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kcdreamer
Kansas City, Missouri
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Joined: 03/04/2002
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I have seen several references to adding max air to your tires when towing to reduce sway. I have LT rated tires and keep them at 35psi but I think 65 psi is the max...didn't go out in dark to look. Is adding max air normal and safe, and if you do add do you reduce it when you drop your trailer?
Thanks,
Family of 6 in KC, Missouri
2000 Suburban 6.0L 4:10 gas 2500 4x4
2002 ForestRiver Wildwood 28 ft. 26BH
McKesh Mirrors, Tekonsha Prodigy
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Fulltimer50
Kerrville, Tx
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Joined: 07/07/2001
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If you want/need maximum carrying capacity from your tires, you will need to fill them to max air pressure when towing. When you no longer need the carrying capacity, you no longer need the max air.
George
2011 F350 PSD CC LB 4X4 DRW Lariate
2015 Mobile Suites 41RSSB4 5th Wheel
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Kusani
Tennessee
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Joined: 10/12/2001
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Agree with Fulltimer, and, filling them to max psi also helps cut down on sway and gives better over all control of the rig. I do the same...50 when not towing, and 65 when towing, for my tires, your specs may vary; check your sidewalls.
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Charles2222
Cochran
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Joined: 04/22/2001
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When towing,put the air to max on side wall.Keeps tires cooler also.
Let it out to the load you are carrying,or add up to max for loads
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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Correct air pressure in your tires depends on the weight they carry. For folks with "P" tires, a.k.a. Standard Load or Load Range B, sure, pumping up to the sidewall max is a big help.
If you have Load Range D tires with a max pressure of 65 psi, max pressure might be too much. If you could weigh each axle and inflate according to the tire maker's load/inflation chart + maybe 5 or 10 psi, you'd be just right. Here's one chart: http://www.trucktires.com/library/technical/Loadinfl/table13.htm
The extra 5 or 10 psi is to allow for slow leaks, cold days, unequal side-to-side loading, or additional load. You always want the same pressure in the tires on the same axle.
Ken
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Pockets
Dallas, Ga.
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Joined: 06/19/2001
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My Michlins call for 80 PSI for max load.......when towing I put 65 f and 80 R. When Not towing I use 50-55 all the way around....they are wearing even........so guess I will keep trucking.
34' Limited Air Stream,1999 Chev. 4WD Crew Cab 3500,7.4L/4:10 & a Prodigy. Currently in Fla.
[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc20b3127cce9fcb3354e23d00000036108Aas2zFo1ct4
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wagonman76
Northwest Lower Michigan
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Joined: 03/02/2002
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Ive wondered that myself. I know about adding the max psi as listed on the sidewall. But what about when towing empty? What is the lowest PSI you should go to, and is there a general rule for how much psi you should per so many pounds? By the way, my tires are Goodyear Marathon radials, "C" load rating, with a circled "S" thank goodness.
---
1989 Sunline Saturn 16' T-1661, Reese WD hitch
2000 Haulmark Cub 5x8, Pontiac alloy wheels
Both w/ Carlisle Hydrastar & custom disc brakes
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armadillo
n ft myers, FL,USA
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Joined: 02/17/2002
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Last year on our annual trip out west 3 tires on the 5er literally exploded. Thinking that the tires were faulty (even tho they had less than 15k on them) I replaced the remaining 4 tires (3 on ground and spare). However, upon our return home I went to a friend of mine that has been in the tire business many yrs and spoke to him about this. After a rather lengthy Q&A period I learned that tire mfgs recommend that tires never be inflated to less than 15% below max (side wall value) that less than this the tires temp rises exponentially which is a major cause of tire failure.
If a lower pressure with resulting softer ride is desired it is often possible to go to a different size tire that has the same load rating but at a lower max inflation pressure. Happy Trails
Fred
'05' F350 PSD 4x4 DRW CC, Lariat luxury group,torqueshift 5-speed auto,13k GVWR/26k GCWR,Tow Boss Pkg (4.30 LS axle),Tow Command Sys (trlr brk control), adjustable brake and fuel pedals, Mag Hytek tranny and diff covers, EGT,tranny and diff temp gauges,98 gal crossbed Transfer Flow fuel tank and Mobile Suites 36CK3 5th whl w/TrailAir pin box and centerpoint susp.
RET USMC;NRA Lifetime endowment member
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davea
Sulphur Springs, TX USA
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Joined: 09/07/2001
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armadillo,,,i totally agree with you...when i bought my new 1999 dodge the tag on the door said 65PSI for 8ply tires but the truck came with 10 ply E tires....the dealer put 65# in them....the truck rode kinda rough in my opinion...when i hooked up my fiver to the truck i put 80# in all the tires...the max on the sidewall...a booklet from michelin that came with the truck recommends adding 10# OVER the max when carring at the top load....i did not do that but believe it or not, the 80# as opposed to the 65# actually made the truck ride smoother...i was very disappointed in the 44000 miles i received from the michelins...I purchased another brand with a tread wear warranty of 80000 miles this time around and the new dealer put 65# in the darn things...i have about 2500 miles on them and they do ride ok but am gearing up for the summer so plan to put 80# in each tire....once i go to 80# i do not let any air out to go back to 65#....the cummins dealers computer shows i run loaded 32% of the time since the day the truck was new and averaged 12.464 MPG....not too good IMO.plan to do some engine additions to increase fuel MPG
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Chris
Shelter Bay, Wa
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Joined: 12/19/2000
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My 2001 Dodge came with a air pressure chart based on load on the tires. Check your owners manual. Chris
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