More tire questions Load E tires

[2vets]

We have a 1960 single axle Tradewind that we decided to change out our Carlisle 15 inch Load D tires that were pushing 5 years old. The local tire shop accidently ordered Load E tires. We have rims from VTS that are rated for 2600 pounds @ 75 psi. These load E tires have a max capacity of 2830 pounds at 80 psi. We are leaving on a trip on Friday and will not be able to order load D tires in time. Are we okay with the load E tires? Can we run them at 75 psi? Thanks in advance for any help or input!

[r carl]

I would think you could run them at 65psi if you wanted.

[dbj216]

I just put E rated trailer tires on my son's 69 Globetrotter. The dealer said 65 psi was no problem. That's where I set them.

My Ford F350 has E rated light truck tires. The plate on the door jam says run the fronts at 65 and the rears at 80.

Watch your tire temps on these very hot days. They should feel warm (120 deg), but not hot to the touch (150 deg) when you make a pit stop.

David

[Kyle401]

I run 55 psi in the load range E 16" LT tires that I have on my Overlander. I experimented with different pressures when I switched to LT tires and 55 psi seems to have even wear and a smoother ride. The Overlander originally had load range C bias ply 15" tires with a 50 psi rating.

[arktos55343]

Glad to hear this. I actually made a mistake ordering Es for my '72 Trade Wind. Heard that they would shake the heck out her. But if I can run them at a lower pressure for a while, that will be ok.

[2vets]

According to the carlisle website, underinflating tires is the cause for most blow outs..which with a single axle trailer is our biggest nightmare. However I think having a higher psi will beat the h@@ out of the trailer. Thank you Kyle and DBJ16 for your insights!

[CapriRacer]

Just a thought:

The spring rate of a tire is pretty much dictated by the inflation pressure - and it is pretty linear.

So an increase from 65 psi to 80 psi is only a 25% increase. I'm thinking higher inflation pressures aren't as much of a trailer beater-upper as has been portrayed.

[HowieE]

Putting load range E tires on your trailer is NOT A MISTAKE. They will far outlast the lighter tire.

If you know the weight of your trailer while loaded for a trip go to this site and figure the correct tire pressure for your rig. Disregard the fact that the chart is Goodyear as all tires of a given size are spected to the same standards by the DOT. You can always use a tire with a higher rating.

http://www.goodyearrvtires.com/pdfs/rv_inflation.pdf