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Old 10-22-2014, 06:22 PM   #1
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Towing and tire pressure

Hi everyone,

I'm towing an ST270BH with my Tundra 5.7l.
Up until now I've just left the tire pressure on all four tires consistent at around 30psi, this is what they set them at when I get it serviced at Toyota.
But I'm wondering, should I increase the tire pressure in the rear tires when towing? If so, by how much?
The sidewall on the tire says the pressure shouldn't exceed 50psi.

Lastly, my Tundra, has a 'low tire pressure' indicator light. When it gets cold out the light goes on. I had assumed the light was coming on because the temp was dropping outside. As I said, all four tires are at 30psi.
What do you all think?
Thanks,
mike
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Old 10-22-2014, 06:48 PM   #2
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If you are getting sway or a wishy washy feeling when towing, then I think you should raise the tire pressure.
You might be pleasantly surprised how much better your towing experience will be.
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Old 10-22-2014, 06:52 PM   #3
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Your door sticker should state what the rear axle weight capacity (GAWR) is and what PSI is required for that capacity. If you are anywhere near the rear GAWR, then tires should be at that PSI. If the tires are a higher capacity than what was originally on the truck, and also higher PSI rating, then inflate the rear tires to whatever PSI you prefer as long as it is higher than the door sticker and not higher than the tire rating. But generally, you will get less sway with stiffer rear tires and less rolling resistance.

It is normal for lower temps to cause lower tire pressures. But while that may be OK for normal driving, for towing you should add air so that when cold, the tire PSIs are at the numbers indicated on the door sticker. You should not begin towing with tire pressures low enough to trigger the tire monitor.
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Old 10-22-2014, 06:59 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloyd View Post
If you are getting sway or a wishy washy feeling when towing, then I think you should raise the tire pressure.
You might be pleasantly surprised how much better your towing experience will be.
When towing , put air pressure at the max that is on the side of the tire. Stops the swaying..
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Old 10-22-2014, 07:31 PM   #5
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Thanks everyone. Excellent advice.
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Old 10-22-2014, 08:12 PM   #6
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I would add that running your tire pressure too low is a leading contributor to premature tire failure. I run my Load Range E Michelins at 75 to 80 psi when I'm towing. (Tire sidewall says "inflate to 80 psi cold.") Running lower than rated tire pressure, especially when towing, causes excessive heat buildup, which in turn could lead to tire failure.
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Old 10-22-2014, 08:47 PM   #7
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The sticker in my 2012 Crewmax with 275/65 18's specify 30psi on the front and 33 in the back.
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Old 10-23-2014, 05:04 AM   #8
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Get online and find your tire mfg's load inflation charts,
weigh your truck empty and hooked up/loaded,
and inflate the tires to the pressure needed to support that weight AT A MINIMUM ...

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/docs-a...r-my-new-tires
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Old 10-23-2014, 09:18 AM   #9
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Tire pressure

Ok, so now I'm more confused.
The markings on my tire say they are Michelan 305 50R20
The sticker in my door says something for tires that are P255/70R18.
Nothing on the door stickers say anything about tire pressure while towing.
The 50 r20 tires came with the truck but they were an add-on I think. I didn't add them on, they were on the truck when I bought them.
I tried to find tire inflation pressure guides online for these tires but didn't have any luck.
Right now they are all at 32psi.
I was going to put the back tires at 40-45 psi for towing (max cold pressure on tire says 50psi)
I'm not sure if I should change the front tire pressure. What do you think? Just change the back or both front and back?
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Old 10-23-2014, 10:00 AM   #10
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I inflate all my tires to the same pressure. If you aren't towing, 35 psi would probably be fine for your tires. However, if I were you I would inflate to the higher end of that 50 psi when towing. (45 to 50 psi cold.) That is just my two cents.
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Old 10-23-2014, 10:33 AM   #11
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I agree with Mike.
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Old 10-23-2014, 10:57 AM   #12
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Ah, you bought your truck used !!!
If those are not the stock tires, then the tire placard is useless

what exactly are your michelins ?
Do a google search or look on tirerack for inflation pressures...

but agree, without any other info I would put 45 or 50 all around since you don't know their load ratings or your weights ...

The side of your tires should say what the rating is @ that 50 psi --- what is it ?
ASSume they are all the same tire? with the same ratings ?

http://www.michelintruck.com/referen...lation-tables/
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Old 10-23-2014, 11:32 AM   #13
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Yeah, I'm going to go with 45psi in all 4.
Johnboytoo -- I bought the truck new, not used. The tires came with it. I guess it was an upgrade... nicer tires, nicer rims... you know.
The tires say they are 50 r20.
I checked that chart but couldn't find my tires. Also wasn't sure what my wheel diameter was but I'm thinking it's 20 because of the 'r20' in the 50 r20.
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Old 10-23-2014, 01:06 PM   #14
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You should keep all 4 tires at the same air pressure if it says u can go to 50 psi i would keep pressure between 45 and 50 on rear tires and not less than a 5 pound difference in front when towing. Not sure what ply tires you run but i dont run anything but 10 ply especially for towing tires dont heat up as much and last a lot longer definetly worth extra cost.

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Old 10-23-2014, 01:10 PM   #15
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From the Michelin site

Quote:
Max Load, Single
(lb @ PSI)
2806@50
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Old 10-23-2014, 01:57 PM   #16
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Looks like someone replaced the original tires and rims. I would inflate to the highest psi on the tire sidewall, should be 50 per Michelin website.
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Old 10-23-2014, 03:34 PM   #17
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Yes you are on the right track, You need to set them CLOSE the max on the sidewall while towing and put them back down when you are not. 35 sounds good when unloaded. As other have said tire weight capacites are determined by how much air is in them. They WILL prematurly fail if you overload them without enough air to compensate, also it will Tow much better and less sway.
As for your front tire question the answers is simple; do you have a weight distribution hitch? If so then you need to increase the front tires also, maybe not as drastic but the hitch is transfering weight to your FRONT tires as well so without weighing each axle with and without a trailer attached I usually pump the fronts up 10 to 15 psi as well.
Hope this helps clear it up..
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Old 10-24-2014, 02:34 PM   #18
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I would go back to the dealer and ask them to tell you the correct inflation. They changed the tires from stock.
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Old 10-24-2014, 03:20 PM   #19
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I have a tundra also I was running 30 lbs and it just didn't seem right I just went to 40. and I will be trying that soon. I will let you know.
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Old 10-24-2014, 04:35 PM   #20
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I would go back to the dealer and ask them to tell you the correct inflation. They changed the tires from stock.
Most dealerships do not know enough to give accurate advice when considering towing. I would find the complete tire information on the side of the tire. If I had to I would look on the inside of the tire if you can't find it on the outside. Should be close to the dot marking.

The tire size most likely starts with a p, then 3 numbers, a back slash, 2 more numbers then the r20.
so something like Pxxx/xxR20.
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