Tire pressures for an unloaded 2500?

[Alphonse]

My 2016 2500 came with Firestone TransForce AT LT285/60R20 Load Range E tires. As you likely know the Tire Information and Loading placard calls for 65 psi in the front tires and 80 in the rears. Of course these pressures are for a fully loaded truck.

I am looking for experiences in reducing these pressures when the truck is not loaded. I am thinking that the ride may be a little better if these are lowered for a low load condition.

Please share your experience in choosing and running lower pressures.

 

[Bob4x4]

There will be an improvement in the comfort,but of course since they did away with the light load setting the tpms warning light will come on somewhere below 75 psi.The pressure setting can be adjusted but it would be a legal issue

 

[Road Dog]

My '02 came with a tire pressure bulletin that had tire pressures for empty and full for every Dodge truck configuration. Over pressure is as bad as under pressure for handling and braking.

 

[GBBrown]

I'm running 60 in the front and 50 in the back empty. Tires are TransForce LT 275/70R18. This is on a 2015 3500.

 

[Alphonse]

I'm running 60 in the front and 50 in the back empty. Tires are TransForce LT 275/70R18. This is on a 2015 3500.

Do you have a factory TPMS and assuming so, any issue with it alarming at these reduced pressures?

 

[gsbrockman]

3500's only have TPIS......so no alarms if the pressure is low.

 

[Badunit]

For the 2500's, the dealer can set the TPMS pressures lower for you so you don't have to see the low tire warning all the time.

 

[Alphonse]

For the 2500's, the dealer can set the TPMS pressures lower for you so you don't have to see the low tire warning all the time.

I have been learning more about this topic in the last few days. From another forum, looks like finding a dealer to do it is kinda hit or miss isn't it?

 

[SnoKing]

Just another reason to buy a 3500! SNOKING

 

[Badunit]

Looks like finding a dealer to do it is kinda hit or miss isn't it?

It seems that way. I had absolutely no problem, though. I asked when I was in for some other service and they did it. No fuss, no questions, just did it. I gave them a printout of the instructions but they said they had a different way to do it. I guess it worked, I have not seen a low tire warning since then.

 

[JSoloman]

I have the same tires on my 3500. I'm running 65 psi in the front and 60 psi in the rear when I'm unloaded. I could probably go lower, but the ride is smooth at this psi.

My 2016 2500 came with Firestone TransForce AT LT285/60R20 Load Range E tires. As you likely know the Tire Information and Loading placard calls for 65 psi in the front tires and 80 in the rears. Of course these pressures are for a fully loaded truck.

I am looking for experiences in reducing these pressures when the truck is not loaded. I am thinking that the ride may be a little better if these are lowered for a low load condition.

Please share your experience in choosing and running lower pressures.

 

[KPotter]

Front 65 rear 55 cold. Rotate every oil change approx 6000 mi. Tires wear very even

 

[Bob4x4]

I have beene learning more about this topic in the last few days. From another forum, looks like finding a dealer to do it is kinda hit or miss isn't it?

Since it is a safety feature,the dealer that changes the setting opens themselves up to some liability. Just a heads up there are 3 modules involved

 

[Alphonse]

Since it is a safety feature,the dealer that changes the setting opens themselves up to some liability. Just a heads up there are 3 modules involved

Bob, I am assuming an independent shop would not have the electronic equipment or access to the PIN needed to do it. Is that correct?

 

[Bob4x4]

Bob, I am assuming an independent shop would not have the electronic equipment or access to the PIN needed to do it. Is that correct?

You are right about that. Very few independents could afford the licensing fees. The money a dealer spends to stay up to speed on everything would shock most people.

 

[Alphonse]

You are right about that. Very few independents could afford the licensing fees. The money a dealer spends to stay up to speed on everything would shock most people.

Thanks for the reply and I don't doubt the cost issue at all. One look at the subscription cost to Tech Authority is an example and that is the tip of the iceberg.

 

[Alphonse]

I dropped the rears to 65 psi to see what happened and sure nuf, the low pressure warning came on this morning when I cranked it up. The overnight temperature had dropped the pressure was ~64 psi and the warning light came on and it has been shining all day even when they warmed up to above 65. What a PITA!

 

[kthaxton]

I'm just used to my light now....the evic defaulting to the tire pressure warning is bothersome however.

 

[Bob4x4]

Everyone with a late model diesel needs to make friends with their local diesel tech. He can be an invaluable asset. Any worth their salt can REPAIR your low pressure light in person. Maybe not on paper if you catch my drift

 

[Alphonse]

Good advice Bob, drifting along with you.