Trailer Tire Inflation

[Todd-JAY]

Curious as to what people do with regard to pressure in their trailer tires.

I've seen some people mention that they inflate to less than max PSI (or less than recommended PSI) to avoid bursting tires. I've also seen people state they do this because the pressure will increase as the tire is driven, but my understanding is that placard pressures are always "cold" pressures.

There is also concern that "under inflating" increases heat in the tire which can lead to failure.

My practice with vehicles has always been to check in the morning before driving. With the travel trailer I've been inflating to the label on the trailer, which matches the max on the tire.

What do you do?

 

[motorbreath]

What do you do?

I inflate to the pressure on the sticker, if something does go wrong I want to avoid any liability issues because I did not follow the manufacturers guidelines.

The only case where I deviate from the sticker is for my truck; it was shipped with P-rated tires (35psi spec) and I switched to LT-rated tires.

 

[Jagiven]

Look at this sticky post regarding tires

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f18/trailer-tire-facts-29077.html

 

[Todd-JAY]

Those are the practices I follow, but I'd still like to know what others do and what results they see.

 

[dmward]

Those are the practices I follow, but I'd still like to know what others do and what results they see.

I follow the directions. In my case, 50psi on TT, 35psi on TV.

 

[norty1]

My rig came with E rated tires so the sticker says 80psi, which is max sidewall pressure.
I upgraded to G rated tires and I inflate them to 100psi, max sidewall is stamped 110psi.

 

[mike837go]

Those are the practices I follow, but I'd still like to know what others do and what results they see.

I start with what the manufacturer recommends. Then make observations on how the vehicle rides, sounds, handles and how the tires wear.

Once I have some miles on it, make adjustments:
- Increase pressure for better fuel mileage
- Increase or decrease pressure because of signs in the tread of over/under inflation.
- Decrease pressure if the ride is too harsh.

Etc.

Keeping in mind not to exceed the max pressure on the sidewall of the tires.

Eventually, I get the tire pressure "just right". Then the seasons change or the tires have to be replaced and I start the whole process again from where I left off.

My daily driver (2013 Jetta) calls for 38PSI front and 35 rear. The current tires have a max of 44 PSI. 42 has been a nice compromise since April's 50,000 mile service.

My new TT (May 2015) max at 50 PSI. The sticker says 45. So far 45 is nice.

The F350 truck? 80 PSI (max on the sidewall) all the way around. It wallows on anything less.

You've got lots of options. Choose what suits you best within what is safe.

 

[DEM-JAY]

I follow the sticker on the side of my camper. Works well for me.

 

[DocBrown-JAY]

Jayco manual says inflate to sidewall max. Mine are 50 psi. In 23 years of towing trailers I have yet to have a problem with that.

 

[kvangil]

I always inflate trailer tires to sidewall max. Underinflating the trailer tires affect the max weight that the tires can carry and also lead to excessive heat buildup. Tow vehicle tires, I get away with the door sticker PSI, or slightly above.