Tire Pressure

[aujmr1970]

Just hooked up the TT for a trip to Helen, Ga this weekend. When I checked my cold tire pressure all 4 tires where at 40 psi. The temp here has dropped to about 50. Last time I pulled the TT the temp was closure to 100. Should I add 10 pounds to get to 50 psi cold or let them warm up and see if they are 50 psi?

[donn]

Yes, air the tires up to the proper pressure before you leave home.

[cardinal4fun]

You need to bring the psi up to correct cold reading.

[Warrior]

Hope this is not to far off topic. I'm not trying to high jack...
Any who. I just replaced the junk tires that came on my rig, which only had about four thousand miles on them and showed very little wear. I replaced them with Maxxis 8008 ST225/75R15 PR (E load range). My question is what pressure should I inflate the tires? I had the rig weighed last July and the trailer axle weight was 6860 lb. I have added additional weight since then and plan on having it weighed again. I know from reading other post that there are a lot of members that claim tires should be inflated (cold) to the maximum rated PSI, regardless of load. I don't know that I subscribe to that school of thought. I would like opinions on how to interpret the attached Load/Inflation Chart link. The way I interpret it is, as an example, my tires with a load of 2500 lb. should be inflated too 65 PSI. I believe this will allow the tire achieve the proper profile for proper wear. If they are over inflated, maximum rated 80 PSI, they will have a tendency to wear in the center of the tire. Am I interpreting the chart incorrectly? I have inflated the tires to 70 PSI as a starting point until I get it weighed or read or hear something to the contrary.


http://www.maxxis.com/Repository/Files/m8008load.pdf

[acadianbob]

I always run max pressure.

[wayne anthony]

My '06 truck with "e" tires came with about 50 psi in the front and 85 in the rear (3/4 ton). The rear tires wore considerably in center of tread. Since then, use 50-55 pai all around, all the time. Wayne

[Warrior]

Originally Posted by wayne anthony

My '06 truck with "e" tires came with about 50 psi in the front and 85 in the rear (3/4 ton). The rear tires wore considerably in center of tread. Since then, use 50-55 pai all around, all the time. Wayne

Thats kind of my point. Four tires same size, same rating, different load, different pressures. Poor wear due to over inflation for load.

[Herk7769]

[QUOTE=Warrior;154321]I have inflated the tires to 70 PSI as a starting point until I get it weighed or read or hear something to the contrary.[QUOTE]

Yes sir, that is how I read it too. Filling those E's to 80 PSI will, in addition to center tread wear, result in a very bouncy hard ride for your trailer and its contents.

Weight the camper loaded for camping and hooked to your truck. check the chart for proper inflation for that wheel load and adjust the pressure as required. A few extra pounds cold will not hurt anything (as long as it is below 80 PSI cold and your rims can handle the pressure); just don't run below the charted pressure for your load weight.

[Warrior]

Thanks for the confirmation Lou, I value your opinion. You also make a very good point on the adverse effects over inflation has on ride quality.
Just to give myself a little more assurance I am going to strike a chalk line across the tread, monitoring wear trends at different pressures. Since my TPMS has the ability to measure temperature I'm also going to measure temperatures at different pressures.

[Herk7769]

PM me when you are ready with your results.
Then you can start a new thread and post your results in a table for the various pressures you tried and I will move it to the FAQ section for all to see.

I think many folks would be interested in your results. I know I am.

[Warrior]

I'll PM you when I have some substantial results.