Can Trailer Tires on Toy Hauler Be Aired Down When Garage is Empty

Published 08/19/2021

Question:

SHOULD I INFLATE TIRE TO MAX WHEN RUNNING TOY HAULER EMPTY ALSO CAN AIR BE MIXED WITH NITOGEN GAS IN TIRE ?

asked by: Robert P

Expert Reply:

Most tire manufacturers don't run capacity testing on their tires at varying tire pressures so the best practice is to run the tires at the maximum pressures listed on the tire's sidewall. At pressures below the tire's maximum, the weight capacity of the tire decreases. Because it hasn't been tested at various pressures, the weight capacity of an aired-down tire would be unknown which could unintentionally overload the tire, causing excessive heat build-up and ultimately he failure of the tire. If you were talking about an unloaded PWC trailer, you could absolutely air down the tires by 10-15 psi so the trailer doesn't bounce on you but a large toy hauler is a completely different story.

In a pinch, you can certainly mix air and nitrogen in a tire, you'll just lose the benefits of the nitrogen which does a better job of not changing as much as air when the tire gets warm from use.

I've linked to our series of trailer wheel and tire help articles, which you might find useful.

expert reply by: Mike L