Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

[Mark42]

I took the boat out just 3 weeks ago. Checked and filled the tires to their max pressure (80psi cold for these class C rated tires - support about 1060lbs max). This is a trailer rated 2000 lbs, so the tires really need to be at 80 psi to support the trailers rated capacity.

Checked the tires this morning while getting the boat ready for this weeks trip, and guess what? Tires are down to 60 and 65 psi!!! Woah!! Can you say "run hot blowout"?

Thats about a 25% reduction in load capacity!

So be sure to check your tire pressure on every trip. Could save you a blowout down the road.

 

[rndn]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

Thanks for the reminder

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

i totally agree, everytime you run a tire low, you are damaging it. trailer tire only on trailers.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

Here is an update: I just drove 160 miles on new wheel bearings, races and seals. Also made sure the tires were inflated to 80 psi COLD! After 3 and one half hours of driving, the cast iron wheel hubs were cool to the touch, and the tires were warm, but not even close to hot. After sitting about 10 minutes, the tires were cool.

I can't stress enough running the tires at their max pressure when towing your boat. It lowers rolling resistance, and prevents heat buildup from side wall flexing in an under inflated tire. Heat buildup is the #1 cause of blowouts (read that somewhere).

I was towing the boat with my Town Car with high slip/locking torque converter and 3:55 rear with posi ( the posi pulls the boat up even wet slippery ramps) and 255 x 17 tires all around. Makes for a nice class II tow vehicle. Put the car tires up to 45psi each, (max is 55 at 1100lbs each) so 45 was much more than needed. Made the car ride harsh (usually run 35psi) but the overall MPG by the onboard computer said 15.4 mpg (I was towing the new Bayliner 1600) . Just for reference, the MFG 14 foot runabout weighs about 300 lbs less (boat/motor/trailer) and that got 17mpg. But the Bayliner also has a much higher profile, so wind resistance is more. I did not exceede 60 mph on flats, and did about 50 - 55 uphill and 65 downhill.

Just some info for you guys getting into boating. It pays to keep a log of how your rig performs. Just a little 3x5 note book in the glovebox is all it takes. Then you know when things change for the better or worse....

Here is the Town Car hooked up to the MFG...

Here you can see the Bayliner is much higher profile with much more wind resistance.

The MFG clears the garage door with a couple of feet to spare, the Bayliner clears the door with about 3/4".


Mark.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

Absolutely right with the tire pressures. I check them every time i tow even if it is only one day apart. I even re-check half way through a longer journey after a rest stop for food and bathroom break.
Check the bearing and tire temperatures as soon as we stop and the pressures when all has cooled down again. Bearings have always run very cool, tires warm but not hot.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

Wow.....80 psi in a tire? That must provide a ride just one step up from a hard rubber wheelbarrow tire.

Good point about regularly checking tire inflation on both the trailer and tow vehicle. I’m guilty since I’ve not done so since back in March. :redface:
Wish I could get anywhere near your tow mileage. Lucky to get into double digits most outings

 

[rndn]

Re: Why its important to check the tire pressure every time out.

After reading this I checked both tires and I was 7 psi low.