On my O3 supercrew the sticker calls for 35 psi for the rear and 30 psi in the front. This seems rather low to me. What does everyone else use? Do I need to increase this pressure when I tow??

 

That does seem Kind of Low. I have the 5.4 and it calls for 35Psi front and back with 17's on it. When I tow I usually increase the rear by 5psi each. Just a suggestion get a digital reader and make sure they are exactly the same when towing, makes it an easier ride and when not towing saves gas.
Ryan

 

I also noticed that on my 03 Screw 4X4 with 16" tires it calls for 35psi rear and 30psi front.

 

I have 285/75/16's on my f150 scab and run 40/40 on the highway and 20/15 when slopping in the dirt[/IMG]

 

Thats 20 for the fronts 15 for the rear....any less in the front and you'll throw tire tire off. At 40lbs on the highway....the ride is a little rough, but better mileage and tire wear

 

I just went around the driveway checking tire pressure today. I'm running 31 in both front and rear. My sticker also says 30/35. I figure the 35 is for when it's loaded. I never have much of a load in mine, and my trailer is a 5x8 #2500 utility trailer.

 

A mechanic I just took my truck to said to run tires at 10% shy of their max inflation. That means I run my BFG All Terrain TA/ko's at 45 psi (max inflation is 50 psi). He said, "a door panel doesn't know what the f*#& kind of tires you're running. Look at the tire and read what it says."

I've searched all over the damn internet trying to find a site that will explain what and why to me...and they all seem to differ enough to make a person wonder.

That's why I don't trust most doctors either...10 different docs...9 different opinions (the last doc consulted his lawyer first).

 

My '01 Scab with P275/60/17 calls for 26/32 psi but I run 30/35 with no problems. 22,000 miles on them with even tread wear.

 

all tire manufactures have what is refered to as "load and inflation tables". these tables show what a specific size with a specific load index (not ply rating) is capable of carrying. for example--bridestone shows for LT265/75r16, load index 112, the tire is capable of a max weight of 1960# at 35psi-2250# at45 psi and 2740# at 50 psi. this is per tire. you probably have to go to the tire dealer to get a copy of this table. i never trusted the decal on the door even with the O.E. tires--the pressure seemed too low--so even the old generals got more air. also, the lower the pressure the more shoulder wear your get so you want to find a pressure that keeps the tire flat on the road to wear even across the tread face. hope this helps

good luck, conner

 

Anyone know the reason the truck decal lists tire pressure? I would think that the tire label is the thing to go by, but there must be a reason for the label on the truck. By the way I know someone that runs their tires at a pressure 0f 50# cold and have no problems along with getting good gas mileage. For me I try to stick with the tire label.

 

If you drastically change the size tires you have the door jamb label doesn't mean much.

BUT if you stick to mostly a stock size you need to stay close to what the label says. The pressures on the door jamb are specifically set for your trucks set up (Handling, braking, etc) If you deviate too much you risk problems. Too low a pressure you risk overheating, too high a pressure you greatly reduce traction and stopping distances.

Running a tire 10% less than what max is on the sidewall is stupid/dangerous/urban legend.

Max is max is max and if you run just 10% shy of max and you don't do it cold and have a good pressure guage you can exceed max very easily. When was the last time you met a tire jockey that was also a vehicle engineer?

you do not need to add air to the back tires when you tow if they are properly inflated according to what the door sticker says AND you are not exceeding what the truck is rated to tow! Or else the sticker/owners manual would say "Add air to back tires before you tow something"

This is like the oil argument, just do what makes you feel good and hope you are right!

Good luck-

 

Are digital pressure guages the thing to go with, or are the pop up sticks just as good?

 

Digital is the only way to go these days.

You can find the consumer reports highest rated digital tire pressure guage at jcwhitney for about $11.00

 

That is what I figured. I have several pop up pressure guages and all give me a different reading.

 

I always run max pressure in all 4 tires. The tires run cooler, handle better and I don't mind a firm ride. I had a Saturn that called for 26/28 and I still ran 35. Remember the Explorer rollover problem? Ford was recommending 26 or 28 psi and Firestone claimed that was leading to the tire failures due to heat buildup.