Proper inflation?

[VR51]

Just installed Goodyear Endurance on my RPod. The inflation chart on the Goodyear site for these tires shows that for my trailer’s loaded weight a PSI of 35. Since the max inflation for the tires is 80 I’m wondering: what should I run the tires at?

[BarabooBob]

Use the chart numbers from Goodyear. If you run with the maximum psi, you will be pounding your poor rpod with a very rough ride.

This is just my opinion and others will be along to tell me that I am wrong.

[VR51]

Thanks for the comment about not beating my trailer.

[clr]

What size tire did you install on your unit, and what is the loaded weight of the unit. If you answer both I should be able to help you.

[VR51]

Size: 225 75 15 Loaded weight: 3,300 lbs.

[clr]

I assume that you have one axle. Therefore the RV way is divide the total weight of the unit by the number of tires on the road. Therefore your total weight of 3300 pounds unit would be divided by two or 1650 pounds per tire. This system of calculation is far from perfect as most RV are not balanced perfectly from side to side, the road has a crown on it so the ditch side will have more weight, and the road is not level or straight. For all of the above reasons I personally add 20% to the number I calculate above or 1650 x 20% therefore I would recommend 45 PSI for your unit.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by clr

I assume that you have one axle. Therefore the RV way is divide the total weight of the unit by the number of tires on the road. Therefore your total weight of 3300 pounds unit would be divided by two or 1650 pounds per tire. This system of calculation is far from perfect as most RV are not balanced perfectly from side to side, the road has a crown on it so the ditch side will have more weight, and the road is not level or straight. For all of the above reasons I personally add 20% to the number I calculate above or 1650 x 20% therefore I would recommend 45 PSI for your unit.

Exactly! In addition, underinflation is more dangerous than overinflation (up to the max listed on the tire sidewall). Underinflated tires build up more heat and will be more likely to fail than an overinflated tire. Also, not applicable here though, on a dual axle trailer the underinflated tire may cause the other tire on the same side to become overloaded and now you have an increased chance of both tires failing.

[VR51]

Thanks for the help on this. Would 50 psi be out of line?

[clr]

No 50 PSI would not be out of line. The only down side that I can think of is that the ride of the trailer would be stiffer with the higher pressure.

[Homebrew]

What does the tire chart say on the trailer?
All trailers have a chart showing the tire size and inflation information.

[lbrjet]

I have never seen a trailer that called for less than 50. I would put 60 in the new tires.

[VR51]

Trailer calls for 50 PSI.

[Nick Danger]

I have found that you also need to increase the air pressure in your tow vehicle tires above normal driving pressure when adding the trailer. Reduce them back down after taking off the load.

[clr]

The chart on the side of the RV is designed with the weight of the rv and the make of tires that came on the RV. If you change the tire size the chart is no longer applicable. For example if you increased or changed the tire size with the new tires. I would have no problem with going higher or the tire pressure say 50 or 60 when the minimum required for the load is 45 PSI.

[VR51]

I think I’ll go with 55 and see how the trailer rides and what the temps run.