My mechanic always airs the tires up to the door specs, but I always run AT tires which seem to perform better at slightly lower PSI from what I hear. I just ordered good year duratracs 285/75/16 and I want to know what PSI I should tell my mechanic to go with. I rarely haul or tow and when I do its summer, not winter. I'll either be driving on highway or off-road. I would like the tires optimized for snow traction without sacrificing MPG if possible. Is there some sort of guideline since the tires usually have a pretty large range in recommended PSI values?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

I have the Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO's in this exact size on my '03. I run mine at 65 psi. Any less and the truck feels sluggish and is hard to steer, any more and it rides like a lumber cart. I have had my tires for almost 2 years and have 30,000 on them. This weekend I had the oil changed and alighment checked. They said I still have 50% left on the tread and good to go for this winter.

 

To be more specific: 2003 F-250 four door, 4x4, short bed, 5.4

 

If you're loaded down or towing, it's usually better to air them up to the max.

If you're driving around empty most of the time, you can do the chalk test. Take some sidewalk chalk and draw a line across the tread of the tire. Drive the truck so the tires make a few revolutions. If the chalk wears out from the middle but not the edges, it's over-inflated. If the chalk wears out around the edges but not the middle, it's under-inflated. If the chalk wears evenly across the tread, it's just right.

For example, my tires are rated for a max of 55 psi according to the sidewall (load range D 325/60r20's). When empty I run 50 psi in the front, and 45 psi in the rear. That keeps my tires wearing evenly when driving around without a load. Your tires will vary.

 

Excellent idea Pocket. I had just adjusted mine for ride comfort and never considered tire wear. I'll be in the driveway tomorrow with the kids chaulk