travel trailer max tire pressure

RV Tires & Accessories

Last updated on: February 4, 2022

How To Set the Correct Travel Trailer Tire Pressure

by Chris Coleman

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Your RV tires read max. 50 psi and you have aired them up to 50 psi thinking that you have set them at the right inflation and pressure. But wait! Why does the trailer behind your vehicle suddenly feel very shaky and starts bouncing when heavy vehicles pass by? It happens because the travel trailer tire pressure is incorrect. Maximum tire pressure does not mean that you have to inflate the tires at that pressure.

Finding the Correct Tire Pressure for Travel Trailer

Finding the right psi for your trailer, rv trailer tire pressure tips.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical for ensuring road safety . Replacing a damaged or blown-out tire is costly and a bad tire can cause accidents on the road too. To slow out the wearing rate, you have to inflate them to correct psi.

The psi is specified to the tires depending on the weight carrying capacity of a travel trailer. Somewhere inside the vehicle, you will find a label mentioning the maximum psi. The label might be missing in some motorhomes. In that case, check the owner’s manual or contact the dealer to get the right information.

The tire’s sidewall displays ratings including the information regarding the tire pressure. If the tires come with the trailer, then the psi on the sidewall and inside the vehicle will be the same or have a slight difference.

What Is the Correct Travel Trailer Tire Pressure?

How do you know what is the correct camper tire pressure ? There is no definitive answer. Different travel trailers require different tire pressures. Plus, the psi ratings could be different based on the tire types.

What is the average recommended trailer tire pressure ? The tire pressure of most travel trailers remains between 40 and 65 psi. The ratings are for trailers that weigh somewhere from 1,500 lbs to 15,000 lbs. Remember that you don’t have to set the psi at this range. These are just average figures.

How do you choose the psi when the trailer tires say, suppose, max. psi 70lbs? Every tire manufacturer publishes a tire load and RV tire pressure chart . However, not everyone is skilled enough to calculate the precise inflation pressure from the load and psi tables.

The trailer’s front left corner is likely to have a Federal Certification Tag or label, displaying GVWR , GAWR, and tire inflation pressure. This pressure is determined according to the weight of the trailer. This is accurate if the vehicle does not have to carry any extra weight. But this is not possible as the vehicle will carry load and passengers.

The inflation pressure etched on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum amount of inflation for a tire given that it is carrying a full load. The sidewall also carries information about the tire’s max load range.

When the vehicle is not overloaded, the air pressure in the tire should be somewhere between the numbers mentioned on the Federal Certification Tag and the tire’s sidewall. You should never exceed the maximum pressure molded on the sidewall.

To maintain the ideal travel trailer tire pressure , you should ensure that both ends of the axle have the same inflation pressure.

In case if you are replacing an old tire, you should check whether the psi on the new tires is similar to the old ones. Also, the psi of the new tires should not be less than the number mentioned on the trailer’s tag. The tag’s pressure indicates the minimum that the tires should have to carry the trailer’s weight. Pressure lower than that the tires will not be capable of bearing that load. On the contrary, if the psi is higher than the old tires, the trailer may not ride ideally.

Following these tips will help you maintain the right travel trailer tire pressure and avoid accidental over-inflation.

Never set a tire pressure because another RVer or your neighbor has set it. Two trailers are always different and the tire pressure is related to the vehicle’s weight capacity and the current load.
Always refer to the owner’s manual when you need to find out the recommended tire pressure and maximum weight capacity.
Purchase a good-quality RV tire pressure monitoring system for real-time report/warning about tire pressure status.
Don’t pull a motorhome with under-inflated tires. The air pressure should never be less than the amount needed for the bulk placed on the tires.
The tires should never have less pressure than what’s mentioned on the certification tag. No matter how heavy a load you are carrying on the trailer, the pressure should be equal or more than the number mentioned on the tag.
The psi mentioned on the sidewalls indicate the maximum tire pressure. Never inflate the tires more than that recommended pressure.

By understanding the right tire pressure for your travel trailer/RV, you can ensure the safety for your family in RV camping trips !

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

Setting the Correct RV Tire Pressure – How to do it

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Did you upgrade your camper’s tires to a higher load range? Maybe the tire information sticker on your RV has become unreadable or is missing. Maybe you just want to be sure you are getting the best performance out of your tires. Whatever your reason for searching is, you have come to the right place.

Most RV tires should be filled between 40 and 80 PSI. The exact pressure depends on the load range of your tires and how much weight the RV is carrying. There are 3 methods to determine the correct tire pressure:

Use the Max pressure found on the tire’s sidewall.
Use the values on your RV’s tire information sticker.
Calculate the pressure using your RV’s axle weight and tire load charts.

If you’re like me you have always been taught to fill your tires to the pressure listed on the tire, or to check the stick on your door jam or owner’s manual for the proper pressure. For your average car this is great. The thing about cars is their weight doesn’t change much. Sure, you might fill the trunk after a trip to the home improvement store, or load up the family up to go somewhere, but that’s nothing compared to the thousands of pounds of cargo some RVs can handle.

Why is the proper tire pressure important? Rather than take my word for it, here is a quote from Michelin’s RV Tire Guide.

“An underinflated or overloaded tire will build up more heat that could go beyond the endurance limits of the rubber, steel belts, and radial cords. This could cause sudden tire failure. Underinflation will cause poor handling, faster and/or irregular tire wear, and a reduction in fuel economy. Overinflation, on the other hand, will reduce the tire’s contact area with the road surface, which reduces traction, braking ability, and handling. A tire that is overinflated for the weight it is carrying is more prone to a harsh ride, uneven tire wear, and impact damage.”

Now let’s take a look at each method and see how and when each of them should be used.

Method 1: Setting your RV’s Tire Pressure to the Max Pressure found on the Sidewall

This method is the safest option if you aren’t sure what to do. The tires are rated for maximum capacity at the pressure embossed into the sidewall. Assuming your tires are a high enough load range for your RV (and everything you have loaded in it), inflating the tires to this value will ensure your tires can carry the weight.

One other reason to use this method is that some tire manufacturers will only warranty tires that are operated at max pressure. Carlisle is one of these manufacturers.

Trailer tire pressures correspond with the load rating. Trailer tires identify the load range using a letter system. Most travel trailer and 5 th wheels tires fall between range B and E. As you move up in load range the carrying capacity of the tire increases as does the maximum inflation pressure. The table below lists these load ranges, pressures, and ply ratings. If you’re wonder what ply means, it’s basically a layer, and traditionally the way to make a tire stronger was to add more layers of rubber and fabric to the sidewall. The ply ratings can be confusing because this is not necessarily the number of plys in a modern tire. The ply rating represents the strength of the tire compared to early bias ply tires, modern tires are much stronger and even load range E tires may only have a 2 plys.

Tire Load Range Pressure and Ply Rating Chart

* Load Ranges above F are mostly used on commercial vehicles not RVs.

You can find the load range and max inflation pressure on the sidewall of the tire.

Method 2: Using your RV’s Tire Information Sticker to Set the Pressure

When RV manufactures design a travel trailer or 5 th wheel they specify a maximum weight that includes the equipment they put in the RV and all the cargo, water and waste that you will add, this is known as the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This maximum weight is usually carried by 1, 2 or 3 axles or 2, 4 or 6 tires. The RV manufacturer also selects the tires that it will put on the RV.

Based on that maximum weight and tire selection the manufacturer will determine the recommended tire pressure. Most of the time this tire pressure will match the max pressure on the sidewall that we discussed in method 1.

Like Method 1 this will provide you with a safe tire pressure capable of carrying your RV down the road. Also, like method 1 this might not be the optimal pressure for the most comfortable ride and tire wear. Another potential problem with this method is that if you replaced the factory tires with new ones that have a higher load range, you may be under inflating them.

Warning: You should always check the max pressure on the tire and make sure the sticker value does not exceed the tire rating. If incorrect tires were installed on the trailer you could overinflate them causing a dangerous situation. If you find this is the case your tires need replaced with properly rated ones.

Method 3: Calculating the Correct Tire Pressure using Actual Axle Weights and Tire Load Charts (The Preferred Method)

This method has been championed by Robert Marble of RVTireSafety.com . Robert retired from a 40-year career as a tire engineer and now writes and speaks about tire safety. This method requires the most “work” on your part but gives you the best performance from your RV’s tires.

I recommend only following this method for Load Range D or higher. In my opinion the lower load ranges simply don’t have enough variation in pressure and capacity to be worth the effort.

Before we look at the steps involved in this method let’s look at how Tire Load Charts work. Load charts are created by tire manufacturers and are unique for each model and size of tire they make. These charts are continuously updated and reviewed to provide you with the optimum pressure.

Charts vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but at a minimum, they all list the tire, load and inflation pressure for single and dual wheels (dualy).

Warning: It is important to note that regardless of the difference from side to side all tires on the same axle should be inflated to the same pressure. Inflating tires to different pressures on the same axle will reduce the handling and stability of the vehicle.

Step 1: Weigh Your RV

Weigh your RV and tow vehicle. You will need to find a scale to weigh your trailer. If you aren’t sure where to find a scale, try searching for CAT scales in your area. You can find scales at some truck stops, or stores that sell things like dirt, sand and gravel by the truck load.

You should load your RV with everything you will take camping with you, including fresh water. Having your tow vehicle weight isn’t absolutely necessary, but it is good information to have. If possible you should get the weight of your tow vehicle without the trailer, that will allow you to check the tongue or pin weight of your rv and make sure you are within the payload rating of your vehicle.

Here are the weights you should get for towed RVs:

Tow vehicle without trailer
Tow vehicle with trailer
All trailer axles
2nd axle (2 nd and 3 rd if triple)
3 rd axle (if applicable)

Here are the weights for drivable RVs:

Front axle of RV
Rear axle(s) (2 nd and 3 rd for tandem motorhomes)
3rd Axle only (for tandem axle motorhomes)
Trailer weight (if towing a trailer)

Using these weights, you will be able to calculate the weight on each axle to use with the load charts and calculate the combined weight to ensure you are within the ratings of your vehicles.

Step 2: Add 10% for Safety and Lookup Weight in Load Charts

Add 10% to the axle weight from step 1 to provide some margin of safety and to allow for extra weight you might add.
Divide your new axle weights in half, this is your load per location.
Find the load chart for your tires, below are links to several tire manufacturer’s websites to help.
Find the next higher weight on the chart to determine the appropriate tire pressure. Make sure to use the appropriate values for single or dual wheels.

Links to Tire Load Charts

Bridgestone / Firestone
Carlisle (Only Warranty Tires Operated at Max Pressure)

Example: Finding Tire Pressure from Load Chart

In this example we will use my truck and RV.

Truck: 2015 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Short bed with single rear wheels

RV: Cougar 334RDB 5 th Wheel

RV Tires: Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235 / 80 R16 Load Range E

A: Truck without trailer – 8,660
B: Truck with trailer – 11,059
C: All trailer axles – 9,587
D: 2nd axle – 4,778

Calculations:

B – A = Pin Weight = 2,399
Pin Weight + C = Gross Trailer Weight = 11,986
C – D = 1st Axle Weight =4,809

Now that we have both axle weights add 10% to each for the safety margin and divide in half to get the load on each tire.

Axle 1 + 10% = 5,290 / 2 = 2,645
Axle 2 + 10% = 5,256 / 2 = 2,628

Reading the Tire Load Chart:

Based on the Load / Inflation Chart below both axles should be set to 55 PSI.

At 50 PSI the tire can only carry 2,600 lbs so that is not enough, but 55 PSI can carry 2,730.

As I mentioned above, Carlisle only warranties tires operated at Max Pressure, so I continue to run my tires at 80 PSI. They only provide the load tables to show the relationship between pressure and load capacity.

How Read a Tire’s Sidewall Markings

All 3 methods require you to read and understand the information on your tire’s sidewall. Below is a quick explanation of some of the markings you will find on a trailer tire and what they mean.

Tire Type: P- Passenger, LT- Light Truck, ST- Special Trailer, T-Temporary

Tire Width: the approximate width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters

Aspect Ratio: The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, for example a 60 means that the sidewall height is 60% of the tire width

Construction: R- Radial, B- Bias Ply

Rim: Diameter of Rim in inches

Maintaining Your Tire Pressure

One more thing to keep in mind. After you have your tires set to the proper pressure you need to make sure you keep them there. One option is the check the pressure in each tire before every trip you take. This will ensure you are always getting the best performance and life out of your RV’s tires.

An easier solution is to use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with your RV. All modern cars and light trucks come with tire pressure sensors installed in the rims to keep you safe, so using the same technology on your RV makes sense. To add a TPMS to your RV you don’t have to install sensors in your tires, all you have to do is remove the caps from your valve stems and screw on a small battery powered sensor. A monitor wireless monitor in your cab displays the tire pressures and will alarm you to a sudden loss of pressure. Top of the line systems also monitor temperature and alert you if that gets too high. If you want more information on RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems click thi s link .

The bottom line is that no matter which method you choose, the most important thing to do is make sure you keep your tires inflated to that pressure and you shouldn’t have any unexpected problems.

Many people talk bad about “China Bombs” Chinese made tires. On the other hand there are plenty of people who have used Chinese tires for years and haven’t hand any issues. The key to long tire life is keeping them properly inflated and within their speed ratings. Excessive speed can cause excessive heat leading to tire failure.

Thanks for reading, please share this article if you found it useful.

1 thought on “Setting the Correct RV Tire Pressure – How to do it”

We have a Grand Design 5th Wheel and recently had to replace the Westlakes 10ply they came with. We upgraded to Hercules 14ply tires. The issue is we are trying to understand what pressure we should be starting out with in the mornings running these. The tire wall is 110psi, the trailer sticker shows 80psi. We did go with the higher ply as we read another blogger advising to cover the GVWR plus 20% and the 10plys just really didn’t do that. So now what? Do we inflate the tires to the max on the tire, that is 110, or keep them inflated at only 80psi? The installer inflated them to 80 when they put them on.

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What should travel trailer tire pressure be?

BEGINNERS GUIDE

G. Yoganand

Travel trailer tires are much more critical and should be inflated at right PSI.

But, how do you know the right PSI? We will find out, read on!

Replacing the tires when the thread is gone or when it blows out will cost you few hundred dollars. Inflating the tires to right PSI will enhance the tires life.

Thus, always inflate the travel trailer tires to the right PSI.

What PSI for travel trailer tires

Inflating the tires to correct psi is critical in keeping them in good conditions. So, what’s the correct pressure for travel trailer tires?

No, there isn’t a same answer for all travel trailers. It depends on your travel trailer and the tire.

Ideally, you should set the travel trailer tire pressure to what the sticker inside your rig or the manual mentions unless you changed the original tires with different load capacity. The PSI mentioned on the sidewall of tires is the maximum cold pressure.

The PSI mentioned on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure it can be set to but you don’t really have to set it to that level unless required.

Setting correct PSI based on your RVs load is critical. Too little pressure can result in sidewall flex resulting in heating which is a common cause of blowouts. Too much tire PSI can result in loosing traction of the travel trailer.

Each travel trailer has maximum weight carrying capacity and on the basis of that, the psi will be specified for the tires. You will normally find the label somewhere inside the travel trailer mentioning the psi that need to be set for the tires.

Apart from the label inside the trailer, a standard sidewall ratings would be present on the trailer tire. If the the tire came along with the new trailer, then at both the places the psi would be same or almost similar with slight difference. When that is the case, its straight forward for you. Just maintain that psi in the tires.

Adding tire pressure monitoring system like this one by EEZ RV is a great investment. Its a multi purpose system that also has anti theft sensors. Its an advanced alert system for your RV that comes with 3 year warranty. It continuously monitors the tire pressure/temperature every 6 seconds.

At times, the label could be missing inside the trailer. You need to contact the dealer for that information or it could be mentioned on the manual as well.

So, what the average psi looks like?

For most travel trailers, the tire pressure is mostly between 40 psi to 65 psi. Remember, this is not what you have to set, its what the average numbers look like. That is, most travel trailer tires will be inflated with PSI falling in this range.

This range is depended on the weight of the trailers as most of the trailer weigh in between 1500 lbs to 15,000 lbs , hence the psi range.

Above point is very critical.

Do not set tire pressure for your trailer tires looking at your neighbor’s travel trailer. Two trailers will always be different, and will have different GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).

Its simple as that. The only way to find out whats the correct pressure is to look at the ratings mentioned by you manufacturer. In case you do not find those ratings then get your RV weighed and take professional expert advice to figure put the tire pressure.

Finding the right PSI

So, the trailer you have is an old one and its time to replace the tires on it. The label on the trailer has a different psi and the tires you bought are showing psi that’s different.

Now, one thing you should be doing is don’t get tires that has psi lesser than the one mentioned on trailer .

The trailer manufacturer gives you psi for tires that will be required to carry the trailer weight and any lower pressure would mean the tire wont be in position to take that load. Hence, the psi on your tires shouldn’t be lower than that.

What about higher psi? That happens a lot many times with people. Normally, when you buy a trailer, the tires that are given are just good enough to handle the weight of the travel trailer. Later when you a buy a new tire, that could be rated for higher psi.

So, what do you do in that case? Do you go for the psi mentioned on tires or the lower psi mentioned on the RV manual?

The RV manual or label mentions the psi needed to carry the maximum weight of the travel trailer where as the tires have rating of psi which it can carry max.

So, its better to go for psi mentioned on the tire. This however does not mean that the weight carrying capacity of the trailer would increase. With the higher psi of tires, the trailer may not ride ideal though.

Its also okay to get the psi reduced to what the trailer mentions. It all depends on the psi and the weight being carried. Make sure the psi should not be less than what the RV manual or label mentions though. A lower psi will heat the tires ad result in blowout.

Similarly, setting up higher psi than what the tires are rated for will lead to loosing traction.

Replacing the trailer tires

Normally, a trailer tire would last more around 4-6 years or even beyond .

When you are about to replace the tires, make sure you buy the tires that are of same load capacity .

Having the same capacity is necessary as the trailer would also have many other elements or components that would be designed for that load. This also helps in avoiding the confusion of setting up psi.

When you have same psi written on tires and also on trailer manual, go ahead with that pressure. At times, the psi can be set a little higher to about +5 but not more than 10. Doing that should be avoided. As always do not set the psi lesser than what is mentioned when you don’t go with full load on trailer.

RV professionals or tire experts can also help you through trailer tire pressure charts or trailer tire size charts. But, if you know what tires were originally given for the trailer then go for same brand and rating.

Overloading the trailer

This is one factor that can lead to tire blow out or reducing the tires life over the period of time. Make sure you do not overload the trailer as this will mean your trailer tires wont be able to handle the weight.

The tires are rated for max weight of the trailer. Going beyond that weight limit will mean the psi set in tires wont be capable of handling the weight.

Overloading the trailer not only puts you, your car and trailer in threat but also others on road. A overloaded trailer can slide and turn over, it can collide with other vehicles as well.

Weighing your travel trailer regularly can help you in planning. Not many of us weigh the rv’s regularly and thus we tend to overload the trailer unknowingly. But, that’s not a good practice.

Not inflating the tires correctly

Not setting the tire pressure upto the number listed on the tires or trailer will result in reducing the weight carrying capacity of the tires on trailer.

Under Inflation

The trailer tires need to be inflated enough to handle the top load from the trailer, their sidewalls are designed so. But, with less than specified psi , the tire sidewalls will start generating excessive heat and result in failure.

Over inflating

Similarly, over-inflating the tires of trailer can also result in failures. This leads to wearing out of the tires in the center. But, the end result is same. Thus its extremely important that you inflate the tires correctly.

Another thing to note, as the trailer moves it will heat the tires and the psi may read higher. So, the bets practice is to check the tire pressure when its cold. Early in the morning when you haven’t taken it road is a good time to do this activity.

Its always a good practice to check the tire pressure before making a long travel. Make sure you do this during morning time as the tires will be cold and thus give accurate psi.

What tires for trailer

Buying a tire for a car and buying it for trailer is completely different. Tires for trailers are specially designed and you would see text “ST” written on their sidewalls. ST stands for special trailers, they have strong sidewalls. And, this makes them good enough to handle the vertical load.

Different companies like goodyear, michelin and many other make quality tires for travel trailer. Selecting the right tire is critical and hence check twice before buying a new one for your trailer or even fifth wheel.

Apart from proper inflation

While maintaining the tire pressure is the most important aspect of keeping trailer tire good. Lets, check on other pointer to be given similar attention. This tips will definitely help in increasing the life of trailer tires.

1. Check sidewalls

Before you start that camping travel make sure to check the tire sidewalls. Identify cracks or breaks before you go on road. Its important that you have perfectly fit tires and not take any chance whatsoever. Doing such inspection should be in your travel checklist.

People often overuse their tires on RV’s or camper. Replacing tires on time should be your priority. Normally, the tires go out of use in around 4-5 years and thus keeping track of them is necessary. Also, at times you may not be able to make out if the tire is still good or not. In such cases take the trailer to a professional and get the tires inspected.

Remember, a blow out in the middle of road is more dangerous and is also costly. A trailer that fails on the middle of road need to be towed to a repairer. And that can be costly and tedious job. You surely don’t want that to happen to you.

2. Extra weight on trailer

Maintaining pressure as per the laid out value is necessary to support the weight while towing a trailer. The manufacturer gives the psi value for max pressure that trailer handle.

Exceeding the stipulated weight will mean the tires wont be able to tackle the weight. And this can result in anything. Remember, even few pounds of extra weight can lead to incidents. Make sure you weigh the trailer properly and keep the weight within limits.

When going out for long travel we often pack unnecessary items. This leads to weight that goes out of the limit. Keeping a proper checklist and avoiding elements that are not needed can help in checking the weight.

3. Tire care during storage

While the travel trailer camper is in storage, there is good chance of damage too. Make sure the tires are protected well. You can make use of tire covers for this. Also keeping the tires above ground can help relive pressure on them.

Keeping them without covers will also affect the tires due to UV radiation and or moisture. Also, during winter times its necessary that the whole trailer is well stored else you may have hard time getting it out next season.

Similar care is also needed in other towable RV’s like pop up camper or tent trailer as well as in motorhomes like class C RV or class A. RVs need special storage during winters.

4. Replace on time

Getting the tire replaced on time is necessary. With limited life, you better replace them before a blowout happens. Else, the impact could be worse. Doing period checks on sidewalls, checking for wear and tear can help a lot in deciding.

A scheduled maintenance of the trailer can take care of this aspect. Also, make sure you put tires that have same rating and capacity. Many a times you get tires that aren’t the same and that creates confusion about psi as well.

Its better to go for tires that manufacturer recommends. Whether you have a jayco or a airstream travel trailer or a winnebago RV, its all similar for all, you need to take good care and replace the tires on time.

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Most people use their travel trailers for weekend getaways and family vacations. And if you’re like most people, you want to make sure the trip is as safe as possible. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain the proper travel trailer tire pressure. We will discuss how to do just that in this post.

We’ll provide tips on what tire pressure for travel trailer to use and tips on checking the pressure of your tires. So read on and learn how to do safe travel.

Inflate tires lower than the maximum limit

Follow the pressure rating on the chassis plate, find the load and inflation rate for the particular tire, never ride the trailer with an extra load, check the tires’ sidewalls, measure tire pressure with a gauge, don’t forget to replace tires in time, take proper storage care, how to maintain the correct travel trailer tire pressure.

When you’re out on the open road in your travel trailer, the last thing you want to worry about is a blown or underinflated tire.

Follow these simple RV trailer tire pressure tips for maintaining the correct camper tire pressure. Rest assured that your travels will be safe and smooth.

To start, you’ll need to know the maximum pressure limit of your trailer tires . This information can usually be found on the sidewall of the tire. Once you have that number, inflate the tire slightly lower than the maximum limit.

The PSI on the tire’s sidewall indicates its maximum load-carrying capacity. But you may not need that much loading power. So maxing out the pressure means overinflation, causing a bumpy ride.

It’s better to use manufacturer-recommended tires or a model having the same loading range as the trailer. The tires of most travel trailers fall between the load range of B and E, which means the tires have between 36 and 80 PSI max pressure (a chart is easy to find online). Some companies void the warranty if you don’t operate the tires at max pressure.

Another safe way to maintain the correct travel trailer tire pressure is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended RV tire pressure chart. That tire pressure is typically stamped on the trailer’s chassis plate. Some RVs may have the number on the driver’s seat pedestal.

In this case, the manufacturer assumes the maximum load in your rig and recommends a proper tire pressure. This is the safest PSI limit for your tires if you don’t want to calculate the max pressure based on the following factors:

The axle weight
Maximum rig load capacity
The actual weight of your stuff

Suppose you have changed the travel trailer tires at some point. In that case, their maximum inflation rating won’t match what’s recommended in the user manual.

Whether you use Bridgestone or Michelin tires, find their load capacity and inflation rating from the manufacturer’s website.

Each travel trailer comes with a maximum load capacity, and you should never exceed that, even by a few pounds. Considering the framework’s strength and many other factors, the manufacturer has put these numbers. Carrying more weight will damage the tires, axles, and overall trailer structure.

Be careful with your packing list. Keep only the items and tools that are necessary.

Another way to maintain the correct travel trailer tire pressure is to check the sidewall of the tires from time to time. Damage in the sidewalls can result in losing tire pressure.

Such cracks or breaks can appear because of irregular maintenance. Some RVers also don’t replace the tires at the right time. Neglecting tires’ health is quite risky because they can blow out when you are on the road. You have to spend good money on roadside assistance and repair bills if this happens.

Now that you have the correct pressure rating, it’s time to start adjusting your tires. The most important thing to remember is not to exceed the maximum cold inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall or RV user manual.

Use a good-quality air gauge or an RV tire pressure monitoring system for each tire to measure the current pressure. If it’s below the recommended trailer tire pressure , add air until it reaches the correct level. If it’s above the recommended pressure, release some air until it falls within the range.

It’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust them as needed. This will ensure that your trailer is always riding safely and smoothly.

RV tire pressure monitoring system is also a great solution which could help RV campers have real-time information about the tire pressure of every tire. To make sure it work smoothly, it’s recommended to have a technician installed it for your camper. If you’re experienced in this kind of tasks, there are a few steps to follow to add this system to your RV yourself.

If you travel a lot, it’s natural for the tires to undergo plenty of wear and tear. In fact, tires can deteriorate by staying idle too (for poor storage upkeep). Many RV owners don’t replace the old tires in time.

You have to detect the wear signs on the tires. If you can’t, seek professional help for a routine checkup. Also, some of them may look good on the surface, but you need to change them every 4 or 5 years. You should always follow the recommendations of the tire company.

Even the best travel trailer tires will lose their pressure and decline if you don’t take precautions before storing the trailer for an extended period. Tires exposed to harsh weather, including scorching heat, rain, and snow, will deteriorate faster. You have to keep them away from moisture and UV rays.

There are tire covers in the market, and you should invest in them to keep the tires well protected. Also, if possible, don’t keep them in direct contact with the concrete floor. Put something hardboard or thick styrofoam in between them.

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommended pressure chart to determine the correct travel trailer tire pressure . It’s always important to be careful about the load you carry in the trailer.

Never exceed the recommended weight to keep the tires in good health. Checking your tire pressure at least once a month is also vital to making necessary adjustments. Safe travels!

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What Tire Pressure Should I Use for My Rv?

Posted by Jason Epperson | Jan 22, 2018 | RV Ownership

My travel trailer has a sticker inside the door stating I should set the tire pressure of 58 psi, but my tires say 80 psi…which do I listen to?

– Gene W., Arkansas

Since tires blow on RVs all the time — and can cause quite a bit of damage to fragile undercarriage when they do — this is a hotly debated topic. Thankfully, the answer is simple (except when it’s not).

You go by the sticker in your RV (or motorhome, car, or truck). The pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire is the “max cold pressure,” not a recommendation for inflation. It’s the most air pressure that should ever be in that tire. That should definitely be the advice you follow for a motorized vehicle. That said, trailer tire manufacturers like Goodyear are now recommending that you run the max pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.

A tire and loading sticker showing the vehicle’s original tires and their recommended PSI.

Tire pressure is all about the shape at which your tire meets the road. Too little pressure and the sidewalls flex too much and overheat — the number one cause of blow-outs. Too much pressure and your traction decreases, along with your stopping distance, and your ride gets stiffer. Both scenarios cause uneven wear.

To little pressure is always worse than too much (but still below the tire’s max).

Illustration courtesy of Discount Tire

Tires, no matter the brand, adhere to a load rating chart — a letter code that tells the purchaser or installer how much weight a tire can carry. Your trailer or motorhome is supposed to have a tire with a specific load rating. The RV’s manufacturer looks at the weight of your RV and specs a tire in that load range, then takes an inflation table that shows what the tire pressure should be for that tire at that load. That’s what they put on the sticker.

So you should usually go by what any vehicle’s sticker says — unless you have put on a different size or load range tire, OR you want to optimize your tire pressure. In either of those scenarios, you need to look up the inflation tables for your tires yourself, they’re all available on the internet. You can also call the tire manufacturer, and they’ll be happy to guide you to the right inflation point.

Ideally, you will go weigh your rig. You can go to any CAT scale (usually at truck stops) and get your individual axle weights. You just pull up onto the scale, press the intercom button and tell them you are a private vehicle, go inside and pay. They’ll hand you a printout that shows the weights of your different axles. They even have a convenient app that lets you avoid the whole intercom thing if you wish.

Take an axle weight, and divide it by the number of tires on that axle. Your trailer will be listed as a single axle, even if it’s two or three together, so if you have a triple axle trailer, divide the axle weight by six tires. Add 10%, and look up the proper pressure on the inflation table.

You should check your tire pressure before every long journey. Carrying an air compressor to top off your tires at the campground is essential.

Let me also take a moment here to mention that it is very likely that you will need to put new tires on your RV well before the tread wears out. The second leading cause of blowouts is tire age. Rubber weakens as it gets older, and no amount of checking tread depth or looking for cracks will stop it. We recommend replacing your motorhome’s tires every six years, and your trailer’s every four years.

Tire pressure isn’t an exact science. If you’re a little over your optimum pressure that’s ok. It’s better than being under. But make sure to be below the max rating of the tire. For more information on load ratings, check out this article from tirerack.com .

About The Author

Jason Epperson

Jason travels the country full-time with his wife Abigail, and three children.

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RV Tire Pressure Guide: Chart, Inflation, Tips, Warnings

Ready to hit the road for an RV adventure? Don’t forget to check proper tire inflation. RV tire pressure affects safety, tire life, and fuel efficiency.

In this guide, you’ll learn about proper RV tire pressure, how to maintain it, tips for dealing with low tire pressure, and keeping your tires in pristine condition when traveling.

Before loading up your RV, let’s review a few things.

What You Need to Know About RV Tire Pressure

Proper tire pressure is important for safety, comfort, and tire longevity.

Tire pressure, measured in pounds per square inch, is the air inside your tire. Correct PSI is different across the different tire types – especially RV tires.

1. Check Manufacturer Charts

RV tire pressure is determined by the manufacturer of your tires and your RV . You should consult your RV’s owner’s manual and your tire’s specifications. Here is a great set of tire inflation charts .

Whatever the recommended PSI, it is critical to maintain the correct PSI level.

Aspect ratio
Speed rating
Section width
Maximum inflation pressure and load.

Here’s how to make sense of the tire markings .

2. Determine Proper PSI for RV

Once you have the recommended tire pressure for your rig and tires, you next need to confirm the specific weight of your rig.

Determining the correct tire pressure depends on the weight. And not only total RV weight but also per axle and each tire position.

How do you check the tire pressure of RV tires?

3. Checking RV Tire Pressure

It’s time to grab your tire pressure gauge and check each tire.

To check RV tire pressure, unscrew the valve cap from the tire, insert the pressure gauge into the air nozzle, and press.
You should hear a sudden burst of air and see the gauge indicator extend out.

Important note: Ensure your tires are cold and haven’t been on the road for several hours. This will give a more accurate reading.

4. Adding Air to RV Tires

While you’re checking tire pressure, you may realize your tires need a bit more air.

You can accomplish this in several ways.

Many gas stations and convenience stores have spots where you can add air to your tires for free or a small fee. Many gas station air compressors allow you to input the precise PSI you need, and it’ll add that to your tires.
RV dealerships such as Camping World can also come in clutch here – especially if they sell RV tires. In addition, many dealerships can top off your tires while you go inside for anything else you need.
Dealerships and outdoor stores also sell air compressors just for tires. You may want to purchase a compressor to place your mind at ease.

Always check the RV owner’s manual and your tire manufacturer’s specifications for the best and most efficient specifications.

Checking RV tire pressure is an important step when dewinterizing your camper .

5 RV Tire Pressure Warnings

As mentioned, proper RV tire pressure will keep you on the road without any issues . However, many factors can affect your tire’s PSI levels.

Let’s go over a few of those.

Handling Issues

An underinflated tire becomes mushy and less flexible, leading to trouble with how your RV handles on the road.

Tire Wear Troubles

Your tires will wear in weird and inconsistent ways if they are over or underinflated.

An under-inflated tire will cause more tire wear, shortening its lifespan .

Diminished Fuel Efficiency

Your truck or RV’s fuel efficiency – or miles per gallon – is calculated assuming the tire pressure is inflated at maximum efficiency.

If your tires are not inflated properly, you’re cheating yourself out of valuable gas mileage. Ensuring your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications is crucial, especially on long road trips.

Here’s how to let air out of a tire .

This is the scariest of all the issues related to tire pressure. Imagine driving down Interstate 95 to Florida when one of your tires explodes. This is a nightmare scenario for many RV enthusiasts.

Over-inflated tires can cause issues like blowouts.

And under-inflated tires can overheat and also cause blowouts.

Less Comfort

When tires are incorrectly inflated, you’ll have a less comfortable ride.

Properly inflated tires ensure that your drive is smooth on pavement or off-road. And considering the weight of an RV you need every bit of stability possible.

More reading: How much wind can an RV withstand?

RV tire pressure may seem like a boring topic, but those tires are the only thing that separates you from the road.

Do not skimp on safety – ensure your tires have the proper PSI before heading out on the open road. Take care of your RV and you’ll enjoy a safer, more enjoyable trip.

Bryan Haines is a co-founder and blogger on GudGear - and is working to make it the best resource for outdoor gear and guides.

He loves the outdoors and has hiked the Andes, kayaked the Galapagos, and biked and camped around Nova Scotia, Canada.

He is a travel blogger at Storyteller Travel and blogs about photography at Storyteller Tech . He is also co-founder of Storyteller Media , a company he started with his wife, Dena.

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Recommended Tire Pressure for RVs

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Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine

Properly inflated tires are important for all vehicles, but they are especially important on RVs. Proper tire pressure allows your tires safely to carry the load of your RV while maximizing tire life and ride comfort. Let’s take a look at how to make sure your RV tires are properly inflated.

Stop worrying about your tires and feel confident that your tires are doing just fine.

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Table of Contents

How to Check Tire Pressure

The first step in properly inflating your tires is knowing how to correctly check your tire pressure. All you’ll need is a simple tire pressure gauge which you can pick from any automotive store for a couple of bucks. This is a tool every RVer should have handy. You’ll want to check your tire pressures when the tires are cold (resting several hours) following the instructions which came with your tire pressure gauge. Tires heated from driving can easily have pressures 10 lbs or more over what they would be cold so don’t use hot numbers to adjust pressures.

Understanding Tire Pressure, Load Index, and Load Range

The most important thing to know about tire pressure is that the air pressure in the tire is what carries the load. The tire is just there to provide a round, flexible structure to hold the air in. Each tire is designed to be inflated to a certain maximum pressure, which in turn allows it to carry a certain amount of weight.

The amount of weight it can carry is referred to as the tire’s load index. Depending on the type of tire, the load index can be part of the tire size like 265/75 R16 116 with the 116 being the load index. A load index of 116 means the tire can carry 2756 lbs when fully inflated. On light truck and trailer tires, it’s usually on the sidewall of the tire near the load range designation.

Load range is letter based designation which tells you how many plys (layers) are used in the construction of the tire. Each letter in sequence adds two ply layers to the tire which increases the maximum pressure and maximum load carrying capacity. A load range C tire is a 6 ply usually with a maximum pressure of 50 psi. A load range D tire is a 8 ply usually with a maximum pressure of 65 psi.

While a higher load rated tire can carry more weight than a lower rated tire, they can only do it if you increase the tire pressure accordingly. Two tires with different load indexes inflated to the same pressure are limited to carrying the same weight.

What Pressure Should Your Tires Be?

This can be a simple or complex question to answer. Let’s start with the simple first. Your RV manufacturer tag will have a recommended tire pressure listed on it. That number is the minimum pressure you should run using the stock tires that your RV rolled off the factory floor with. If you still have those tires on your RV then inflate them to that pressure.

If your RV does not have the original factory tires then write the recommended pressure down and go to each tire and look on the side wall for the maximum inflation pressure. You’ll find one of three things here:

1) The sidewall maximum pressure is less than the recommend pressure on the manufacturer’s tag. If this is the case, then your tires were likely replaced with tires with an incorrect load rating. If you find yourself in this situation, replace the tires with the proper load rated tires. The higher load rating will come with the ability to take the higher pressures your RV manufacturer recommends.

2) The sidewall maximum pressure is the same as the recommend pressure on the manufacturer’s tag. In this case, inflate them to that pressure.

3) The sidewall maximum pressure is higher than the recommended pressure on the manufacturer’s tag. In this case, treat the manufacturer’s number as a minimum.

If you upgrade your tire to a higher load index or higher load range then you can find the proper pressure using a tire inflation table. You’ll need your RV weight, tire size, and number of tires.

To find your proper tire pressure, divide your RV weight by the number of tires supporting it. That will give you the weight per tire. Then look up your tire size in the table and find the pressure that supports that weight. If your pressure/weight exceeds your load index then you should upgrade your tires to the correct load index.

What Happens If My Tire Is Not Properly Inflated?

Improperly inflated tires can cause several problems. Underinflated tires will experience excessive wear at the edges, lower fuel mileage, generate more heat and run a higher risk of a blowout.

Overinflation causes uneven wear in the center of the tire and can lead to an unusually harsh ride. For optimal safety, fuel efficiency, and tire life it is always best to make sure your tire pressures are correct. Check them before departing on every trip and adjust as. necessary. If you have the budget, a good tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) system can be an excellent investment that will allow you to travel safer while extending the life of your tires.

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Understanding Tire Pressure when Towing a Travel Trailer

RV Expeditioners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the open road, travel trailer behind you, ready for whatever adventures await. For many, this is the very definition of freedom. Of course, having a travel trailer means keeping up with maintenance and safety. Unfortunately, one of the safety features that often get overlooked is tire pressure.

Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch, and shows you how much air is in your tire. As one commercial pointed out many years ago, of all the features of your vehicle, the tire is the only thing to actually touch the road. Because of this, it’s vital you keep your tires properly maintained. When your tire pressure is too low or too high, you can run into problems including poorer fuel efficiency, and even run the risk of permanently damaging your tires, which puts your whole family at risk.

Finding the Correct Tire Pressure for Your Travel Trailer

You might think it’s easy to know exactly what pressure your tires need to be set to, but it isn’t always. Of course, the easiest way to do this is to consult the trailer itself. On the front left corner of most trailers you’ll find a Federal Certification Tag that displays various specs, including tire pressure. However, this tag displays the ideal tire pressure for your trailer when it’s empty. When you add weight in the form of people and supplies, that number can change.

In addition, your tires will have a max tire pressure listed somewhere on the side wall. Many people make the mistake of thinking that this is what the pressure should be set to. But remember, this is the maximum pressure for a fully loaded travel trailer, not the recommended pressure.

What Is the Correct Travel Trailer Tire Pressure?

So, if you think about it, by checking these two numbers, you have a range to shoot for. The number on the Federal Tag can be considered the minimum pressure, while the number on the side of the tire is maximum. What pressure you end up filling your tires to should be somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.

Are you running your trailer completely empty? Then that minimum number is your nest net. However, if your planning on towing it fully loaded, and you’ll be using the trailer with several people, then you might want to fill your tires closer to the max. In most cases, this number is usually somewhere between 40 and 65 psi.

Of course, you’re not necessarily going to want to change your tire pressure each and every time you take it out for a spin, so the best bet is to find a happy medium based on how you think your trailer is going to be filled on most occasions.

What Happens If Your RV Tire Pressure Is Too High Or Too Low?

You might be wondering why this is so important, but there are several reasons why it’s important to have the right tire pressure.

If your tire pressure is too low, it can cause serious problems. The first, and most noticeable, is a low enough tire pressure will make it harder to drive. Your vehicle will be less responsive. In addition, you will notice an immediate difference in your gas mileage, which will cost money in the long run. This extra strain on your tire can lead to tire damage much earlier than expected, costing money and putting your family in danger.

Strangely enough, a tire that’s inflated too much can have some of these same problems, wearing out quicker than it should. Over-inflated tires can blowout at any time, causing potential problems on the road.

RV Trailer Tire Pressure Tips

When filling your tires, remember these tips: First, never rely on someone else to tell you the right pressure. Consult the Federal Tag, the side wall and the owner’s manual to help you determine the right pressure.

Because tire pressure is so important, buy a really good tire pressure monitoring system to help keep an eye on your tire pressure at all times.

If you’re not sure about the tires, check them. A couple extra minutes now can save you hours of grief later one. If it’s too high or low, don’t pull the trailer until you’ve fixed the issue.

As you can see, tire pressure is very important when it comes to the life of your tires and the safety of your family. Thankfully, it’s not hard to get it right, as long as you follow these tips.

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What’s The Best Tire Pressure For Your Travel Trailer?

Travel Trailer Tire Pressure

The correct tire pressure is essential for safely towing a travel trailer. Your tire pressure determines the tire’s shape when it hits the road. If the tire pressure is too low, the sidewalls will flex too much; this results in the tires overheating, which is the number one cause of trailer tire blow-outs.

Likewise, too much tire pressure causes decreased traction and stopping distance, and the ride will be stiffer. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires will cause uneven tire wear.

Inflating Tires to the Maximum

Most trailer experts recommend inflating your trailer tires to the maximum psi indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This is regardless of how heavy the trailer is. This is because trailer tires are built with thicker sidewalls than passenger car tires, in order to deal with an increased vertical load. If the trailer tires are under-inflated, the thicker sidewalls generate extreme heat, causing the tires to blow-out. Inflating the tires to the maximum will give the trailer firm support. A rougher ride with stiff tires won’t matter since you are not riding in the trailer but in the tow vehicle.

The Recommended Tire Pressure on the Sticker Inside the Trailer

All RVs have stickers inside, which state not only the recommended tire pressure but also the maximum loaded weight of the trailer. The trailer manufacturer will have determined the maximum trailer weight and calculated the recommended tire pressure according to the tires they have installed. If you change to a different type of tire, the recommended tire pressure may change. This may be very different than the maximum tire pressure printed on the side of the tire.

Going By the Weight of the Trailer

Some people prefer weighing their trailer, and optimizing the psi of each tire accordingly. You can have the individual axles on your trailer weighed at a truck stop. This will give you the weight at the four corners of your trailer, which will not only help you set your tire pressure but also help you to balance your load.

Now that you have the weight information, you can go online and look up the recommended psi for your tires. Every tire manufacturer has “weight tables” on their website, so find the weight table for your tire manufacturer. You can fill your tires according to these tables. This is the most precise method.

The proper tire pressure for a travel trailer is a topic of some debate, with lots of opinions. However, proper tire pressure is essential for safely towing a trailer, and you should check your tire pressure before each trip. With proper inflation, your tires will not only tow safely, but they will also last longer.

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RV Tire Pressure

Setting RV tires to the correct inflation pressure is critical to optimum tire life, tire performance, vehicle handling, and most important SAFETY. Checking tire pressure should be part of the service of every RV. The important question of course: What pressure should be used? Tire pressure should be based on the load being carried by the tire. This puts the tire in the correct shape (profile), ensures that the tire flexes properly, manages heat build-up, and provides adequate carrying capacity (strength) without sacrificing tire patch (contact with the road).

Tire Load Information

If tire load information is available from the unit having been weighed by wheel position, then that data should be used by referring to the tire manufacturers’ load/inflation tables. The basic rule is that all tires on the same axle are set to the same pressure, based on the heaviest side. It is not good practice to weigh an RV by axle positions and assume that the load is equal on both sides (trailers and tag axle motorhomes are not able to separate their axles on axle scales). There is no calculation you can use to determine your air pressure without individual wheel weights, anything else from an axle weighing is still just a guess. In fact, it is not uncommon for a difference of 1,000 pounds or more to exist between sides on the same axle. (CAT scales DO NOT recommend trying to get off side of scales to achieve individual wheel position weights, see www.cat.com

RV Dataplate

If tire load information is not available, then the next best resource is the RV dataplate. RV manufacturers are required to post a recommended inflation pressure on the dataplate; however, since they can only assume that the owner will load the unit to maximum weight, they have no choice but to post tire pressures based on maximum weight. The disadvantage of using this source is that the owner may have the unit loaded lightly, which will result in overinflated tires. Over inflation results in a harsh ride, poor tire wear, unstable handling in wind and with passing vehicles, and reduced tire patch which reduces braking effectiveness, especially on wet roads. On the other hand, the owner may have unit loaded beyond Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or an axle rating (GAWR), in which case, using the dataplate pressure will result in under inflation. Having under inflated tires can result in poor tire wear, excessive tire flexing, excessive heat build-up, and eventual tire failure. Finally, using this source does not take into consideration that the RV may be loaded to a significantly unbalanced condition, quite common in our industry.

Tires can be set to the pressure indicated on the sidewall if you lack tire load information and confidence in the dataplate information. This will result in achieving the design load rating of the tire, but ignores all of the factors discussed above, and may not assume optimum tire performance or safety. The pressure indicated on the sidewall is NOT the maximum pressure for the tire, but is the minimum pressure required to achieve the maximum load rating of the tire.

Check Pressure When Tires are Cold

Whatever pressure you choose, it must be set when tires are COLD. Cold means that the tire is the same temperature as the outside air, and has not heated up from traveling. This means that you CANNOT check tire pressures when a unit rolls into the shop right off the road. NEVER reduce tire pressure of a warm tire just because it is higher than the pressure indicated on the sidewall. This is a normal condition. An accurate tire gauge is essential!

RVSEF offers two online seminars, RV Weight Safety and RV Tire Safety both available at www.rvsafety.com. RVSEF weighing schedule is also available on our website.

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Correct RV Tire Pressures For Every Rig

There is endless discussion about RV tire pressures in the online RV forums. There are almost as many opinions about it as there are RVers. But what I am going to share with you in this article is what you need to know about tire safety . And safety is a big factor when we talk about RV tires . The bigger the rig, the more important you monitor your tires and use the correct RV tire pressures for your tires.

This subject really is no joke because your RV tires are the only connection you have with the ground. And if you suffer a blowout while driving, it can be a dangerous and scary situation.

So lets find out how you can determine the best RV tire pressures for every rig out there.

What Is The Correct Tire Pressures For Your RV?

You will hear a lot of thoughts about what the correct RV tire pressure should be for every rig. Some will say to just go by what is printed on the tire sidewalls. Some say to ignore that and use the tire charts usually found inside the RV.

Others have a general idea of what tire pressure they like to use and think it fits everyone else as well. So what is the correct air pressure to use in your RV tires?

The truth is that tire pressure is most accurately determined by the load placed on them. The most correct RV tire pressure is the one where it takes into consideration the weight that is being placed on that individual tire.

And you might think that RVs have their weight evenly distributed between the axles, but that is often not the case. And very often the RV owner has used their storage unevenly too.

So more weight may be on one side of the RV than on the other. And the only way that you will know that is to weigh the rig and find out.

How To Weigh Your RV

So how do you find out how the weight is distributed in your RV? Many people take the RV to a truck scale like CAT scales found at Love’s truck stops.

Or they may use another method that weighs the weight on each axle. This is certainly better than nothing and will give you a good picture of what your axle weights are.

But the most accurate weights for tire pressure are determined by weighing the RV at each tire position separately, instead of just using the overall axle weight. That’s because RVs are not very balanced vehicles to begin with.

And then people start putting their cargo in the storage areas without thinking about weight distribution. So the weight on a tire on the left side of one axle can be very different from that on the other side. Only by weighing the rig at each tire position will you know that.

There are two main companies that weigh RVs at each tire position and you usually find them at RV rallies across the country. The two top companies that do this properly are Escapees Smart Weigh and the RV Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF).

But Escapees Smart Weigh does have some permanent locations where you can get your RV weighed properly too. Here is a link to those weigh centers.

How To Find The Correct RV Tire Pressures

Once you have the accurate weight that is on each tire, now you can determine the correct tire pressure. To do that, you make use of the tire manufacturer’s tire inflation chart.

It will tell you the correct tire pressure for the weight that particular tire is carrying. These charts can be easily found online by just Googling the the tire manufacturer and model of tire on your RV.

The general rule of thumb is to use the tire pressure for the tire with the most weight on that axle. In other words, one tire on the axle may have 3000 pounds on it and the other may only have 2000 pounds on it.

So use the tire pressure for the tire that has 3000 pounds of weight on it for both tires on that axle.

What To Do If You Haven’t Been Weighed Yet

So now you know how to establish the correct RV tire pressures for your rig. But what do you do before you get weighed properly?

The fail safe approach to tire pressure in this case is to run the tires at their maximum cold air pressure. This figure will be listed on the tire sidewall.

If the tires on your rig are the size and rating that your RV manufacturer recommends, this is a safe tire pressure. This maximum cold pressure for the tire is appropriate for the maximum weight that the tire could safely carry.

As long as you are within the safe load limits of your RV, the maximum tire air pressure will be fine. The ride may be a little stiff, but it will be safe.

This is because the main enemy of RV tires is heat. And under-inflation is what causes heat to build up in the tire. If you are a little over-inflated for the weight, that should not present much of a safety issue.

Also, keep in mind that the maximum tire pressure is cold pressure. This is before the RV has been driven anywhere. As you go, the tire pressure will exceed the cold pressure limit as the tire warms up. And that is fine. The tire manufacturer has built the tire to be able to safely do that.

But be sure to get your RV weighed properly as soon as possible. Then use the tire manufacturer’s tire pressure guidelines for the weight on each RV tire. That is the best and most accurate tire pressure for any RV rig.

I hope this primer on determining the correct RV tire pressure for your rig has been helpful.

As always, have safe and happy travels my friends!

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5 Expert Tips To Ensure Optimal Tire Pressure On Your Travel Trailer

Travel trailers provide the best of both worlds: the opportunity to revel in nature’s wonders while still enjoying the comforts of home. But before you hit the road with your travel trailer, ensure everything is ready. Specifically, let’s talk about your tires. Even more specifically, the tire pressure on your travel trailer tires.

Proper tire pressure is critical for safe towing . It’s easy to overlook tire maintenance, but you’ll want to remember that it’s crucial for your safety and the well-being of others on the road. Luckily, we’ve covered you with five expert tips to help you maintain adequate tire pressure for your travel trailer.

Trust us; you’ll want to be confident and safe on your grand adventure .

Why improper tire pressure can lead to accidents with your travel trailer.

Improper tire pressure can lead to severe accidents when towing your travel trailer. The consequences can be devastating, especially when traveling at high speeds. Overinflated or underinflated tires can cause different problems, which are dangerous and can put you and other motorists at risk.

Tire underinflation can lead to excessive heat buildup, causing a blowout. It also causes more wear and tear on the tires, resulting in unexpected damage that leads to a flat tire on the road. If that happens, you might suddenly lose control of your vehicle, causing severe injury or even death to yourself and others around you.

Overinflated tires can cause tread wear, making them more susceptible to losing traction on the road. They also lead to handling issues when driving over rough terrain, which could cause unexpected swerving that puts you and other motorists in danger.

Therefore, it’s vital always to maintain optimal tire pressure on your travel trailer to ensure the safety of your vehicle, passengers onboard, and other road users.

Regularly monitoring your tire pressure can help prevent accidents caused by under or overinflation. Remember, keeping your tire pressure well-balanced is critical to safe travel when you’re on the road with your travel trailer.

How to choose the right tire gauge for your travel trailer.

When searching for the perfect tire gauge for your travel trailer, it’s important to first familiarize yourself with the two main types available: digital and analog.

Digital gauges are typically favored for their ease of use and higher levels of accuracy. However, they can be a bit more high-maintenance – as they require batteries and may suffer in extreme temperatures.

On the other hand, analog gauges, which don’t need batteries, are sometimes preferred for their durability, although they can be slightly harder to read accurately.

When selecting a gauge, choosing one made explicitly for trailer tires is essential to ensure you get the most precise readings possible. Additionally, consider purchasing an indicator with a wider range of pressure readings to accommodate future upgrades or changes.

As for my recommendation, I’m a big fan of the Accutire MS-4021B digital tire gauge . This gauge offers an easy-to-read display with a 5-150 PSI pressure range. Better yet, its durable construction is built to last. Plus, it has a release valve to help reduce the pressure if you accidentally overinflate your tires.

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the significance of investing in the correct tire gauge. By purchasing a top-quality gauge, you can save time, money, and frustration in the long run – all while ensuring the safety of yourself and your passengers while on the road.

Tips from the experts.

Ready to dive in and hear what our experts have come up with?

Tip #1. Keep an eye on the tire pressure of your travel trailer regularly.

Maintaining the right tire pressure for your travel trailer is one of those things that can’t be overemphasized. It’s critical to ensure maximum performance and safety on the road. Without the right air pressure, you run the risk of accidents or breakdowns that could turn your trip into a nightmare. Trust us; you don’t want that to happen.

Picture this: You’re all ready for a long country road trip. You’ve got your GPS set, snacks packed, and music ready to go. One crucial step you don’t want to miss is checking your travel trailer’s tire pressure before hitting the road. It’s quick and easy, and it could save you lots of trouble down the line.

But it doesn’t stop there. As you journey through winding roads and bumpy terrains, monitor the tire pressure levels regularly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry; every little bit helps. If you notice any signs of air loss or insufficient pressure, don’t ignore them; take action immediately. You’ll be glad you did.

If you want to take the monitoring a step further, you might want to go for a TPMS system that tells you the pressure as you’re driving. Frankly, we love the TireMinder i10 . It tells you if your tires are leaking, what the current pressures are of all of your RV’s tires, and more. But there are tons of TPMS on the market.

Your travel trailer’s tires are vital in keeping you and your passengers safe. And by regularly monitoring your tire pressure, you also get to use your fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of your tires. Now, that’s a win-win situation.

Keep tabs on your travel trailer’s tire pressure. This means checking it regularly, especially before long trips, after storage, and before hitting the road.

Tip #2. Only check your tire pressure when the tires are cool.

Maintaining your travel trailer’s tire pressure is critical to ensuring a smooth and safe journey. However, timing is everything.

One of the most common errors people make is checking tire pressure when the tires are warm or hot. During travel, the air inside the tires expands, causing an inaccurate tire pressure reading. So, only check tire pressure when the tires have cooled down.

Let’s envision a scenario where you’re road-tripping with friends in your travel trailer, driving down a picturesque route. Suddenly, you hear a loud “pop” and feel the trailer starting to sway, risking everyone’s safety. A blowout! You later discover the tire pressure was too high, but the reading was inaccurate as you checked it when the tires were hot.

While this scenario is all too common, it can be easily avoided. Always check your tire pressure in the morning before embarking on your journey. Double-check the tire pressure before taking an extended break to ensure it’s optimal.

Don’t check tire pressure immediately after parking, especially in direct sunlight. These straightforward precautions can reduce the risk of your travel trailer experiencing a blowout and ensure a safe and sound journey.

Tip #3. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading.

To make sure you’re not left stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire in the middle of your long-awaited camping trip, you need to be savvy about tire pressure.

The number one rule of thumb? Use a top-notch tire pressure gauge.

So many of us make the easy mistake of dusting off an old one that’s been gathering cobwebs in the basement for a long time. But using a gauge past its prime isn’t only inconvenient and dangerous.

Imagine the predicament Tom and Mary found themselves in when they were on their way to the campsite and suddenly had a flat tire. They whipped out an old, outdated gauge that had seen better days and assumed it was accurate when it read 75 PSI. Little did they know that number was way off base. The tire in question was overinflated, so much so that it led to a hazardous blowout that could have resulted in a serious accident.

You must invest in the right gauge for your travel trailer to keep yourself and your companions safe on the open road. If you want to be extra-confident that you’re getting exact readings, digital options are particularly accurate, measuring pressure down to a tenth of a PSI. As we mentioned before, we’re big fans of the Accutire line of indicators.

Tires can lose between 1-3 PSI a month by just sitting. If you don’t have an accurate gauge, you might not even notice that.

A reliable gauge will allow you to adjust the air in your tires as needed, making the journey a calm, carefree experience. It’s also essential to maintain your gauge in top-notch condition. A gauge past its prime might not be reliable, and it could lead to readings that are way off the mark.

Tip #4. Verify the optimal tire pressure for your travel trailer in the owner’s manual.

Verifying the ideal tire pressure for your travel trailer is a must-do task for an easy and safe ride. You don’t need to break a sweat; it won’t take much time.

The first step is to find your travel trailer’s owner’s manual to get started. If you can’t find the physical copy, don’t worry, as it’s often available online. The guide will provide you with the tire pressure that is recommended for your specific model and year. However, it’s important to remember that the ideal pressure may vary based on the tire’s size and if you’re towing a heavy trailer.

Once you have the optimal tire pressure information, it’s time to implement it. Use a reliable tire gauge that will give you an accurate reading. Don’t rely on the tire’s printed pressure levels. Why? The numbers printed on the tire only indicate the maximum tire pressure it can handle, but this isn’t best for your trailer. One crucial tip is to verify the tire pressure when the tire is cool.

Following the owner’s manual’s recommendation for optimal tire pressure is critical because it is tailored to your particular travel trailer’s requirements. Even if someone else has the same model as yours, their tire pressure might not be ideal for other reasons. By following the guide, you’re ensuring the optimal performance of your travel trailer, which means a safe journey for you and your fellow drivers on the road.

Tip #5. Don’t forget to inspect your tires regularly for wear and tear.

As an avid traveler, you know the importance of tire pressure. But what about tire wear and tear?

Neglecting this crucial aspect of tire maintenance could have catastrophic consequences. Just imagine the case of John, who was driving his family to their annual camping trip. Suddenly, one of his tires gave out, causing his trailer to swerve off the road. Upon investigation, John discovered that the tire had been extensively worn out, with the treads reaching the bare minimum depth. This unfortunate event could have been easily avoided if he had checked for signs of wear and tear beforehand.

So, what are the signs of tire wear and tear? Uneven treads, bulges, and cuts are some of the tell-tale signals that your tire needs replacement. To prevent any potential mishap from occurring, you must regularly inspect your tires for damage, especially if you’re hitting the road for an extended period. It’s far better to catch and fix any issues in advance rather than deal with the consequences later.

By showing your tires the attention they deserve, you can ensure a safe and smooth journey for you and your passengers. Don’t make the same mistake that John did. Keep a watchful eye on your tires and nip any potential problems in the bud.

How often should you replace your travel trailer’s tires?

As with any vehicle, tires are an essential component of your travel trailer and must be replaced when worn or damaged. However, the tire replacement frequency would depend on how often your trailer is used and the tire conditions.

One of my friends, Joe, had a terrible experience last year while driving his travel trailer. He encountered a flat tire, which caused damage to his trailer and put him and his family in danger. Upon inspection, he learned that his tires were old and had become dry-rotted, which is a prevalent issue in rarely used trailers. Even though Joe had not put tons of miles on the RV, they sat in the sun while it was in storage.

To prevent such danger, it is suggested that you replace your trailer tires every 3-5 years or 10,000 to 15,000 miles , regardless of their physical appearance. Over time, the rubber compound in tires deteriorates, leading to severe cases like blowouts.

If you want to get some extended life out of your tires, be sure to use tire covers when your camper is in storage . This will prevent the sun’s UV rays from taking a toll on them.

In addition, don’t overlook signs of wear and tear, such as sidewall cracks and uneven tread wear. If you notice these signs, replace the tires as soon as possible, ensuring you don’t compromise your safety and that of others.

Hit the road with good tires!

Whenever you head out on a camping trip you must always ensure your tires are in excellent condition. Of course they’ll take some wear and tear, but you don’t want to push them to their limits.

By following these tips, you can keep your tires in tip top shape and avoid any potential accidents or mishaps on the road. Remember, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure , so take the time to inspect your tires regularly and follow these simple maintenance tips.

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Matt Johnson

Senior Content Writer

Matt is an experienced camper and glamping enthusiast with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University. Authoring posts for GlamperGear, he shares his wealth of knowledge on picturesque campsites, luxurious accommodations, and the best gear for outdoor adventures. His passion for nature and knack for comfort in the wilderness make him an expert guide for your next camping endeavor.

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Tire Pressure When Towing

Time To Read:

The Vehicle Manufacturer's Recommendation: Why It's Key
Handy Facts and Tips About Tires
Common Myths About Tire Pressure When Towing
How to Spot Tire Pressure Issues
Final Thoughts

Have you ever been on the road, towing a trailer or a heavy load, and wondered if the air in your tires was correct pressure? Ensuring the proper pressure is crucial, not just for the longevity of your tires but also for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Best Tire Pressure When Towing The proper tire pressure for towing is the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Unless your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifies otherwise, there’s generally no need to adjust your air pressure for towing.

In this article, we’ll debunk common myths about tire pressures and towing, provide handy tips about tires, and guide you on how to spot and address tire pressure issues. Dive in to ensure a safe and smooth towing experience.

recommended tire pressure sticker in driver's door jam

The Vehicle Manufacturer’s Recommendation: Why It’s Key

Every vehicle comes with a set of recommendations from the manufacturer. These guidelines are not just random numbers; they’re based on extensive testing and research. When it comes to tire pressure, these numbers ensure optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.

Safety : The right tire pressure ensures that your tires have the best possible grip on the road. This is crucial, especially when towing, as it affects your vehicle’s handling and braking.
Performance : Your vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking all depend on tire pressure. Too high or too low, and you might find your vehicle behaving unpredictably, especially when towing.
Fuel Efficiency : Believe it or not, your tire pressure can affect your gas mileage. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard.

Note: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure. It’s the most reliable source of information.

Why You Shouldn’t Change the Recommended Pressure

There’s a lot of advice floating around, especially online. Some folks might tell you to increase tire pressure for towing, while others might suggest the opposite. But here’s the thing: unless your vehicle’s manual specifically says so, you shouldn’t need to adjust your pressures towing.

Risks of Over-Inflation : Over-inflating your tires can reduce their grip on the road. It can also make them more prone to punctures and other damages. On top of that, it can lead to uneven tire wear, especially in the center of the tire tread.
Risks of Under-Inflation : Under-inflating, on the other hand, can cause your tires to overheat, especially when towing. This increases the risk of a blowout. It can also lead to uneven tire wear on the edges.

For more insights on tire types and their specific load ranges, check out our detailed guide on Load Range: XL vs E .

Remember, your vehicle’s manufacturer knows best. They’ve done the research, the testing, and have provided guidelines to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s performance.

Maximum Tire Pressure and Maximum Load: What You Should Know

Every tire has a max pressure rating, often referred to as “max psi.” This number indicates the highest amount of air pressure the tire can safely handle. It’s essential not to exceed this number, even when towing, as it can lead to tire damage or even a blowout.

Max Pressure (Max PSI) : This is the tire’s maximum safe inflation level. It’s usually printed on the tire’s sidewall. Over-inflating beyond this point can be dangerous.
Max Load : This refers to the heaviest load the tire can safely carry when properly inflated. Exceeding this load can put undue stress on the tire, leading to premature wear or failure.

Rear Axle and Tire Tread

The rear axle of your vehicle plays a crucial role, especially when towing. It bears the brunt of the weight, making the rear tires especially important.

Rear Axle : This is the axle located at the back of your vehicle. When towing, it’s under more stress due to the additional weight, making the correct tire pressure even more vital.
Tire Tread : The pattern on the surface of your tire. It’s designed to provide grip. Over time, and especially with incorrect tire pressure, this tread can wear down, reducing your tire’s effectiveness and safety.

Tip: Regularly checking your tire tread can give you insights into your tire’s health. Uneven wear might indicate issues with alignment or inflation.

Other Need-to-Know Tips

Trailer Tires vs. Regular Tires : Trailer tires are specifically designed to handle the loads and demands of towing. They’re built differently from regular tires and have their own set of recommendations. For a deeper dive into the differences and when to use each, explore our guide on Can I Put LT Tires on My SUV, Trailer, Car, or Truck? .
Fuel Efficiency : Maintaining the correct tire pressure isn’t just about safety; it’s also about saving money. Properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage, saving you money at the pump.

Be Careful with Online Tips

The internet is a vast space, and while it offers a plethora of information, not all of it is accurate or safe. When it comes to tire pressure, especially while towing, it’s essential to differentiate between myths and facts.

Increasing Tire Pressure for Towing : A common misconception is that increasing your tire pressure will provide better stability when towing. However, this can lead to reduced traction and increased wear in the center of the tire.
Decreasing Tire Pressure for Better Grip : Some believe that a lower tire pressure will offer more surface area and, thus, better grip. But this can cause the tire to overheat, especially under the added strain of towing.

Setting the Record Straight on Rear Tire Pressure and Trailer Tires

Your vehicle’s rear tires play a pivotal role when towing, bearing most of the trailer’s weight. It’s crucial to ensure they’re correctly inflated.

Rear Tire Pressure : While some might suggest increasing the rear tire pressure when towing, it’s essential to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations unless otherwise specified.
Trailer Tires : These are specially designed for the demands of towing. They’re built to handle heavier loads and have different pressure recommendations than regular tires.

The Truth About LT Tires and Towing

Light Truck (LT) tires are designed for heavier loads and rougher terrains. They’re sturdier and can handle the demands of towing better than regular passenger tires.

LT Tires for Towing : If you’re frequently towing heavy loads, LT tires might be a good choice. They offer better stability and are designed for the job.
Safety First : Regardless of the type of tire you choose, always ensure they’re correctly inflated and in good condition before towing.

Spotting Tire Wear Signs

Your tires speak to you, not with words, but with patterns. By observing the wear on your tires, you can get insights into potential issues, including incorrect tire pressure.

Center Wear : If the middle of your tire is wearing out faster than the edges, it might be over-inflated.
Edge Wear : If the edges of your tire are wearing out faster than the center, it might be under-inflated.
Uneven Wear : This can indicate issues like misalignment or problems with suspension components.

Tip: Regularly inspecting your tires can help you spot and address issues before they become major problems.

Other Signs of Wrong Pressure

Apart from wear patterns, there are other indicators that your tire pressure might not be optimal.

Vehicle Handling : If your vehicle feels unstable, especially when cornering, it might be due to incorrect air pressure.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency : If you notice that you’re filling up your tank more often than usual, it could be a sign of under-inflated tires.
Vibrations : Feeling unusual vibrations while driving, especially at high speeds, can indicate tire issues.

Tools to Help Monitor Tire Pressure

In today’s tech-driven world, there are tools available that can help you keep a close eye on your tire pressures.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) : Many modern vehicles come equipped with a TPMS that alerts you if any tire is under-inflated.
Handheld Air Pressure Gauge : A simple, yet effective tool that every vehicle owner should have. It allows you to check your tire pressure anytime, anywhere.

should i increase tire pressure for a heavy load

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:

Tread Rightly: Why Tire Pressure Matters – Car and Driver
Tire Tips for Safe RV Travel – Consumer Reports
Preparation and Driving Tips for Safe Towing – Consumer Reports

Ensuring the correct tire pressure, especially when towing, is paramount for both the longevity of your tires and your safety on the road.

By adhering to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and regularly checking your air pressures, you can ensure optimal performance and safety.

Remember, while there’s a plethora of advice available online, always refer to trusted sources such as the tire placard in your driver’s door jamb and your vehicle’s manual for the most accurate information.

Good luck and happy motoring.

About The Author

Will, the founder of TireGrades.com, is a tire expert and car enthusiast with roots in the industry dating back to his childhood next to the founder of Parrish Tire. His expertise, honed through a consulting role with Discount Tire, encompasses developing training courses and strategic planning.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina—a hub for tire manufacturing and NASCAR—Will’s three-decade passion with all things on 4 wheels includes involvement in SCCA events and local car clubs. At TireGrades.com, he dedicates himself to providing practical solutions and reliable information for common tire-related queries, helping vehicle owners make informed decisions.

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COMMENTS

How To Set The Correct Travel Trailer Tire Pressure
When the vehicle is not overloaded, the air pressure in the tire should be somewhere between the numbers mentioned on the Federal Certification Tag and the tire's sidewall. You should never exceed the maximum pressure molded on the sidewall. To maintain the ideal travel trailer tire pressure, you should ensure that both ends of the axle have ...
Setting the Correct RV Tire Pressure
Trailer tire pressures correspond with the load rating. Trailer tires identify the load range using a letter system. Most travel trailer and 5 th wheels tires fall between range B and E. As you move up in load range the carrying capacity of the tire increases as does the maximum inflation pressure.
What should travel trailer tire pressure be?
For most travel trailers, the tire pressure is mostly between 40 psi to 65 psi. Remember, this is not what you have to set, its what the average numbers look like. That is, most travel trailer tires will be inflated with PSI falling in this range. This range is depended on the weight of the trailers as most of the trailer weigh in between 1500 ...
How to Maintain The Correct Travel Trailer Tire Pressure
The tires of most travel trailers fall between the load range of B and E, which means the tires have between 36 and 80 PSI max pressure (a chart is easy to find online). Some companies void the warranty if you don't operate the tires at max pressure. Follow the pressure rating on the chassis plate
What Tire Pressure Should I Use for My Rv?
It's the most air pressure that should ever be in that tire. That should definitely be the advice you follow for a motorized vehicle. That said, trailer tire manufacturers like Goodyear are now recommending that you run the max pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire. A tire and loading sticker showing the vehicle's original tires and ...
How to Determine the Right Air Pressure to Fill a Trailer Tire
Max cold pressure on the tire is 65 psi and the gross weight of my fully loaded travel trailer is 5,850 lbs, or 1,462 lbs per tire. Goodyear has a published load/pressure chart for the Endurance ST tires, and for my trailer weight, the published cold pressure is 40 PSI.
Safety check: how to check & adjust your trailer tire pressure
Step 1: Locate the valve stem on your tire and remove the valve stem cap. Step 2: Press your gauge onto the stem. You'll hear a hiss - that's the sound of your gauge getting the pressure reading. Step 3: Check the number on the gauge and compare it to the recommended pressure listed on your trailer tire's sidewall.
RV Tire Pressure Guide: Chart, Inflation, Tips, Warnings
1. Check Manufacturer Charts. RV tire pressure is determined by the manufacturer of your tires and your RV. You should consult your RV's owner's manual and your tire's specifications. Here is a great set of tire inflation charts. Whatever the recommended PSI, it is critical to maintain the correct PSI level.
How to Determine Correct Tire Pressure for Trailer Tire
Expert Reply: In this instance, the tire pressure should be maintained at 65 PSI. Unlike tires on a passenger vehicle that might have an acceptable range of tire pressures, trailer tires should always be ran at the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Running the tires at a lower pressure would cause heat build-up, which over time will ...
Recommended Tire Pressure for RVs
A load range C tire is a 6 ply usually with a maximum pressure of 50 psi. A load range D tire is a 8 ply usually with a maximum pressure of 65 psi. While a higher load rated tire can carry more weight than a lower rated tire, they can only do it if you increase the tire pressure accordingly. Two tires with different load indexes inflated to the ...
Understanding Tire Pressure when Towing a Travel Trailer
However, if your planning on towing it fully loaded, and you'll be using the trailer with several people, then you might want to fill your tires closer to the max. In most cases, this number is usually somewhere between 40 and 65 psi. Of course, you're not necessarily going to want to change your tire pressure each and every time you take ...
What's The Best Tire Pressure For Your Travel Trailer?
Most trailer experts recommend inflating your trailer tires to the maximum psi indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This is regardless of how heavy the trailer is. This is because trailer tires are built with thicker sidewalls than passenger car tires, in order to deal with an increased vertical load. If the trailer tires are under-inflated ...
RV Tire Pressure
The pressure indicated on the sidewall is NOT the maximum pressure for the tire, but is the minimum pressure required to achieve the maximum load rating of the tire. Check Pressure When Tires are Cold. Whatever pressure you choose, it must be set when tires are COLD. Cold means that the tire is the same temperature as the outside air, and has ...
What Should RV Tire Pressure Be & How to Do it Right
In short, you need to check the pressure before and after adding air to ensure the right level. First, remove the caps from the valve stems. Fit the tire pressure gauge to the stem and read the pressure level. Add air a few seconds at a time to avoid overfilling. Check pressure again after adding air.
Should I Increase tire pressure when towing an RV Trailer?
I am now going to be towing a 6300 lb. travel trailer. I was planning on increasing the rear tires to 45 PSI (max on tire is 51 lbs ), but wondering if I should Iincrease both the front and the rears to 45 lbs.(or 51 lbs). ... increase to max cold tire pressure when its cool during the morning. Reply Like 08-05-2020, 08:06 AM #10 kozal01 ...
Correct RV Tire Pressures For Every Rig
This maximum cold pressure for the tire is appropriate for the maximum weight that the tire could safely carry. As long as you are within the safe load limits of your RV, the maximum tire air pressure will be fine. The ride may be a little stiff, but it will be safe. This is because the main enemy of RV tires is heat.
Max tire pressure and temperature
The max load cold pressure shown on the tire sidewall is NOT the max pressure the tire should ever have, so do not start with that value. Most trailer tires are at max load, so the standard cold inflation will be the sidewall psi. Typical operating temperatures will be at least 10-15% above that, which means 8-12 psi on an 80 psi tire.
Operating Pressure and Temperature for Travel Trailer Tires
Jesse M. 8/13/2024. @JohnD It is completely normal for the PSI and temperature of tires to increase while driving. Generally you will see an increase of 1 PSI for every 10 degrees. 133 degrees sounds pretty normal for tires during the summer. We generally tell folks that anything over 165 or 170 degrees is starting to get into the danger zone.
Tire Pressure and Elevation: What You Need to Know
It's best to fill tires when they are "cold" which means you've parked your car for three or more hours or driven it less than a mile at a moderate speed. If you are filling "hot" tires, set their pressure to 4 PSI above the recommendation. Then recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Checking the tire pressure is ...
Optimal Tire Pressure On Your Travel Trailer
5 Expert Tips To Ensure Optimal Tire Pressure On Your Travel Trailer. Author: Matt Johnson • Photos/Graphics: Mike Hawthorne • Published: Jun 20, 2023 • Updated: Dec 11, 2023.
Should Trailer Tires Always be Inflated to Their Max PSI
When it comes to trailer tires you always want to have them inflated to their max psi when cold. Not only do you get the full capacity at the max psi, you also will generate less heat in the tire since there won't be as much flex in the sidewall, you'll get better wear and better fuel mileage. The Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White ...
Tire Pressure When Towing (PSI)
Every tire has a max pressure rating, often referred to as "max psi.". This number indicates the highest amount of air pressure the tire can safely handle. It's essential not to exceed this number, even when towing, as it can lead to tire damage or even a blowout. Max Pressure (Max PSI): This is the tire's maximum safe inflation level.
What Air Pressure Should I Run in My Trailer Tires?
In an extreme situation you may see an increase of around 1 psi. So you will want to inflate the tires to their max psi rating when cold and you will be good to go. Details on trailer tire air pressure. My current trailer tires state maximum tire pressure of 80psi. If I check the tire pressure cold and inflate to 80 psi.

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Setting the Correct RV Tire Pressure – How to do it

Method 1: Setting your RV’s Tire Pressure to the Max Pressure found on the Sidewall

Tire Load Range Pressure and Ply Rating Chart

Method 2: Using your RV’s Tire Information Sticker to Set the Pressure

Method 3: Calculating the Correct Tire Pressure using Actual Axle Weights and Tire Load Charts (The Preferred Method)

Step 1: Weigh Your RV

Step 2: Add 10% for Safety and Lookup Weight in Load Charts

Links to Tire Load Charts

Example: Finding Tire Pressure from Load Chart

Calculations:

Reading the Tire Load Chart:

How Read a Tire’s Sidewall Markings

Maintaining Your Tire Pressure

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RV Tire Pressure Guide: Chart, Inflation, Tips, Warnings

What You Need to Know About RV Tire Pressure

1. Check Manufacturer Charts

2. Determine Proper PSI for RV

3. Checking RV Tire Pressure

4. Adding Air to RV Tires

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What’s The Best Tire Pressure For Your Travel Trailer?

Travel Trailer Tire Pressure