Can I Tow With Tires Under Inflated

Updated 06/26/2019 | Published 06/25/2019

Question:

I own a 2016, 36foot Big Horn 5th wheel. It has 16inch tires that state 110psi on the sidewall. made in China. I have been pulling it with 70psi. Do I really want to inflate them to 110?

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you probably need to inflate the tires to 110 psi. Check with the manufacture of the tires to be sure but most trailer tires should be inflated to their max psi. Running them at 70 psi underrates the tires so they aren't functioning at their max capacity. Tires are designed to carry a maximum amount of weight and they can't achieve that if they're under inflated. Also, the tire being under inflated causes it to wear unevenly decreasing the tire's efficiency and life span.

There are some tire brands, Goodyear is the only one I know for sure, that lists different weight capacities at a different psi for their tires. That's why I said you should check with the tire's manufacturer but this is a rare exception.

expert reply by: Charles S