[VAC] Re: Tire & Tire Pressure Questions

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dave,
  You should get a tire inflation chart from your tire manufacturer, 
although I'd imagine that such charts would be very similar for the 
same-size tire from all manufacturers. I don't believe that you'd 
simply cut the pressure in half because the load is half the maximum 
rating, but you get the idea.

Besides a harder ride, too much pressure will cause the tire to wear in 
the center of the tread and it will have less traction because the tread 
won't lie flat on the road. And, that 'harder ride' will shake your 
trailer unnecessarily.

If you want to see the effect of too much pressure, inflate your car 
tires to, say, 45 or 50 PSI instead of the more-usual 32 or thereabouts. 
Take it for a ride and see how it feels; you won't like it. If you want 
to get real adventuresome, lower the pressure to 20 and go a couple of 
miles. It'll ride better, but the tires will get warmer than they 
should, and if you go very far you run a real risk of a blowout or tread 
delamination.

                                  <<Jim>>