I just bought a 2016 Transit 250 and the tire pressures on the door sill say 49psi in the front and 71 in the rear. I drive it empty mostly and very light loads, maybe 300 lbs, at times. Should I leave them at recommended levels or could I lower the pressure for a better ride? Max tire pressure rating on the tire is 80PSI.
The tire is Hankook Dynapro HT 235/65R16C.

 

If you read the door label carefully, the psi is spec'd for maximum load capacity.......the best way is to mic the tread thickness across the surface of each tire.....then based upon wear pattern decrease/increase psi to get a flat-across the board pattern......my swag for running yours empty, I would start at 49 psi all the way around and see how that does....you'll know in 1000 miles the wear pattern. On my Mark LT, I run 35 (F)/34 (R).

 

When I checked the pressure, the fronts were at 77 and the backs were 49. I think the dealer rotated them before I bought it and never adjusted the pressures. I put them both at 49 and it rides a lot smoother. Thanks for the input.

 

Before I changed the pressure I reset the TPMS according to the manual to relearn the new pressures. Now I get a low tire pressure warning light. My guess is that I have to set the pressures according to the sticker on the door, or live with the light and smoother ride. I am going to see if the dealer will deprogram the sensor completely or lower the pressure standards.

 

Dealer won't do it, safety issue.