trailer tire pressure

[Bird]

Different but the same, some time ago I put e rated tires on my 1/2 ton Tahoe. Doors sticker said 35 psi , side wall said 80 psi. Over the years I settled at 50-60 psi. Trucks gone now.

I'd pump them up to 50 psi, than run over to a tire shop and ask.

General Motors did that on at least some of their 3/4 ton SUVs way back in the early '90s; put OEM Uniroyal tires on that were rated for 80 psi and a door sticker that called for much less (I've forgotten exactly what pressure). We were able to warranty some that had bubbles on them (tread separation). I don't know what they'd say now, but I know B. F. Goodrich in the early '90s said to never run a tire at less than 80% of the maximum shown on the sidewall. In other words, with a tire showing 80 psi, never run less than 64 psi.

Of course, you also have to be careful when putting higher load range tires with higher pressure on wheels made for lower pressure. I've actually seen a wheel split when a tire was running at 50 psi on a half ton Chevy pickup that was not intended for those tires and pressure.

 

[nap61]

Thanks for all the replies.
I could not find the pressure recommendation on the sidewall. There was a lot of information- max load(990lb),load range "C", make(Load Star),etc. I finally found a sticker on the trailer that indicated 90psi. That sounds high. I knew smaller tires carry higher pressures (before I saw the sticker) so I put 42psi in and loaded my lawnmower. There was no "squatting" or deflection and the tire looked normal and felt solid. I guess I will go to a tire dealer for more information.

Norman

 

[Bird]

Norman, I'd say your max pressure should be 90 psi (according to their website), so you can do what you want, but I'd never run them at less than 72 psi if it were my trailer.

Trailer Tire 4.80x12 Bias Ply 12 in Load Range C 990lb by Loadstar

 

[nap61]

Bird,
Thanks for the site. That seems to be the same as the tires on my trailer. I am not one to ask for advise then ignore reasonable replies. I have great respect for the opinions of most of the TBN members; particularly those such as you who have experience in various fields.
Thanks again to all who replied.

Norman

 

[oldballs]

If I had to guess vs seeing it on the sidewall, I go with 30 psi max.

What was I thinkin'?( 30 psi max)...Glad somebody caught that! Must of had garden carts on my mind.:confused2: