5 replies to this topic

[Land-roamer]

I got new tires installed this week (Toyo M-55, range E obviously) and the tire tech pumped them up to 65 PSI front and 80 PSI rear, as per the specs on the label in the door jamb, for a fully-laden truck. Since my truck (3/4 ton with basically a 1 ton suspension) is not fully-loaded with the Alaskan on it, I have a feeling that 80 PSI may be too much pressure, and could lead to tire wear.

So: what kind of tire pressure do you use in your trucks carrying an Alaskan? My truck is a 96 Dodge Cummins, so I think that 65 is good for the heavy front. It's the back I'm not entirely sure about. A couple of people elsewhere have suggested that 65 would be a good pressure to run with in the back too, but I'm just curious as to what people are using here.

Thanks.

[Rusty]

2003 F-250 Ford 7.3 powerstroke diesel

80 in the rears when the Alaskan is loaded, plus 80 in the bags

when empty...65-70 in the tires and 40 in the bags...makes the ride a little softer

65 in the fronts always

I ran 65 in the rears with the Alaskan loaded for a while but when I installed the bags a friend let me know he runs 80, so I tried it....80psi from then on...really changes the suspension performance

[Land-roamer]

2003 F-250 Ford 7.3 powerstroke diesel

80 in the rears when the Alaskan is loaded, plus 80 in the bags

when empty...65-70 in the tires and 40 in the bags...makes the ride a little softer

65 in the fronts always

I ran 65 in the rears with the Alaskan loaded for a while but when I installed the bags a friend let me know he runs 80, so I tried it....80psi from then on...really changes the suspension performance

Thanks Rusty. I don't have bags on mine (don't feel the need really, truck handles well as is), so might be different for me. I heard you can test for optimal pressure by chalking a line across the tire, driving a short distance on flat pavement and seeing if the wear is level. If middle erases first, too high pressure. I know at 80 the back of the truck feels a little harsh, suspension wise.
The other thing on my Dodge is that there is such a gap between the helper springs and the bumpstop that they never get really engaged. I'm told one has to install a replacement bumpstop (higher) to preload those helper springs, which would soften the ride. Always something to learn!
Cheers.

[Rusty]

The bags just aid in cornering at higher speeds. since I'm on the road to fishing grounds a bit....I added them a couple years ago....fairly spectacular difference in handling....especially towing.

[Kilroy]

I run 80 all around with the Alaskan on.

I think truck is pretty fully loaded with camper on. Not down on overload springs, but sagging pretty good without bags. I also put on the longer bump stops and find them helpful. Price isn't bad for what you get with them.

Made the mistake of putting on D rated tires once. Even though they were larger than the E rated they replaced and had as high a load rating, felt like I was driving an accident waiting to happen.

[Land-roamer]

I run 80 all around with the Alaskan on.

I think truck is pretty fully loaded with camper on. Not down on overload springs, but sagging pretty good without bags. I also put on the longer bump stops and find them helpful. Price isn't bad for what you get with them.

Made the mistake of putting on D rated tires once. Even though they were larger than the E rated they replaced and had as high a load rating, felt like I was driving an accident waiting to happen.

My truck only went down less than 2" when I put my 10foot NCO on last Fall. It's a 2500 with the camper package (ie. helper springs in the back). Your camper may be heavier, or fully loaded (mine is currently dry and empty).
Door jamb label recommends 65 front and 80 rear for fully loaded truck. I don't think mine is close to fully loaded to max vehicle weight with the Alaskan on the back, so I'm thinking that 65 is ok for the front, but the back may need less than 80. Part of my reasoning for not setting too high a rear pressure is premature tire wear.

p.s. what longer bump stops did you go with? I gather there are lots of types out there...