PSI question

blackberg

Seaman
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Jan 1, 2011
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So I have a pontoon with a single axle trailer.

I just got some 10ply E-rated tires, I went with the E's over D's because I wanted 10-plys. And it seems the C rated will have covered the load rating as well.

The E's are rated at 90 PSI, I am concerned that going that high the trailer will be bouncing too much, whats the ideal PSI to go with?

thanks
-bb
 

Home Cookin'

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9,715
Re: PSI question

there was a very interesting discussion about this recently, with lots of expert (or at least, expert-sounding) advice. The bottom line, is to go with the recommended PSI and not try to manipulate it--it has to do with the tire's construction and ability to deal with sway, something that doesn't affect a car's tires as much. IOW you don't want them soft and rolling over sideways.

Apparently, many trailer tires require high PSI. I dragged mine out of storage and was surprised to find my made-for-trailer tires require 35, same as a car.

One problem is that the typical gas station air pump won't get up to 90.

Also there was discussion that because a trailer tire is smaller than a car's tires, it gets hotter due to more revolutions, but I'm not sure I buy that one, except maybe for the real small tires.
 

rbh

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Re: PSI question

Follow the load ratings, if the 90 psi is for 4200 pounds (max +-) lets say, back it off to say 75 psi and see how it rides.

(I think if your down 15psi your not underinflated, just under utilized????)
 

blackberg

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Re: PSI question

well each tire is rated for 1675#
my dry weight from the specs on the boat is 1100#
I want to get to a scale to get the actual weight but I guess it would be around a ton loaded.
I wanted the E's since I have 10" inch tires on a single axle and wanted a bit of additional security
-bb
 

rbh

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Re: PSI question

well each tire is rated for 1675#
my dry weight from the specs on the boat is 1100#
I want to get to a scale to get the actual weight but I guess it would be around a ton loaded.
I wanted the E's since I have 10" inch tires on a single axle and wanted a bit of additional security
-bb

YUP, so you take the boat, the fuel the toys, the bevrages and the trailer weight add it all together and you should be almost to the point were the GVW of the tires is maxed out.
But what is your trailer/axle rated for???
 

wbc1957

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Apr 26, 2010
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261
Re: PSI question

Where are the guys who state to run all trailer tires at MAX inflation rating shown on the side of the tire?
 

wifisher

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Mar 9, 2011
Messages
578
Re: PSI question

Why not just put 90 in them and go for a ride. if it is bouncing too much, stop and let a little air out.

I always inflate to sidewall marking. That way when I forget to check the pressure for a year or two, there is still enough in it.
 

sw33ttooth

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Apr 24, 2011
Messages
498
Re: PSI question

i just filled one of these tires today on a f 450 garbage truck theres a differce between 75 and 90. i dont think your going to get any more bounce at 90, in fact i think putting 75 in there they will heat up and blow. the thing i dont like is its a single axle trailer thats a lot of wieght and can be distributed badly. mind me asking just how long this pontoon is? 1100 lbs dry seems light to me.
 

90stingray

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1,162
Re: PSI question

Thats awesome that you are able to fit load E's on your trailer. What size are the tires?

I think a lower pressure will have bounce to it. But i suppose if they are aired until the are like rocks, then it might want to hop around. I have load C radials and they just have more sponge to the sidewall... just how radials are made. I run them at MAX 50psi :) But i am prolly close to max load too...
 

blackberg

Seaman
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Jan 1, 2011
Messages
66
Re: PSI question

they are 20.5 x 8-10
on a 10" wheel
the shop even had F rated, but figured E's where over spec already.
Its a 20ft, aluminum pontoons are relatively light,
-bb
 

bigdee

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Jul 27, 2006
Messages
2,667
Re: PSI question

What is all the concern about bouncing trailers? Without shocks they going to bounce regardless of tire pressure but who cares about the ride, your not hauling people!
 

blackberg

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Messages
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Re: PSI question

my pontoon is either welded, screwed, or bolted, bouncing for 4 hours one way I think can put uneeded stress on everything.
-bb
 

bigdee

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Re: PSI question

my pontoon is either welded, screwed, or bolted, bouncing for 4 hours one way I think can put uneeded stress on everything.
-bb

Do have bad roads? On normal roads I wouldn't think it would shake your boat any worse than being in choppy water.
 

NYBo

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Re: PSI question

Be sure to change the valve stems to metal ones if you don't have them already. Rubber stems aren't rated for that much pressure. The rims also have to be up to the task.

Where are the guys who state to run all trailer tires at MAX inflation rating shown on the side of the tire?

popcorn.gif
 

wifisher

Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 9, 2011
Messages
578
Re: PSI question

i just filled one of these tires today on a f 450 garbage truck theres a differce between 75 and 90. i dont think your going to get any more bounce at 90, in fact i think putting 75 in there they will heat up and blow. the thing i dont like is its a single axle trailer thats a lot of wieght and can be distributed badly. mind me asking just how long this pontoon is? 1100 lbs dry seems light to me.

10" wheels on a f-450?

Must be a low-rider.
 

wbc1957

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 26, 2010
Messages
261
Re: PSI question

Be sure to change the valve stems to metal ones if you don't have them already. Rubber stems aren't rated for that much pressure. The rims also have to be up to the task.



popcorn.gif

It ain't worth the issue anymore. Heck, most people don't read owners manuals, assembly instructions, or insurance policies. Inflation is just another of these subjects. People will do what they do no matter the facts.
 

blackberg

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Jan 1, 2011
Messages
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Re: PSI question

It ain't worth the issue anymore. Heck, most people don't read owners manuals, assembly instructions, or insurance policies. Inflation is just another of these subjects. People will do what they do no matter the facts.
thats why I am asking
if I had instructions or a manual for a 20 year old trailer I wouldnt be here

Why do people butt in just to increase their post count....

And I do have metal stems.

-bb
 

Mi duckdown

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Apr 14, 2007
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2,575
Re: PSI question

tires will state on the sidewalls. max pressure at So many pounds of weight. that does not mean fill the tire to max. if the weight is not that much. you can lower the tire pressure. there is a max and low for the pressure..
Squirt water on the treads and drive away. you will see your tread pattern. thin/too much air.
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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9,838
Re: PSI question

this gets old.... it's once a week with this SAME debate.... contact the manufacturer of your tire and ask THEM.... Fact is that you need to inflate a trailer tire to the max number on the sidewall... If your tire is too hard and the pressure is too high then you chose the WRONG tire for your trailer.... deflating a 10 ply tire to try to make it ride as soft as 4 ply tire that runs at lower pressure is a bad idea and a good way to get a blowout.... these heavy tires are not made to flex as much as a lighter tire.
 

bigdee

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Re: PSI question

tires will state on the sidewalls. max pressure at So many pounds of weight. that does not mean fill the tire to max. if the weight is not that much. you can lower the tire pressure. there is a max and low for the pressure..
Squirt water on the treads and drive away. you will see your tread pattern. thin/too much air.

WRONG......too much air cause wear on outside edges. Check this link to see what manufaturer has to say..... www.carlisletire.com/product_care/trailer_tire_service_guide.pdf
 
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