Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

[msd58]

I have tandem axle trailer under a 26.5'' boat that weighs 5300 #'s dry (the boat thats is). The tire size is 205 75D 14 load range C. What is right tire pressure?

Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Look on the sidewall for proper pressure. Probably 50psi if they are ST tires. If they aren't, get ST tires.

 

[msd58]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

I believe they are ST tires

 

[ebry710]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Look on the sidewall for proper pressure. Probably 50psi if they are ST tires. If they aren't, get ST tires.

JB is not kidding. In real small print, the manufactures recommended tire pressure is located on the side of the tire. It is usually looks like a really long sentence with a lot of technical stuff with both psi and kg/m.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Tire manufacturer's usually provide tables for recommended load and tire pressure. Here is a link for the Goodyear RV and Trailer tires. http://www.goodyear.com/rv/pdf/rv_inflation.pdf

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

You don't need a "recommended tire pressure" you need to air up the tires to the pressure stated on the sidewall of the tire. Only at that pressure will the tire safely carry its maximum load. Since the vast majority of trailers are loaded very near their upper limits it is simply nonsense to air the tires to some lesser number. Those charts are provided to simply illustrate what the tire can be loaded to at a given pressure.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

totally agree with Silvertip. tire pressure is the #1 cause for trailer tire failure.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

I have missed something. Why aren't we looking on the sidewall? All that "gobbly goop" on the sidewall tells tire pressure and tire rating. I understand not knowing it is there, but not reading it would not be my first choice.

 

[msd58]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

After I clean the dirt off and looked closer it is stamped on tire 50 PSI

 

[JoLin]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Since the vast majority of trailers are loaded very near their upper limits it is simply nonsense to air the tires to some lesser number.

I don't think it's nonsense. Overinflating tires is no better than underinflating them. I think the owner needs to figure out how much weight the tires are actually carrying relative to their maximum capacity, and then inflate accordingly. It doesn't take all that long to do. After a couple minutes of figuring, I decided that my tires should be inflated to 80% of capacity (40 lbs) rather than the 50 lbs. max pressure stated on the sidewall.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

I don't think it's nonsense. Overinflating tires is no better than underinflating them. I think the owner needs to figure out how much weight the tires are actually carrying relative to their maximum capacity, and then inflate accordingly. It doesn't take all that long to do. After a couple minutes of figuring, I decided that my tires should be inflated to 80% of capacity (40 lbs) rather than the 50 lbs. max pressure stated on the sidewall.

You need to check the warranty info for your tires. Many manufacturers specify that the tires must be inflated to the maximum pressure at all times to maintain warranty coverage.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

There are way too many decisions to be made for me to start out thinking a tire manufacturer. If the tires says 50#, I inflate it to 50# and then go fishing.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

JoLin - have you actually weighed your trailer when loaded. Bet you haven't and are only "guessing" at the total load. Guesses are generally on the very light side. Besides, who wants to be bothered weighing the trailer each time it's used, then check the chart, inflate/deflate the tires only to have to repeat the process next time. Aired up tires tow easier, flex less, create less heat and last longer. Car tires are a different story since they need to ride nice, provide traction, and provide turning response as well as interact with the shocks designed for the vehicle dynamics.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

...... If the tires says 50#, I inflate it to 50# and then go fishing.

Wiser words have never been spoken.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Bass & Walleye Boats magazine has a good "trailer tires" article this month. it confirms what we've indicated. It also shows what underinflation does to a tire.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Okay, I'll stand corrected.

 

[DJ]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Car tires are a different story since they need to ride nice, provide traction, and provide turning response as well as interact with the shocks designed for the vehicle dynamics.

Agreed. Trailer tires are a different animal in a different application.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Proper Trailer Tire Pressure

Agreed. Trailer tires are a different animal in a different application.

Agreed, that is why tire manufacturers spent the time and money to "ST" stamp them and not "P" stamp them. If tire manufactures could make one tire to do all they would. A trailer is just a "buck-board" and the tires end up taking a heck of a lot of abuse.