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Old 04-01-2019, 12:10 PM   #1
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Question about load ratings and tire pressure for a towing newbie

I recently purchased a Flagstaff Microlite 21 DS.

My tow vehicle is a 2018 Ford F-150 Screw with 275/65 R18 Load Range C tires. Max PSI 50.

No trouble pulling the TT. I did notice the back tires wanted to kind of squirrel around a bit. Nothing crazy, but I can feel it.

Questions -

1. Are my C rated tires enough? And if so, should I increase my air pressure to 45-50 range up from my day to day of 40psi?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 04-01-2019, 12:11 PM   #2
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Also - TV is a 3.5L Ecoboost with Max Tow Package.
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Old 04-01-2019, 12:23 PM   #3
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Sorry. Can’t figure out how to edit on the app...

I’m using a blue ox pro 750 sway kit as well.
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Old 04-01-2019, 12:42 PM   #4
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Going up to D or E load range will solve the issue for you. D or E have much stiffer sidewalls and won't flex as much as the C range.
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Old 04-01-2019, 12:50 PM   #5
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Thanks.

Question - in the time between new tires...can I adjust air pressure to help?
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Old 04-01-2019, 01:21 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by HiMyNameIsScottC View Post
Thanks.

Question - in the time between new tires...can I adjust air pressure to help?
Yes, that is what I do. I have GY Wranger SRAs on my TV.

Some may tell you to upgrade to LT tires, but that decision is up to you. Our TV is DWs DD, and the number of days per year that the TV and TT are on the road together does not justify me to upgrade to LT tires at this time.

Congratulations, I saw your set up in "Post your Towing Pics"

Safe and happy travels.
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Old 04-01-2019, 01:34 PM   #7
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I am actually in the process of upgrading my tires also. However, my trailer is a bit larger than yours. I would think you can get away with your current tires... I would be cautious of over inflating them.
If you are traveling long distances, above 2-3 hours from home, you may want the added security of E tires. Even with my large camper, if I stayed relatively local I would have no problem staying with stock tires. But we tend to take long trips- 1,500 miles+
It's worth mentioning that I have done these long trips on stock tires... but after a few of them, I am upgrading tires.

It will come down to personal preference and what you fell most comfortable with.
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Old 04-01-2019, 01:39 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HiMyNameIsScottC View Post
I recently purchased a Flagstaff Microlite 21 DS.

My tow vehicle is a 2018 Ford F-150 Screw with 275/65 R18 Load Range C tires. Max PSI 50.

No trouble pulling the TT. I did notice the back tires wanted to kind of squirrel around a bit. Nothing crazy, but I can feel it.

Questions -

1. Are my C rated tires enough? And if so, should I increase my air pressure to 45-50 range up from my day to day of 40psi?

Thanks in advance.
Are you asking about your truck tires?

Or trailer tires...
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Old 04-01-2019, 02:07 PM   #9
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Are you asking about your truck tires?

Or trailer tires...
Truck.
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Old 04-01-2019, 02:10 PM   #10
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I am actually in the process of upgrading my tires also. However, my trailer is a bit larger than yours. I would think you can get away with your current tires... I would be cautious of over inflating them.

If you are traveling long distances, above 2-3 hours from home, you may want the added security of E tires. Even with my large camper, if I stayed relatively local I would have no problem staying with stock tires. But we tend to take long trips- 1,500 miles+

It's worth mentioning that I have done these long trips on stock tires... but after a few of them, I am upgrading tires.



It will come down to personal preference and what you fell most comfortable with.


I would definitely keep it below the Max PSI of 50. I was thinking 45psi and that is 5psi over my daily drive.
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Old 04-01-2019, 02:51 PM   #11
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Are you running passenger tires (P series) tires on your TV? I have seen that most of the half tons come with P tires these days. If so, I would switch to a LT tire. Stiffer ride, but better handling when loaded/towing.
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Old 04-01-2019, 03:01 PM   #12
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I would definitely keep it below the Max PSI of 50. I was thinking 45psi and that is 5psi over my daily drive.


Be cautious that close to the max... 45psi in the morning before you leave home could go WAY up by noon on the highway in July!
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Old 04-01-2019, 03:07 PM   #13
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I have the same Goodyear's on my 2018 Sierra with max tow package. They are rated at 2400 lbs per tire. This rating is achieved at the tire pressures listed on the load tag on the door post. Putting more air in them will not increase the rating, but it does as others have posted, help to firm up the sidewall. Many run close to the max cold pressure listed on the tire when towing. Mine shows 51 pounds max, which is 16 pounds more than the 35 psi on the door post tag.

It is a no cost option to try to see if it helps. My setup is a good WDH with sway control and it tows well when properly setup and tires aired up.
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Old 04-01-2019, 03:15 PM   #14
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Be cautious that close to the max... 45psi in the morning before you leave home could go WAY up by noon on the highway in July!
You do realize that the max tire pressure listed on the side of the tire is when it is cold...

And that the warming up of the tire is part of the equation from the manufacturer...

Which means that when the pressure rises because of the heat from driving...you don't have to let air out to get it back down to the max pressure rating.
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Old 04-01-2019, 03:43 PM   #15
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Are you running passenger tires (P series) tires on your TV? I have seen that most of the half tons come with P tires these days. If so, I would switch to a LT tire. Stiffer ride, but better handling when loaded/towing.
They are indeed LT275/65 tire. Running them at 39psi daily.

50psi cold rated.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:05 PM   #16
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They are indeed LT275/65 tire. Running them at 39psi daily.

50psi cold rated.
Ok, not to doubt you, the side wall of your tires clearly state LT275/65 R18? Reason I'm asking is because LT tires have a higher max cold PSI, maybe around 75-80 psi. If your tires don't have the LT before the size, they are P rated.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:15 PM   #17
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You do realize that the max tire pressure listed on the side of the tire is when it is cold...

And that the warming up of the tire is part of the equation from the manufacturer...

Which means that when the pressure rises because of the heat from driving...you don't have to let air out to get it back down to the max pressure rating.
True, you do not need to worry about the rise in tire pressure during the day.
Fill your tires cold up to the stated PSI and try them out. Do not be afraid to run the up.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:19 PM   #18
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If he could post a picture of his door tag that would be big help.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:40 PM   #19
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Ok, not to doubt you, the side wall of your tires clearly state LT275/65 R18? Reason I'm asking is because LT tires have a higher max cold PSI, maybe around 75-80 psi. If your tires don't have the LT before the size, they are P rated.
Ha. No worries. Attaching pics.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:44 PM   #20
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See attached.
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