[VAC] Re: Tire & Tire Pressure Questions

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Andy,
  If an owner sets his tire pressure for the LOAD APPLIED, not the max 
rating on the sidewall, he should be OK. The problem arises when someone 
takes that "max pressure" on the sidewall as "recommended pressure".

All tire manufacturers have load/inflation charts that you should go by. 
Knowing the weight of the trailer, divide by either 4 or 2 as appropiate 
to find the load/tire. Then, set the pressure accordingly.

If you do frequent temperature checks while travelling, you'll soon know 
if the pressure is very much too low, as the tires will get quite warm. 
Normally, they'll not go much above 20 degrees above ambient 
temperature. Too-high inflation pressures will shake the trailer to 
pieces, loosening rivets and screws, etc.

FWIW: I run load range 'D' tires on a 6000# trailer and set the pressure 
at 45-48 PSI cold. They run very cool, and could probably be set a bit 
lower in pressure. It's important to remember that the tire is part of 
the suspension system in a trailer or automotive application.

                                  <<Jim>>