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KRex-Tampa's avatar
KRex-Tampa
Explorer
May 18, 2015

Making Sure I'm Setting My Tire Pressure Correctly

I want to make sure I'm setting the tire pressure correctly on my Fleetwood Storm.

Here are the numbers:
Front GAWR - 7,000 lbs.
Rear GAWR - 12,000 lbs.

Actual Weight Ratings Loaded for a Trip:
Front Axle: 5640 lbs.
Rear Axle: 11500 lbs.

Bridgestone Tires: 245/70R 19.5
Min. Tire Pressure 80 lbs.
Max. Tire Pressure: 110 lbs.

I looked up on the Bridgestone Web site and found the following

At 80 PSI for Single Tire it is showing 3525 lbs.
At 80 PSI for Dual Tires it is showing 3415 lbs.

If I take the front Axle actual weight and divide by two I get 2820 lbs.
based upon the information above, I would set the tire pressure to 80 lbs. cold (or a little more to keep above the 80 lbs min. PSI on the tire).

If I take the rear axle actuals, and divide by 4 I get 2875 lbs.
based upon the information above, I would set the tire pressure to 80 lbs. cold (or a little more to keep above the 80 lbs min. PSI on the tire).

I know that I should weigh each tire individually, but I currently do not have access to a scale to make sure a weighing.

Am I calculating this correctly, so that all tires should be set to between 80 lbs. and 84 lbs. ?
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Your calculations are correct.

    If you feel any one of the tires getting warmer than the others the loading may be asymetrical so try adding 5psi.

    lawrosa wrote:
    IMO put max psi in all tires when towing... keeps heat down period......


    Nothing like a reccomendation that goes against every tire manufacturers recommendation.

    Does too much pressure keep heat down....yes it does, but there are plenty of negatives.

    Too much pressure will reduce tire life from uneven wear, it will reduce traction, it also increases the susceptibility to road hazard, as well as makes the ride worse.

    There are far more reasons not to run max pressure at any load than there are to run max pressure at any load.
  • fcooper's avatar
    fcooper
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Your calculations look correct to me. Based on those numbers, I'd run 80 psi on front and rear tires.

    Did you have all of the occupants on board when you were on the scales? If not, maybe compensate for the additional weight.

    Fred
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    IMO put max psi in all tires when towing... keeps heat down period......

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