rim edge is getting whacked by some big rocks or whatever though cushioned by 2 layer of the tire sidewalls.
I suspect risk of rim damage may be getting high.