air pressure

Read PapPappy's post again. Fill the tires to the max as posted on the sidewall BUT, make sure you also read about the weight capacity of each.

I purchased a brand new Starcraft hybrid a few years back and aired the tires to the max. After a failed tire I noticed that the weight rating of the tires was just a couple of hundred pounds over the actual weight of the trailer. I weighed it at a scale to be sure. Carlisle replaced all 5 of my tires but it took some serious convincing for them to come around.

Thank you all. I'm embarrassed to say I missed the label on the side of the rig.

ST tires should be inflated to MAX pressure regardless of the load. They're not like passenger car tires which are designed to flex and provide a soft ride. I's important to keep the sidewalls as rigid as possible (max pressure) to prevent heat build up.

If you want to run 35 psi get Load Range B tires (but they probably won't carry the load), don't run Load Range C tires at a lower pressure.

-- Chuck

Chuck_S wrote:
ST (special trailer) tires should be inflated to the maximum pressure noted on the sidewall. This data is on EVERY tire sold in North America including those on your car or truck.

The most common ST tires are "Load Range C" which REQUIRE 50psi. Not 35, not 40, but 50psi. "Seems just right" to me. :) LR D tires, such on the U-haul I rented last weekend REQUIRE 65psi. Right there on the sidewall.

Read those sidewalls again!
Max pressure is only REQUIRED if the tire is carrying its maximum rated load.
If the load is significantly less than the max, then lower pressures are OK.
Here is Goodyear's tire load/inflation chart specifically listing pressures required for various loads on ST tires.

ST (special trailer) tires should be inflated to the maximum pressure noted on the sidewall. This data is on EVERY tire sold in North America including those on your car or truck.

The most common ST tires are "Load Range C" which REQUIRE 50psi. Not 35, not 40, but 50psi. "Seems just right" to me. :) LR D tires, such on the U-haul I rented last weekend REQUIRE 65psi. Right there on the sidewall.

Used trailers may be fitted with smaller than proper replacement tires. Check the data plate to see what size should be on the trailer. Should be no problems on a new trailer.

New trailers invariably come with under-inflated tires (and loose lug nuts). Check 'em both before every trip.

-- Chuck

first, it would help if you posted year/model of hybrid or put it in your sig line.
second, there's a sticker/plate on the side of the trailer, with the correct tire pressures for your hybrid.

Not sure about trailer tires, but I would assume that the theory would be the same.....you can weigh the trailer, and then divide that weight by 4, to get the weight per tire.
Then check the tire mfgr's website or look for a chart on Google (I believe Michelin has one) and pressurize the tires to the number listed. Maximum pressure is OK, but if you can get them closer to what they are supposed to be, so much the better.

JFHenne wrote:
Anyone know what air pressure to use in the trailer wheels? My manual says check the tires side and the tire side says check the manual.

Local RV dealer says 50#, which sounds high to me. What's the word from the folks out there?

John

Do you not have a tire pressure label on the front left corner of your trailer?
If your tires are OEM size, the correct pressures will be shown there.
They may well be the max pressures as shown on the tire if the trailer manufacturer used the minimum tire to just get the job done (which is what most of them do).
50psi may be right.

All you need to know about your tires....HERE

The pressure is printed on the tire. Likely 50 pounds is correct.