Tire Pressure

[mklawz]

I'm embarrased that I do not know this, but I'm a relative newby, going on our 3rd outting this weekend.

I can't figure out the recommended tire pressure.  Quite honestly I get confused with this on my vehicle too!  

On one area on the tire is the text: "Max Load xxxlbs at 50 psi Cold".  

Another area says:

"When mounting something-something beads are seated
inflation over 32lbs can cause a fatal explosion
in service use pressure recommended by vehicle manufacturer
underinflation or overloading can cause blow-out"

- Should it be 50psi?  I was looking for something more obvious such as "hey dummy, inflate this tire to xxx psi".  

- Is the part about 32 stating some kind of instructions to an installer?

I want to make sure I get it right, I'll be towing with the wife and 2yo for the first time.  Precious cargo!  Much thanks.

[wavery]

I'm embarrased that I do not know this, but I'm a relative newby, going on our 3rd outting this weekend.

I can't figure out the recommended tire pressure.  Quite honestly I get confused with this on my vehicle too!  

On one area on the tire is the text: "Max Load xxxlbs at 50 psi Cold".  

Another area says:

"When mounting something-something beads are seated
inflation over 32lbs can cause a fatal explosion
in service use pressure recommended by vehicle manufacturer
underinflation or overloading can cause blow-out"

- Should it be 50psi?  I was looking for something more obvious such as "hey dummy, inflate this tire to xxx psi".  

- Is the part about 32 stating some kind of instructions to an installer?

I want to make sure I get it right, I'll be towing with the wife and 2yo for the first time.  Precious cargo!  Much thanks.

Exactly what it says, "Max Load xxxlbs at 50 psi Cold"
 :sombraro:

[tknick]

Just a little expansion on Waverly's answer.....

Use 50 psi.  The 32 psi is like you thought for the installer.  The tires are only capable of carrying the max load when inflated to 50 psi.  I'm just guesing you don't know the exact weight of your PUP fully loaded.  Don't worry, I don't know the weight of mine either.  My point is, at 50 psi you can be assured the tires  can handle the load.  This assumes you are under the maximum loaded weight of your PUP.  If you have questions about that, ask away and we'll address those in turn.

The lower the air pressure, the more of the tire contacts the roadway.  Worse case scenario, side wall starts contacting roadway.  That builds up tremedous heat very quickly.  That leads to catastrophic tire failure, i.e. blowout.  Keeping tires inflated to proper pressure is critical to avoiding blowouts.  It also is important for good tire wear as well as helping the trailer track properly behind your TV.

travis

[AustinBoston]

The only time I would suggest using less than full pressure would be if you know your trailer is way under the rated weight of the tires, and you experience severe bouncing of the trailer (like a basketball) when you tow.  Then, and only then, could you try dropping the pressire in small (less than 5 PSI) increments until the bouncing is manageable (NOT until it goes away).

Austin

[mklawz]

So you're saying go 50 as well?  Thanks everyone.  Like I said, I've always been confused on this, even with my cars!

The only time I would suggest using less than full pressure would be if you know your trailer is way under the rated weight of the tires, and you experience severe bouncing of the trailer (like a basketball) when you tow.  Then, and only then, could you try dropping the pressire in small (less than 5 PSI) increments until the bouncing is manageable (NOT until it goes away).

Austin

[AustinBoston]

So you're saying go 50 as well?  Thanks everyone.  Like I said, I've always been confused on this, even with my cars!

Cars are not trailers, and may run at a pressure lower than the maximum, but will be specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Austin

[CAPEd CODger]

On your car or truck, there will be a sticker on the drivers side door that has the recommended size tire and air-pressure for that tire on that vehicle.
I'm guessing that the pressure is for "normal" conditions. When trailering, you would increase the pressure in the tow vehicles rear tires to make adjustment for the extra weight.
But NEVER go over the maximum cold pressure that is printed on the tire's sidewall.


Happy camping!

Bob

[mklawz]

But NEVER go over the maximum cold pressure that is printed on the tire's sidewall.

For the camper/trailer too or just the tow vehicle?

[abbear]

For the camper/trailer too or just the tow vehicle?

For ANY tire.

[AustinBoston]

For the camper/trailer too or just the tow vehicle?

Camper, trailer, tow vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, lawn tractor, wheelbarrow...

Austin

[mklawz]

For ANY tire.

Oh...duh.  I see now that it says OVER the max pressure.  At first reading I read 'never inflate TO..."

Well I think I'm going to get a new pair of tire anyway.  I spotted a little rot on one of the tires, and realized that I really dont even know how old the tires are (just bought the camper last year) so I thought it would be worth the money for new ones.  Going in first thing in the morning.

[Nemesis56]

Camper, trailer, tow vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, lawn tractor, wheelbarrow...

Austin

And basketballs.  Being young and stupid once...( yeah now i'm just older)
all the kids in the neighborhhod pooled our monies and bought a new Wilson basket ball.  Knew about the needle to inflalte it but had no idea about what to inflate to. Remeber real he men don't read instructions. General consensus was it couldn't be much different than our bicycle tires.  So we pumped this thing up to about around 30psi at the local gas station with the bubble type inflater.  On the first attempt at dribbling this thing explodes like a bomb.  It was loud.  Cleared everybody off the court, our ears are ringing and there's little pieces of orange rubber floating in the wind.    Found a piece that said Max Press 6 psi.  That's when we decided white kids didn't know crap about basketball and we decided to play softball instead.

[dthurk]

And basketballs.  Being young and stupid once...( yeah now i'm just older)
 all the kids in the neighborhhod pooled our monies and bought a new Wilson basket ball.  Knew about the needle to inflalte it but had no idea about what to inflate to. Remeber real he men don't read instructions. General consensus was it couldn't be much different than our bicycle tires.  So we pumped this thing up to about around 30psi at the local gas station with the bubble type inflater.  On the first attempt at dribbling this thing explodes like a bomb.  It was loud.  Cleared everybody off the court, our ears are ringing and there's little pieces of orange rubber floating in the wind.    Found a piece that said Max Press 6 psi.  That's when we decided white kids didn't know crap about basketball and we decided to play softball instead.

This was just too funny!  Had a great laugh.  Thanks.

[wavery]

Ya........we can't jump either. Gotta good belly laugh outa that one. :J

[Brauma]

Thanks for this thread. I'm embarresed to admit it too but I couldnt find the simple answer to the tire pressure question either.

We're getting ready to go out next week for our 2nd ever trip. Im going down my checklist and I want to make sure about the tires.

Thanks