tire inflation chart, max load vrs. normal driving

Dec 12, 2005 2 Replies
J

I have Michelin 30x9.5 RI5 LT 104R LTX M/S tires. These are the tires I replaced the Firestones with. The Michelin website says Max. load is



1985 @50 psi. They don't give a tire inflation number, other than that. Is that "maximum load" the weight of my car? I don't normally haul a load, except going camping. What is the suggested tire inflation psi for normal commuting (one or two passengers, full tank of gas, not carring a load, not off-road)? Just that same number, the 50 psi? Also, I've heard that the normal life of a tire is 5 years, even if the tread is good. I put about 10,000 miles a year on my car. Thank you, Jeff Myers
Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
H

You don't say what "car" you are driving, but I'd probably start at about 32 psi or go by the car mfg recommendations.

Dave

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
E

I assume these tires are on an Explorer. Since you have changed from P series Tires to LT (Light Truck TIres), and changed the size as well, the original Ford recommendations for the vehicle no longer apply. For a given load ratng, LT tires require a higher pressure than P series tires. This is becasue LT tires have stiffer sidewalls that generate more heat when flexed. You tire dealer should have a copy of the Michelin Load Inflation Tables, or at least the Tire Guide which will also have the industry standard load inflation tables for this tire size. Or you can look on line at -

formatting link
. This referencesuggests that you increase the Ford recommended pressure by 15 psi whenchanging from a P series tire to an LT series tire. I think this isexcssive. But you at least need to run 35 psi in your new tires. Ed

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required