I think I read somewhere these trucks are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Does this system give you actual numbers as to what the tire pressures are, or only tell you when a tire is too low?

 

Pressure low, no numbers.

 

Only a dummy light in the instrument cluster.
You'll have to use your own guage to figure out which tire(s).

 

Are duallies equipped with the TPMS?

 

No.

And by law these units 10000# and over don't need them.
But, they have them...

 

Well that sucks that they don't present the values. I wonder why they didn't. The values are know by the system. Found it pretty handy on my Vette.

 

Does any body out there know ware or how I can explane to a ford dealer how to lower T M P S presure numbers so I can have a low tire presure when not loaded or towing??? the training in the book dose not let you lower the numbers.

 

That's disappointing it doesnt show values. My friends Duramax does and I thought that was pretty cool.

 

any aftermarket product can show the values? Need it for my duallies.

 

As you are aware, the F-350's and up do not have the monitor system on trucks with dual wheels.

I remember the salesman telling me my tires were A OK when I took delivery of my 2008 KR F-350. I drove home, checked air pressure and had 50 psi all the way around.

This time, the truck I will pick up on Tuesday is a F-250 and I told the salesman to make sure I have 65 psi all the way around, he said that is what is in the tires. He was so surprised when I pulled out my long pressure gauge and said, LOOK, this appears to be 62 psi. He said it was only one tire. Checked the other front tire and it too was 62 psi. I will check again when I take delivery.

I never had the pressure check idiot light. I believe this will help as I check tires often as it is almost impossible to eye ball radial tires for low airpressure.

 

First, the difference between a 62 and a 65 psi reading could just be the difference between the pressure gauge that you are using and the one that the dealership is using.

The dealership has the ability to lower the set-point on the TPMS system! Will they do it???? Some will and some will not. The first dealer that I spoke with wanted almost $100 to do it. I called another dealer and they charged $35 to do it. I went there and when I got there, they were somewhat reluctant to do it, but I explained my reason for wanting it lowered and they did it. I have a F250, so all four tires/wheels run the same pressure........65 psi. I had him lower the alarm set-point to 55 psi and theoretically, they should not alarm until it is approx. 20% under that number. When I got home from the dealer, I let the tires cool off to ambient temp and then put 56 psi in all four tires. Keep in mind that my 56 might be a little different that someone else's 56 psi because of gauge difference. Bottom line is that the truck rides a lot better empty. I will continue to keep an eye on the tire wear, but since I am not driving the truck on a daily basis, it will be a while before the miles start piling up.

 

You are correct that each gauge is somewhat different and that is why I always carry two. I'll recheck after I bring home the 2011. I have had 5 new SD type Fords in the last ten years. I still remember the 90's or 80's I forget where Ford had the killer tire problems with the tire vendor. Each blamed the other. I have not looked recently but to this day, the psi is shown different from the door column to the tire. Same crap, he did it, no, she did it and so on.

But, while you experience a somewhat smoother ride, you will also consume more fuel, and if you have a diesel, more UREA. My solution is to leave the psi at spec. and to add weight to soften the ride.

I probably have had 15 or more Ford trucks in my life. Put some weight in the bed and your ride will approach a Chebbie or Jimmy. I'm happy with the ride in my F-350 and I would keep it till it dies, but the mpg I get is atrocious. That is another story. In three days I get the "WHITE KNIGHT"! Already named and I am ready to write about the tri-metallic white. My copper F-350 was a beautiful truck, and still is.