Tire pressure confusion

roadrat57 wrote:
The numbers on the vehicle chart show GAVW 7000 front and GAVW 13500 rear. Goodyear bold numbers show 95 psi with front 4080-3970 pounds. ??

With a front axle load weight of 7000, 3500 per tire is probably not an accurate weight for each tire. Depending on rig and loading it could be for example 4000 pounds on one side and 3000 pounds on the other. This is why individual tire load weight is important if you can get it.

Also ALL tires on the same axle need to be at the same pressure. Inflate both to the pressure required for the heavier load.

Somewhat over inflated is better (safer) than under inflated. I had a Michelin rep tell us that a tire run 10 pounds under inflated for any distance should be considered to have been run flat.

Check tread depth across the width of the tires once in while. More tread wear in the centre the tire shows over inflation. Faster wear on BOTH edges indicates under inflation and wear only on one side of a tire indicates a possible alignment problem. There are other tread wear conditions that can show other problems; get the tires inspected by a knowledgeable tire expert.

On a similar theme, we were advised to over inflate the tires of the tow car when towing (at least for long trips) to minimise outer edge tread wear on the front tires caused by side slip while cornering.

We tow for at least 11,000 kilometers per year.

Note finally that once a wear pattern starts it cannot be reversed. Proper inflation and tire rotation can halt the uneven wear but will not reverse it.