Tire pressures

Shaners · August 21, 2001

I'm running 55 psi in all four tires. I carry a couple hundred pound cap and about 75 lbs of tool and other assorted junk in the back almost all the time.

I was thinking of putting the rears up to 65 lbs this weekend when I haul my trailer/bycicles/firewood etc...

The tounge weight is 900 lbs plus the cap and wood etc... will bring me close to 1400 or 1500 lbs on the rears. Is that enough air?

Max GVW is @ 80 psi and something like 3200lbs of payload.

August 21, 2001

I think 65-70 would be about right for that load. Try is and see how it handles. If you see a lot of sidewall flex or feel the back end wander a little while weaving, put more air in.

Pastmaster · August 22, 2001

The psi rating is for the best stock ride, for the best mileage I usually run about 5psi over that. Check em cold though,

BIG BLUE · August 22, 2001

Shaners,

Since your tires are rated at 80 psi max, I would also air up the fronts to equal rears (65-75psi or whatever you find best). Remember even with a weight distr. hitch you still will have some downforce that will "lighten the load" up front. Also, the 2 front tires are now steering and braking for the truck and the 8K lb trailer behind you. I'm of the opinion that in a panic stop or quick steer, the stiffer tire (more air) will help keep the contact patch on the pavement where you need it and will have less of a tendency to be mushy.

In theory you should be able to ride 80 all the way around with no problem, but it will be very stiff. I've towed a few times with a 1 ton SRW and ran 75psi all the way around. You'll know if there "too stiff" and can adjust from there. Again, IMHO I think the fronts should get some air too.

My thoughts,

BIG BLUE

(Edited by BIG BLUE at 8:37 pm on Aug. 21, 2001)

Shaners · August 22, 2001

Thanks guys, I'll air them up a bit. I can let air out easier than put it in when I'm heading down the road. I'm thinking of going to 65 psi all the way around... and then putting it back at 55 psi when I get home.

Steve Cornell · August 22, 2001

I pull a 15500lb trailer with about 2600lbs of tounge weight (gooseneck) and I run 80psi in the rear and 70psi in the front, the truck handles great and the tires don't hardly get warm, I drop the pressure to about 45psi when I'm running empty.

pictures of my truck and trailer are at http://www.rtol.net/scornell/silverado.htm

Shaners · August 22, 2001

Nice Website Steve. Where did you get the Westins from? I had them on my excab and will be getting them for my crewcab soon. Just like everyone I'll be shopping price since I know the quality is built in!!!

Steve Cornell · August 22, 2001

Shaners,

I bought them locally for ?, the problem with the CC step bars is that they are to long to ship by UPS and they have to be shippen via freight truck and the shipping is high if you order them.

I am getting ready to remove the bars from my truck and go with something that offers better protection from flying rocks, mine look like new and I'll take ? for them but we have to figure out how to ship them, if your interested I can probaly ship them from work for a good price.

Steve

BIG BLUE · August 22, 2001

Steve,

Like Shaners said nice job on the web site. I was checking out your truck/trailer and that is one hellava set-up you have. I bet you notice quite a difference hauling that gooseneck with the CCab vs. the X-Cab and "pull type" trailer. I also like the step bars and those mirrors look very nice on your truck too!

Regards,

BIG BLUE

MountaineerTom · August 22, 2001

That trailer set-up is awesome. Well, all of it is: truck, trailer, and Impala.

Steve Cornell · August 22, 2001

Thanks for the comments guys!

glad you enjoyed my web site.

August 22, 2001

Nice website

Awesome rig!

I'd love to have a trailer like that, and if I ever do, I hope the back is full of mud from my IMCA Modified (which I also hope to have one day)!!

VegasDude · August 22, 2001

Steve's site was the first I had found before buying my 2500 hd. Steve was kind enough to answer some questions on gas mileage and such, which made up my mind for me to buy the truck. Of course as good as his truck looked that also convinced me as well. Thanks Steve for your help...............I love my HD.................btw if you look in photo's and go back a couple of pages you will see my pics...............

DigUout · August 23, 2001

When I tow a 6 place snowmobile trailer, (approx 5,000lbs) I air it up to 70PSI, all around. Around town unloaded, 55PSI, all around-

I've seen Steve's sight before, very nice-

Pick-Up Man · October 12, 2001

Hi guys, I think I posted a similar question in another forum, but I'll post my question here also.

I have a 2001 1500HD Crew Cab 4x4, and the tires came with 40 psi from the factory. (The specs say 80 psi max) I don't have more than a couple hundred pounds in the bed from my top and cargo box. Should I keep them at 40 psi for regular city/highway driving unloaded? Or should I put more air in?

Thanks,

:notice: