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EllieThomas's avatar
EllieThomas
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013

Truck Tire Pressure with Stabilizer Bars?

Hi,
I am getting ready to take my trailer from CA. in June to Yellowstone which will be a good 2,000 miles of towing when done.

The trailer got new tires on it yesterday from Les Schwab and I asked them to air up the tires of the truck to the recommended pressure. I don't think they did because the rear tires are at 55.

For the truck/trailer in my sig. ( 2500HD Silverado and 20ft. trailer truck tires LT245/75 )what weight should the tires be to haul my trailer which will be loaded for this trip?

Inside of the door says 55 front and 80 rear. I've gone through the posts and th econfusing thing is the stabilizer bars which will distribute the weight.

I am about to install the TPM system I bought but need your advice on the numbers first since I can't figure it out.

Thank you,
Ellie
Tow Vehicles

16 Replies

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  • CManley's avatar
    CManley
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    Ellie wrote:
    So, why the difference from the front to the back?


    The rear tires are still carrying most of the weight. As I understand it the lower pressure on he front tires provide more of a tire foot print to assist with grip.

    Have a great trip. Its a long tow through Nevada, the scenery picks up once you hit Idaho.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    Keep it simple...don't over think this.
    Air the tires to the max for towing as listed on the door jam.
    Mine...80 rear 55 front so that's what they get. Using a weight distribution hitch should not change this.
    Probably Les just made a mistake.

    When I'm not towing or loaded, I sometimes air them down slightly.
  • CManley's avatar
    CManley
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    Ellie,

    I run my Toyo load range E tires at 80 lbs rear and 70 lbs front. Les Schawb initially advised 65 lbs upfront when towing however it was a little too soft.

    If your tires state Max Load @ 80 lbs I would agree that's were the rear need to be at.
  • EllieThomas's avatar
    EllieThomas
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    So, why the difference from the front to the back? I know that is a pretty dumb question, but I don't understand it. If the bars distribute the weight, then does that make a difference? Both trailer and truck will be loaded for the trip.
  • EllieThomas's avatar
    EllieThomas
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    The max pressure on the side of the tire says something about 3000lbs and 80psi cold.

    LT 245/75 is on the side of the tire. They are 4 years old and have 1,000 miles on them.
  • JN_B's avatar
    JN_B
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    What is the max rating on the tires?

    That is something you will have to adjust after each trip..

    I've got a larger trailer, and I find 65-70psi in the rear is about right, 55 in front. But my tires are good to 80psi.

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