Tire Pressure

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Feb 28, 2007 | 10:28 AM

christcorp

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Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 194

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From: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Tire Pressure

I accidentally posted this in the wrong forum, so I'm reposting here. Maybe you all can help.

I am totally confused with my tires. I am running Michelin LT235/85 R16. The tires themselves say if running single or dual, pressure 80PSI. I would have thought that this is the MAX.

Yet, on the sticker in the door jam, it says FRONT 55 and REAR 80. Do they really want me running the rears at 80psi.

I will give up on comfort for the BEST gas mileage and longest life of the tires. Trying to figure out the proper balance here. Here are the stats on the truck. Any suggestions? Thx... Mike.....

1994 FORD F250
Standard Cab
7.5l 460 engine
Limited Slip Differential
4 speed E4OD auto
55,500 original miles. (Just bought it)
Michelin LT235/85R16

Thanks again. Later.... Mike....

Feb 28, 2007 | 11:03 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Yes, that's the maximum tire pressure for a full load. You don't need that if you drive it around empty most of the time, 35-50psi should be just fine. Over inflated is just as bad as under inflated, it will result in uneven tire wear and decreased traction.

Feb 28, 2007 | 11:54 AM

RexB

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Joined: Jun 2002

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I run 52psi on P285/70R16's. Fill 'em up to the rec'd 65psi when I take on a 1 ton or more load in the back.

52psi makes for a softer ride and don't see any difference in the gas mileage though suppose there is, like 1/10th of a mpg or something.

(The biggest mpg difference for me was trading all-season treads for knobbier traction tires [not mudders]; lost 1 mpg.)

Feb 28, 2007 | 03:00 PM

christcorp

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 194

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From: Cheyenne, Wyoming

So, if the tires only show max of 80psi and the door jam sticker says 55 front and 80 rear, would it be safe to just do 55psi on all 4 unless I'm carrying a load?

Like I said, I want to make the tires last, they are relatively new. I also don't want to lose any significant mileage. The ride is third on my priority. Thx,,, Mike,,,,

Feb 28, 2007 | 03:10 PM

arctic y block

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 14,325

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From: Island Southeast Alaska

I run 35 empty all the way around and 50 if loaded. I only run 70 in the Log Truck. The harder the tire the easier a rock can go through them.

Feb 28, 2007 | 04:18 PM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,585

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

get a large piece of chalk, and rub it over the full width of a tire. then drive the truck forward and back a few times. look at the chalk. adjust the air pressure till you wear all the chalk off.

on my 88 diesel, i have to run 65 lbs in the front for full contact, but only 25 lbs in the rear when empty.