West Lake Tires

chicagoslick · 03-05-2014, 05:01 PM

I spent some time today checking my Flagstaff 27RLWS tire air pressures and noticed they were all set at 58psi. Based on a review of the tire sidewall and online numbers the max air pressure should be 50psi. Does anyone have experience with these tires and have some guidance? I am inclined to reduce the air pressure to 45psi, but would like some feedback from others.

thanks in advance...

West Lake Super ST
ST205/75R14, Nitrogen filled.

Geaux · 03-05-2014, 05:41 PM

I have the same tires ,trailer yellow sticker says 50lbs max.I have not had any problems to date,I check them a lot....read enough about trailer tires going bad for what ever reason.

chicagoslick · 03-06-2014, 07:39 AM

bump

jonrjen · 03-06-2014, 07:43 AM

ON a ST tire is if says x number pounds and 50PSI, I would be setting it at 50PSI. Every pound of air pressure less lowers your tires carrying ability.

SKnight · 03-06-2014, 07:48 AM

8PSI isn't over by much and could just be a difference in pressure gauge calibration. If they're all the same I'd leave it alone, it's not hurting a thing.

chicagoslick · 03-06-2014, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonrjen

ON a ST tire is if says x number pounds and 50PSI, I would be setting it at 50PSI. Every pound of air pressure less lowers your tires carrying ability.

I am a little bit concerned about them being set at 58. I agree they probably should be set close to max pressure. Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

thanks...

jonrjen · 03-06-2014, 08:06 AM

OK, I understand what your asking now. I would set them at the max PSI as stated on the side of the tire.

Most ST tires have a MAX MPH of 62 MPH. There has been articles written stating that if you are going to drive faster up to 70MPH that you raise the PSI in the Tires to give the tire the proper pressure to do this as well as to help the tire to dissipate heat build up.
I won't recommend to do this, nor will I say it won't work. But, if the tire sidewall states 50PSI, I wouldn't go under that number.

SKnight · 03-06-2014, 08:17 AM

If they're all at 58 one of three things is happening. Either the mechanics gauge is wrong, your gauge is wrong or they were set there for a reason

I'll also say again, 8psi isn't a big deal, I'd leave it be.

Rrickim63 · 03-06-2014, 08:23 AM

Try another tire pressure gauge

Sent from my LG-LS720 using Forest River Forums mobile app

youroo · 03-06-2014, 08:25 AM

I would make sure the gauge that (I) am going to (Have & Use) for MY tires is Correct PSI reading!

Youroo!! Set to Sidewall stated PSI.

Dave_Monica · 03-06-2014, 09:11 AM

...or the tires were inflated/set on a cold morning. You may be surprised how much the tire pressure will change with temperature.

Dave

Airdale · 03-06-2014, 09:24 AM

Vehicle manufacturers set recommended tire pressures. Industry standards - under normal operating conditions - will never recommend using less pressure than what has been set by the vehicle manufacturer. Any tires found 20% below tire placard recommendations are considered to be in a “run flat” condition. Any tires found to be at 50% under tire placard recommendations are considered flat tires.

Here is a useful link.

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shop...al+Information

Airdale

p.s. Federal certification labels for RV trailers are found on the LH forward external section of the trailer.

BombDoc · 03-06-2014, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

Vehicle manufacturers set recommended tire pressures. Industry standards - under normal operating conditions - will never recommend using less pressure than what has been set by the vehicle manufacturer. Any tires found 20% below tire placard recommendations are considered to be in a “run flat” condition. Any tires found to be at 50% under tire placard recommendations are considered flat tires.

Here is a useful link.

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shop...al+Information

Airdale

p.s. Federal certification labels for RV trailers are found on the LH forward external section of the trailer.

Nice Avitar!!

chicagoslick · 03-06-2014, 09:50 AM

Thanks for all the great information. I have checked the tires with multiple gauges and they all read within 1psi of each other. I only buy good test equipment never the $1 option at the checkout lane (although I bet there probably +/- 2psi accurate). I have checked the tires "cold" so I know they will only gain pressure as the tires heat up while driving. I may call the dealer and see if they inflated them, however I doubt that since these have the "Nitrogen" fill stickers on the side of the TT. This was probably a FR installed option with the upgrade rims and tires. I have taken the trailer for a few drives (~300 miles) to get a good feel for whether the WDH was set correctly and to make sure all is well and have not noticed any issues, tires or otherwise. I will probably continue to think about this, however I am still thinking of reducing to 50psi to be safe.

Again thanks for everyone's thoughts...

BigTJohn · 03-06-2014, 10:03 AM

Check the weight of your trailer, then the max capacity of your tires. If all is well, run them at the sidewall PSI you can't go wrong. I have always used the side wall PSI and never had any problems with tires because of that. Most, if not all will tell you the same. That said, there is a formula for figuring out the exact PSI for certain axle/tire weight loads and what EAC tire PSI should be for that tires weight load - way to complicated if in fact you are not over your tires capacity. If that is the case then bump up a tire spec as long as the axles are within the load spec. And stay at or below the 65 mph limit for ST tires, better fuel mileage and longer tire life.

dannyabear · 03-06-2014, 10:04 AM

Mine came with 55# in them and thats where I left them; if you check the load capacity of each tire and weight the camper ready to go, you will find that the tires are carrying very close to their max load. I would not de flate them any.

Cajun Po-Boy · 03-06-2014, 10:25 AM

Can't go wrong by setting tire psi according to listed "Max Cold PSI" listed on sidewall...always worked for me with no issues

dustman_stx · 03-06-2014, 10:26 AM

Just thinking out loud here: Is it possible that the delivery guys are inflating them to a higher PSI to allow for faster travel speeds? If the trailer is empty, you can increase tire pressure for increased MPH rating from what I read. When loaded to max tire capacity, you would need to reduce pressure to MAX listed and maintain max speed of 65.

Cajun Po-Boy · 03-06-2014, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Just thinking out loud here: Is it possible that the delivery guys are inflating them to a higher PSI to allow for faster travel speeds? If the trailer is empty, you can increase tire pressure for increased MPH rating from what I read. When loaded to max tire capacity, you would need to reduce pressure to MAX listed and maintain max speed of 65.

Sounds logical...If I'm a delivery guy, I'm not wanting to mosey along at 65 shipping an rv but as a camper owner...I like my 62mph when traveling

acadianbob · 03-06-2014, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

...or the tires were inflated/set on a cold morning. You may be surprised how much the tire pressure will change with temperature.

Dave

YES! When we leave in April from MN and head south, I leave with 56 lbs of air in my D rated tires. By the time I get to Missouri, I have to start letting out air. (Yes, cold tires).

As an aside, my trailer originally came with C rated tires. My rims are only good for 60 psi. Since I'm way over on capacity, I don't worry about running 56 lbs cold. Just trying to keep everything within tolerances.

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