OK, this has more than one correct answer and many wrong answers.
1) Did you get it used? You said it was new, but is it "new to you"?
2) If NEW, NEW, and the yellow sticker says 65 PSI Load LOAD RANGE D
BE ADVISED there was a run of trailers that had the WRONG stickers affixed.
So, what is the Unloaded Vehicle Weight on the yellow sticker and compare it to the brochure for your model. Is it the same (close?) What is the maximum payload on the yellow sticker?
If the yellow sticker matches the brochure, add the yellow sticker UVW and the Payload for the GVWR of the camper.
Multiply the GVWR by 85% and subtract that number from the GVWR.
Divide that number by the number of tires on your camper.
Using the table attached, find the PSI required for your tire size to support that weight. See how that fits with a load range D or E tire.
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Dry Hitch Weight 1,193 lbs. (541 kg)
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 7,724 lbs. (3,504 kg)
GVWR 9,950 lbs. (4,513 kg)
Cargo Carrying Capacity 2,226 lbs. (1,010 kg)
Exterior Length 30' 9" (9.4 m)
Exterior Height 11' 11" (3.6 m)
Exterior Width 97" (2.5 m)
Fresh Water Capacity 44 gal. (167 L)
Gray Water Capacity 32 gal. (121 L)
Black Water Capacity 32 gal. (121 L)
Awning Size 20 ft.
Like I said, it has st225-75 r15 load range E tires and they are only loaded at about 2000-2100 lbs which is even with the 65 psi pressure. Is it okay to run them at 65 psi even tho they are 80 psi rated tires? I wold think so but thought I would check w you guys.
The sticker on the side of the unit clearly states load range D at 65 psi. Maybe they had some extras lying around or something.
Running them at the correct PSI for the load required (65 PSI) has advantages in that the tires will still support the load, run softer and have less bounce. You should still get full tread contact with the road at that PSI.
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Thanks, I kinda thought so and appreciate your help. The V cross is an awesome unit, matches my 3/4 t duramax well and so so easily. Quite roomy for its size.
So, I checked the trailer today and have better info, and it is even more confusing. The trailer does weigh 7913 and have a payload capacity of 1978 lbs for a total max of 9891. Below is the yellow sticker AND the tire rating sticker.
The weirdness comes in the stock tires which are:
Akuret F188. ST235/80R16 load range E max weight 3520 at 80 psi. They were inflated to 80psi from the factory when I got the trailer.
According to the maxxis table that Herc provided,at max load I should be running at 50 psi at load range C. 50 and 80 are pretty different numbers and yet there we are.
I would run at 70-80 psi- but that's just me. More pressure=less sidewall flex=less heat.
-I aired up some equipment trailer tires last night that were rated for 100 psi and I put 90psi in them since it was in the 30°s when u did it and it was supose to be in the upper 50°s today -when I used it.
You're getting great info from these knowledgeable guys. Herk you never cease to amaze me with your information. Anyway, Let me put into somewhat easier ways to understand. If a tire is rated at say 3000# at 65-PSI that's what it means. You can carry 3000# and you better keep the pressure at 65. I do from time to time run 3-5 lbs higher because it will reduce the rolling resistance heat and therefore wear. You can't go to much over the rated amount. If you run less than 3000# on that tire you won't hurt anything. When you drop the tire pressure below 65# you increase the rolling resistance etc, etc. If you are putting less weight on the tire that's OK but it is not necessary to reduce the pressure. If your tire is rated at 3000# at 65# then that's what I'd run. If it's rated at 3000# at 75# then that's what I'd run. The tire rating is more important than what the sticker says. Also when you run with the higher pressure it will stiffen the side wall which will make the ride a little rougher but it won't hurt the tire. Sorry if I got a little wordy. I'm a teacher and I can't give a simple answer.
TeJay
I would go to 65 or 70 psi, that is more than enough air to support the 5er yet it will still allow some flex in the tire and smooth out the ride for the camper itself. If you were to go to 80 psi with the light 5er that you have it would ride like a brick and rattle the camper and everything in it quite a bit.
My parents bought a 2013 Open Range 5er that has about the same GVW as your 5er and it came with 235/80/16 load range E tires. The dealership and also my dads cousin who owned a tire shop for 30+years both said to run them around 65-70 psi.
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TT-2013 Passport 3220BH
TV-2004 F150 FX4, not exactly stock...
nights camped:
with 2001 Kodiak K215: 2010-10, 2011-12
with 2012 Grey Wolf 26BH: 2012-19, 2013-24, 2014-11, 2015-6
with 2013 Passport: 2015-13, 2016-15 booked
Remember low pressures = higher tire heat. Just be aware your operating a tire on a trailer that is 20 percent under inflated/derated. IMO not the best choice.
This from RVSAFETY.com about the subject of trailer tire pressure or in your case using a tire with a higher load range/capacity than is needed.
rvsafety.com
Tire Load and Inflation Ratings
Note: Towable – Travel Trailer/ 5th Wheel owners Due to the severe use conditions experienced by tires when axles are very close together – tire industry experts recommend maximum (sidewall) inflation pressure for towable tires unless this causes a sever over-inflation situation (20psi+), often referred to as the ‘basketball effect’. If this is your situation allow a 10 – 15psi safety margin above the minimum required inflation pressure.'
Now if your tires/wheels and axle loads are better matched then the tire will operate cooler and hold its shape better while sliding sideways (side scrubbing) around the corners, with max pressures;
Goodyear Tire and Rubber .... weighing RVs
Special Considerations
"Unless trying to resolve poor ride quality problems with an RV trailer, it is recommended that trailer tires be inflated to the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. Trailer tires experience significant lateral (side-to-side) loads due to vehicle sway from uneven roads or passing vehicles. Using the inflation pressure engraved on the sidewall will provide optimum load carrying capacity and minimize heat build-up".
If you don't travel long trips and mostly towing short local trips and at slower 55 mph then derating the tire pressure 20 percent may work. Just remember tire damage is accumulative.[/quote]
Based on all this input, I think the 70-75 lb range is a good point. I understand the Akuret tire are cheap Chinese tires so may not have them long. I have my tpms installed for safety.
You have 4 tires according to the white sticker and 6 tires according to the yellow; yet both call for ST225/75R15 load range D tires inflated at 65 PSI
With load range D tires inflated at 65 PSI each tire will support 2540 pounds.
The front and rear axles are rated at 5080 which is correct for 2 D range tires on each axle.
The max gross weight for your camper is 9891 and at the worst case loading (for the trailer tires), 15% the axles would need to carry 8410 pounds total or 4200 pounds per axle and 2100 pounds per tire.
While it is true, that your camper (if the yellow sticker's GVWR is correct - and it may not be) can "get away with" Load Range "C" tires inflated at 50 PSI; the specified load range D tires would be much safer.
HOWEVER, IF you have load range E tires on your camper you are double over sized. Something is wrong and you need to contact FR to determine WHY your new camper was shipped with double over range tires or if the yellow sticker is incorrect for your camps's model. (which I suspect). There is a good chance that when your camper was built, they were out of Load Range D tires and slapped on Load Range E just to get the camper out the door.
Only a call to the factory with your VIN will tell the tale.
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herc, I think you are spot on. Both the tire size and the load range are askew. Anyone have a phone number for FR vcross or something. They don't seem to publish it.
My dealer is contacting FR about the issue and thinks that they put the wrong sticker on the vcross AND probably the wrong tires also. They said the 5th wheels don't come with 15 in wheels so that is wrong right there. AND they said that they would not normally come with overrated tires either.
I have the same fiver, V-Cross 275, except it is a 2012 and I got it last February, my yellow sticker listed the empty weight as 7,891 and 9,950 GVWR, the other weights are same as yours. Mine came with ST 225/ 75 R15 D and it states 65 PSI.
They are cheap tires, Triangle brand. Mine has 50 AMP with a second AC in the bedroom so that my account for the extra weight? Someone must have ordered the 16" tires? It would seem that the bigger tires are better? I have read on RV forums that others replace 15" tires with 16" and feel safer with them? Good Luck
My 275 VRL SHOULD have the ST 225/75R15D's. It's listed on the trailer in the brochure but it does HAVE ST 235/80R16E's. Even the model sticker with the VIN indicated the Load Range D tires.
My dealer is checking into it now, and they were perplexed to.
We will see what FR tells the dealer. The 18in LR E tires are WAY more expensive and completely unnecessary for this rig, I'm thinking. The unit is not designed for these. They are pretty tho.
i would be happy to have them put 16" load E on there unless there is a fit problem.
there are several bolt configurations on the 15" rims. there may be more than one on the 16" but a local trailer supply said they only sold one. ie ur axles may support E rated tires. the 16" rims should also be rated at 80#.
after having 3 blow outs over the past 11 yrs, i would put higher rated tires on mine if the rims were designed to take the pressure.
i believe my rims have 6 bolts. Do u have 5 or 6 bolts on ur rims?
if it is determined that the "D" is what is supposed to be on there, u can get a 16" D rated and satisfy that requirement w/o changing to the lesser rims.
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