Tire Pressure?

[AWay]

My first dually. Loaded I'll be pulling a 15,000 lb 5th wheel. Came with American General tires, and the door sticker for tire inflation says loaded to run 60 lbs in the front and 65 lbs in the rears.



Question is for you all, are you running the 60 and 65 or do you suggest increasing it? When I had the valve stems changed to metal, the tire place put 70 and 75 in them.

 

[mwhals]

Also, what is the preferred unloaded tire pressure?



Mark H

 

[AWay]

Also, what is the preferred unloaded tire pressure?



Mark H

I was told it is best to run at your loaded tire pressure all the time so as not to flex the side walls of the tires. Best to leave them at the same pressure.

 

[mwhals]

I was told it is best to run at your loaded tire pressure all the time so as not to flex the side walls of the tires. Best to leave them at the same pressure.

Thanks, that is what I have been doing. Just wanted to check. In your case, I would go with the factory recommendation on tire pressure instead of increasing it. The higher pressure will result in the center of your tire wearing faster than the rest of it.



Mark H

 

[BHolm]

The sidewalls of radial tires flex everytime they go around. You are not saving anything by making them rock hard, the sidewalls are designed to flex.



If you are towing a 15k trailer I would be running max infaltion pressures as listed on the sidewalls. For E rated tires that should be 80psi in front, it might be a little lower for the duals in the rear. You need the higher pressures to keep tire heat down.



On a dually I wouldn't go below 60 in front, the engine is very heavy. My dually doesn't haul a lot anymore so I have the rears at 45 psi, it rides much better that way. There is no harm in changing tire pressure around to suit loads, in fact it is a smart practice IMO.

 

[NStates]

Tire Pressure

I tow a heavy fifth wheel and run empty about 30/60. I adjust the air pressure based on tire wear. I find that I must drop the rear air pressure considerably or I wear the centers out. I usually do not run maximum when fully loaded and find no heat build up.



Norm



My Truck – 2005 RAM 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x2 Laramie Sport Bright White 6-Speed HO – Limited Slip - Edge Juice Attitude –PacBrake – 65 gal. Toolbox/fuel tank – Starboards – Recon Smoke Cab Lighting - Pulrite Super 5th – Kenwood TM 261 –Towing A Teton Fifth Wheel