ennajean
Wisconsin
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Joined: 05/19/2006
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I've been reading about tire pressure and how the B's handle in wind. Do you go to a weigh station to get it checked? Can you get
this done at at Flying J, Loves etc? As you can see have no idea how you go about making sure it is at the right pressure.
When we picked up our B was told the tire pressure was correct...ok but sence then have loaded it up with our belongings. Will this now
make the pressure incorrect?
Lots of questions hope I get some answers. As I am sure I will.
Gotta love this board for all the help you get.
Anne and Dick
DABEE a 2006 Ford Sportsmobile Penthouse top.
States we've camped in.
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topless
Wichita, KS
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Joined: 08/03/2004
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The conversion will have a recommended tire pressure and it's a good place to start. I've found that I like the handling of my van better with a couple more pounds in the front than the factory listed. Factory 58 front/ 79 rear, I run 62 front / 79 rear.
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jjson775
Texas
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Joined: 11/27/2005
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Tire pressure is extremely important for safety and handling. Follow the manufacturers recommendations. You have to check it frequently. Do it when the tires are cold. The pressure will change with different outside temperatures and elevations (if you climb way up in the mountains, for example). Adding weight to the van will not raise the tire pressure.
We don't frequent truck stops and at ordinary gas stations, you can't get air above 60 psi, which is not enough, especially for the rear tires.
We carry a small 120 volt Craftsman compressor (costs about 50 bucks). This works only when plugged in but it is VERY handy. We also have a cheap 12 volt compressor which plugs into the cigarette lighter socket. These have low capacity and would only be useful in an emergency. It is good, however, for the rear air bag suspension.
If we have been camping in the same place for several days and have a long trip to make that day, I always check the tires. Hope this helps.
Jim
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Atlee
Mechanicsville, VA
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Joined: 05/28/2002
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It's easy to check air pressure. You just need a good tire gauge, which you can get at an auto parts store, and probably WalMart and that type store.
If you have the tire gauge, all you'll need to do is take the cap off the tire stem & press the tire gauge firmly on the tire stem.
If the pressure is incorrect, then you will need to go by a gas station & use their air supply to increase your tire pressure, or use your own air compressor should you have one.
It's really simple, but written out it seems somewhat complicated.
Erroll, Mary, Duffy the Badger Dog plus "Ollie"
2009 HiLo Towlite 2209T
2005 F150 Supercab 4x4, w/ 5.4L
1996 RoadTrek 210 Popular, on 1995 Chevy Chassis
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topless
Wichita, KS
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I've mentioned before about carrying a small air compressor. Having the ability to air up your spare tire to the higher pressure for use on the rear is a real plus. Definitely something to consider adding to your van.
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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Joined: 03/20/2002
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All good information, but remember to check, and add air if needed when the tires are cold, usually first thing in the am. When you stop for a rest, or for the night, it's always a good idea to check the tires, never know you might have picked up a nail, or have gotten a valve stem leak.
Visit My Roadtrek
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FLSTFI
USA
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Joined: 01/12/2006
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I would add to what has been said to make sure you get a good quality tire pressure gauge.
I have always been "meticulous" (not the word DW would use) about tire pressure and have always used a good quality dial gauge. It took me a long time before I finally bought a digital gauge. Turns out they are pretty accurate. I got 2 of the Michelin digital gauges and they both read the same as my 2 dial gauges which I have checked against an expensive gauge at a local racing tire dealer.
And I always try and check them in the morning before the sun hits them. The pressure rises as they heat from the sun.
(Luckily we live in the Bay Area and get those "occasional" foggy overcast mornings when I can beat the sun to the tires.)
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DGiff
Ansonia, CT
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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Best thing to do as mentioned above is to go to the tire’s mfg website and find the recommended Pressure / Weight chart. If possible weigh each corner of your vehicle when loaded and use the highest weight for the front and the highest weight for the rear as the reference. That’s the starting point, tweak a few pounds either way to find out what works best for you. For all the more weight you’re likely to add to a B you’re probably safe with the dealer recommendation but may not be the best ride and or handling. And personally I wouldn’t trust the dealer that may have set them low for a more comfortable test drive. My older Dodge RT’s tire placard has 45 for the front but all B’s here are higher. Mine under 53.5 I increase to 55, 76 to 80 rear.
Check the max pressure for your gauge before you buy, some for cars don’t go over 50psi.
Dave
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PSW
Oklahoma City
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Joined: 10/21/2002
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The DW gave me a rechargeable hand held air compressor for Christmas in 2005. She got it at Sharper Image, of all places. It has a twelve vote rechargeable battery and a 12v plug in as well. Looks and feels like a heavy duty rechargeable electric drill.
I figured "nice present" and also thought it would not have enough charge to really pump up a tire. WRONG. This thing works great and is easy carry in the RT. It has a built in gauge which exactly matches my high quality gauge I have had for years. It is not the fastest thing in the world, but I can add five pounds to my RT tire in a few minutes. I recharge it every now and then and always recharge it before a trip. Also great for airing up balls.
PSW
2007 Roadtrek 210 Popular
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Greg Schoenberg
Kalama, Washington
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Joined: 04/18/2007
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I took a look at my new Michelens and they say 65 psi maximum. Yet many in the forum recommend 80 psi in the back tires.
Why?
-Greg
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