Tire Pressure for Safe Trailering

What really is the correct tire pressure???

Talk about a loaded (and yes, pun intended!) and confusing question!

That question can get you quite the variety of answers. It is stamped on the tire. It is located on the data plate of the vehicle. It is in the owner’s manual. And everyone you talk to is an expert – they know someone that used to know a person who heard of a person that knew a tire expert who had the correct answer.

The answer to this mystery is so simple that most folks won’t believe it!

Correct air pressure is however much, or however little, it takes to achieve even tread wear.  Yes, it’s that simple. Think about it – if you are achieving “even” tread wear, your tires will run cooler, last longer, ride more comfortably and be much more efficient on fuel consumption than if they are under/over-inflated.

The first step is to make sure you have the correct weight rated tires on your vehicle. The load carrying capacity will be stamped on the tire. Multiply that by the number of tires on the vehicle and be certain that it equals or exceeds the GVWR of the trailer.

To check how the tires are:

• Load the trailer completely.
• Inflate tires to recommended pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire.
• Inspect the tire for bagging or bulging. If none, proceed to next step.
• Take it for a test drive. Drive it several miles and check for heat in the tires. If it is uncomfortable to the touch, they are underinflated. Heat is the worst enemy of a tire! Heat causes 99% of ALL blowout.
• Check the wear pattern. After you run several hundred miles, check to see the wear pattern. If there is more wear in the center of the tread, it is over-inflated. If both edges of the tread are wearing more than the center, it is under-inflated.

Our goal is for you to NEVER have a blowout! You can always call us to ask any other questions or if you need any advice on tires.

Happy Trails!

~DON