Correct Tire Pressure on Tow Vehicle

[Jim Pona]

Greetings All,

I am looking for guidance on the proper tire pressure for our truck when pulling a 2007 Safari SS SE. (The trailer has a GWVR of 7,300 lbs and I inflate its tires to 65 lbs.)

The weight of the truck (an '07 F150 5.4 L) is about 6,700 lbs including truck, passengers, cargo, and weight on the hitch. The maximum allowable pressure shown on the walls of the truck's P235/70R17 BF Goodrich tires is 50 lbs. So the question is, what is the proper tire pressure to get the best safety, handling, and tire longevity. Appreciate any insight!

Jim

[noreen&sal]

50 Lbs. Sal.

[FreshAir]

My tire installer says never exceed the max tire pressure. If you are using a WDH correctly the trailer tongue weight will be evenly distributed front and back on your TV. I check the tires temperature after a 'few miles and if say the rear tires are are appreciably warmer than the front tires I will redistribute the 'load' in the trailer. If not I'll increase the TV rear tires 5 lbs without exceeding the max pressure.
Neil

[jcanavera]

I have E rated tires on my 3/4 van and full load inflation recommendations from GM are 55 psi. front and 80 in the rears. Since the higher pressure on the rear tires is directly related to load that the van carries, you adjust according to that weight load and the load capacity of those tires. In my specific case I'll normally will carry about 75 psi on the rears. My Classic adds about 600 lbs or so of weight to the rear axle.

Jack

[lahrfarm]

If you are running OEM or equivalent tires, and not exceeding tow capacities, including tongue weight, the auto maker of your TV has the proper pressure posted on a tag in drivers door. The pressure marked on tire is the maximum the tire can be at, however the tires are also marked with load limits for that tire on any truck, which does relate to what your towing and should be at a minimum OEM or more. If you increase your tires rating, it is not likely that you need to inflate to max. tire shops know very little, dealer may be better if you want to get exact for your tires.