LT Tires - Tire Pressure?

[breams]

Originally Posted by MidOhioHunter

I have run Goodyear Wranglers with the Kevlar for a few yeas now, and like the overall performance the tire gives me. Usually inflate to 45psi unloaded and 65 psi when towing (cold tire pressure), it's the sweet spot for my set up. I've tried heavier inflation and did not find it necessary, for me personally. A LT tire will make a huge difference for you!

I run mine based on what the tire mfg. says. It is stamped 80psi cold and that is what I run front and back.
I believe that the sticker on a vehicle door jam is for the factory installed tires only. If you change brands or sizes the psi will likely change as well.

[johnboytoo]

What he said...
the placard is good for only the stock tires
and the sidewall pressure number is for max load the tire can carry...

as stated earlier, when towing and loaded, IMHO, you should take the time to weigh and figure out what YOUR carrying capacity demands... not mine or his or my cousins brothers rig

[MidOhioHunter]

Only point I was making, my set up has found those results work best. 80 psi cold pressure is not for me, too hard of a ride and most likely not needed unless in special circumstances. Just got out of dealership yesterday for service and they set all my tires at 44 psi, Goodyear set them at 45 psi when I had tires put on back 6 weeks ago. Rides well, and very quiet, currently.

Regardless of pressure, wishing safe travels to all!

[johnboytoo]

Agree Jeff - not directed at you at all

Just that suggested psi is only a starting point, only YOU can determine the right psi for your setup

The pressure on the sidewall of a LT or RV tire and many others is not the "Maximum" cold pressure the tire should ever have, it is the minimum to support the maximum rated carrying capacity of the tire. NHTSA defines truck tires as those rated for vehicles over 10,000#'s GVWR.

From the Michelin RV Tire Guide: Quote:
"If you look at the tire's sidewall, you'll see the maximum load capacity allowed for the size tire and load rating, and the minimum cold air inflation needed to carry the maximum load."
From page 6 of the GoodYear RV Tire and Care Guide: Quote:
"How much air is enough?
The proper air inflation for your tires depends on how much your fully loaded RV or trailer weighs. Look at the sidewall of your RV tire and you’ll see the maximum load capacity for the tire size and load rating, as well as the minimum cold air inflation, needed to carry that maximum load."
From TOYO: Quote:
Q: What are the consequences of inflating the tires to accommodate the actual loads?
A: If the inflation pressure corresponds to the actual tire load according to the tire manufacturer’s load and pressure table, the tire will be running at 100% of its rated load at that pressure. This practice may not provide sufficient safety margin. Any air pressure loss below the minimum required to carry the load can result in eventual tire failure.
But then they ALL publish a load inflation table allowing lower pressure for RV's!!

From the August 2010 Motorhome Magazine "Tread Carefully" tire article:
Quote:
The maximum load capacity allowed for the size tire and load rating and the minimum cold air inflation needed to carry that maximum load are located on the tire’s sidewall.
From my coaches owners manual:
Quote:
Federal law requires that the tire’s maximum load rating be molded into the sidewall of the tire.
If you look there, you will see the maximum load allowed and the cold air inflation pressure required to carry that stated maximum load. Less air pressure restricts the tire to carry a lighter load.
And I too say safe travels - if you don't know, put the max psi your tires are rated at until you can know, and are tired of the hard ride