RV Tire Safety
with RV tire expert Roger Marble
I have written a number of articles on the advisability of running trailer tires at the inflation molded on the tire sidewall.
Some posts dove deep into the science behind the recommendation. I know this can make your eyes glaze over, so how about just following what Goodyear says in their RV Tires information webpage:
“Unless trying to resolve poor ride quality problems with an RV trailer, it is recommended that trailer tires be inflated to the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. Trailer tires experience significant lateral (side-to-side) loads due to vehicle sway from uneven roads or passing vehicles. Using the inflation pressure engraved on the sidewall will provide optimum load-carrying capacity and minimize heat buildup.” [Emphasis added.]
Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net.
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In the same Goodyear article that is referenced, Goodyear states,”Refer to the appropriate Goodyear load and inflation table and select the inflation pressure for the load that is nearest to, but not less than, the load you measured, by moving up the table to the pressure line. ” I follow the Goodyear inflation table for my G614’s not the max pressure listed on the sidewall.
Two questions. One-my tpms system after a while will show different pressures on the rear duallys inside and outside, higher on the inside by 5 or 6 pounds is this normal. Second-when I replace my tires next time Michelin makes a tire with a higher rating. I though about putting these on the back for peace of mind giving me a little bigger cushion on weight. Would I need to put the same tire on the front or stick with the original rate for a smoother ride. Tires are 245/19.5
Inner duals in RV application get less cooling from air as the tire is more shrouded. Increased temperature translates to increased pressure. You can run different size tires on the front than the rear. If you do this it can make rotation impossible. I have a blog post on how to just buy 2 tires at a time to spread the cost of getting tires over 3 years. http://www.rvtiresafety.net/2015/02/soften-blow-to-your-wallet-when-buying.html
I don’t understand this. My ST tires say on the sidewall “max. load 2830lbs. at max load pressure 80psi.” But my trailer loaded is only max. 2000lbs (1000lb./tire), which is only 35% of the max. load. Why would I want to put 80psi in a tire that is only carrying 35% of the max. load? Rock hard tires like that would jar the crap out of my trailer and contents and I doubt the whole width of the tread would even make sufficient contact with the road. Why would I want to do this???
Tom, small single axle trailers are the exception I suggest you read my blog post on your situation. http://www.rvtiresafety.net/2018/03/how-would-i-set-inflation-on-smaller.html
Thanks a lot, Roger!
does this also apply to LT tires being used on a RV
Yes, any tire in multi-axle trailer application needs to base inflation on actual loading. I have many posts on trailers on my full blog http://www.RVTireSafety.net