Bambi 19 tire upgrade

[Ruscal]

Wow Bill! You really get around. Thanks for the link to your work. I enjoyed traveling via your shots.
Russ

[TCwheels]

Originally Posted by WKPwildlife

Hi Russ,

I called Michelin help line (1-866-866-6605) to ask about correct tire pressures for a 4,500 lb AS. He told me that the info wasn’t on their website so he listed it for me:

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 225/75R16 115R tires:

50 psi = 1,940 lbs

55 psi = 2,060 lbs

60 psi = 2,190 lbs

63 psi = 2,250 lbs

65 psi = 2,335 lbs

70 psi = 2,440 lbs (2,250 lbs)(110%) = 2,475 lbs

75 psi = 2,560 lbs

80 psi = 2,680 lbs

These are minimum recommended pressures. He suggested using the max pressure (not very helpful). I’ve decided to start with 110% of the minimum (63 psi for 2,250 lbs) for each tire: 70 psi. I haven’t given these tires a rigorous test yet.

Bill

I chose 72 psi with exactly the same tires (on FC20) and have run about 12k miles on that combination/pressure. Ride does not bounce the AS around nor is it squirrelly. Tire temps are not elevated.

[Ruscal]

TC,
Thanks for that report. At 72 PSI you have almost 500 pounds of reserve capacity per tire, and enough air to subdue sway. Mine show virtually no sidewall pucker at 75 PSI. If the ride quality is good at these high pressures we can benefit from the low rolling resistance and not shake the trailer apart. Always nice to save on the pop rivet budget!
Russ