Tire pressure while towing a small trailer

September 3, 2005 5:42 PM

I am going on a trip tomorrow, and taking my friend's small tent trailer. I have been told that you need to adjust your pressure when towing, but my tires do not have any indication on them of what this should be. Is it higher or lower? By how much generally... 20psi, 10psi? Any help would be appreciated.
posted by TheFeatheredMullet to sports, hobbies, & recreation (12 comments total)

What vehicle are you using to tow the trailer?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:52 PM on September 3, 2005

Oh, and by "small", you mean ... what? Tongue weight and total loaded weight are probably pertinent to anyone answering this question.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:53 PM on September 3, 2005

The NHTSA has a very helpful PDF for general trailer towing information, as well.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:56 PM on September 3, 2005

If it is a truck, here is a list of weight vs. inflation and tire size
posted by arruns at 6:01 PM on September 3, 2005

arruns, that list appears to be for heavy trucks and buses.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:03 PM on September 3, 2005

You mean he's not using a bus to tow? Well nevermind then.
posted by arruns at 6:32 PM on September 3, 2005

Based on the question, and as before anwered; I will extend to stay home and make sure the dishes have no spots and that the lawn is clean.
Perhaps there are local classes at the RV dealerships on such topics.
posted by buzzman at 6:43 PM on September 3, 2005

Tire pressure info might be on the vehicle itself or in the owners manual. Could even look online. My Toyota has this info printed on the inside of the glove box door. And on other cars I've seen it printed on a plate attached to the side of the driver's door.
posted by Mercaptan at 7:17 PM on September 3, 2005

I am towing a 1500 Lb Tent trailer with a 97 Ford Ranger.
posted by TheFeatheredMullet at 8:25 AM on September 4, 2005

Inside of door is not helpful, and the manual just says to not exceed the max weight of the tires, and to consult the authorized dealer for the tires.
posted by TheFeatheredMullet at 8:27 AM on September 4, 2005

From a girl whose family business has been tires for 45 years (and who worked in the back changing tires during summers, too):

The inside-the-door advice on tires is usually to keep the pressure (when you're not towing) around 30psi, and that's low. Under normal conditions, you should keep your tire pressure around 35psi. Lower it about 10% during the winter for more traction on slick roads.

Mullet, if it were my trailer, I wouldn't lower the pressure to less than 30psi, and after you're finished with towing I'd raise all four tires back to 35psi and keep them there.

Low tire pressure decreases your gas mileage and decreases the life of your tires. We've run 30psi during winter and 35psi the rest of the year as long as I can remember.
posted by lambchop1 at 2:00 PM on September 4, 2005

My thought is that that is not enough weight to justify any change in tire pressure.
posted by yclipse at 8:26 PM on September 4, 2005