Towing performance

[Nicknbarb]

Ford f-150 towing a 2007 Safari - anyone know about towing performance. We just replaced our factory installed Goodyear Wrangler (44,000 miles) tires with Goodyear Wrangler with a load rating of E. New tires hv a pressure range of 60-80psi but at 60psi there is a considerable lack of control when towing now. Not only can I feel the wind push and vacuum of semis but also regular cars. Lowered the psi to 50 in the rear and 45 in the front, however i do not want to underinflate $1000 tires even though handling is much improved it is still not as good as the previous light duty tires.
Are load rated E tires too stiff of a tire for my light duty truck's suspension even while towing my trailer? Anyone else experience the same issue? Thanks.

[AWCHIEF]

What motor, transmission, rear end gearing, suspension option, weight distribution system?

[dkottum]

What size tires were the originals and what size are the replacements?

Usually a stiffer sidewall would be more stable, but if that sidewall is much taller than the original it may be flexing, moving around with the bow wave of vehicles passing. Increased pressure should stiffen it with less sideways flex.

You can do a simple test that doesn't mean much, but may show if your tires are flexing sideways. Just push on the side of the truck bed near the back and try to rock it sideways. Watch to see if the tire is flexing. Add air and try it again.

[xrvr]

60 psi in the rear would be the minimum. Does the door placard have max and min tire pressures. My dodge does and it is very helpful? I would try max pressure front and rear and adjust from there. Your wheels should be able to handle the additional pressure. You didn't say what size tires you put on. Are the the original size with a higher rating? I wouldn't think pressures would have to be that much dif unless you went from a p rated tire to a commercial e rated truck tire. Did the tire shop give you any advice? Good luck.

[Loden]

Hate to ask this question, but what hitch are you using? Additionally, if the new tires changed the hitch height, that might make a difference.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by dkottum

What size tires were the originals and what size are the replacements?

Usually a stiffer sidewall would be more stable, but if that sidewall is much taller than the original it may be flexing, moving around with the bow wave of vehicles passing. Increased pressure should stiffen it with less sideways flex.

You can do a simple test that doesn't mean much, but may show if your tires are flexing sideways. Just push on the side of the truck bed near the back and try to rock it sideways. Watch to see if the tire is flexing. Add air and try it again.

Loden,

Yep...agree with dkottum. Not enough info. Are the E's the same size as the OEM's? We use E Michelin LT's @ 70psi naked and 75 towing. You should be able to get the proper WD/sway set-up for your E's and get the movement under control.

Bob

[AWCHIEF]

OP has disappeared. Must not of really cared enough to respond back.

[nrgtrakr]

My 99 F250 SuperDuty has Es. They are also supposedly notorious for sloppy steering. But when I keep the tires at 80psi like they're supposed to be, steering slop disappears and it tows really nice.