Should the Tire Pressure Be Inflated To Trailer Or Tire Manufacturers Specifications?

Updated 05/04/2023 | Published 05/03/2023

Question:

Your expert has recommended always inflating to the max sidewall pressure of 60lbs and a load rating of near 700lbs per tire. My trailer weighs 350lbs. The trailer has a label recommending 30psi.Running 60psi for 1400lbs would cause the trailer to bounce like a basketball over bumps. Correct? Your expert is wrong. Go by the trailer manufacturer.

asked by: Charlie T

Expert Reply:

This is the information on the warranty for directly from Kenda for the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire # AM10060.

"Check air pressure monthly when tires are “cold”. Use an accurate tire air pressure gauge. Do not reduce pressure when tires are hot. Proper inflation is essential. Underinflation produces flexing of sidewalls and builds up heat to the point that premature tire failure may occur. Overinflation can cause the tire to be more susceptible to impact damage."

So by underinflating the tires the way the trailer manufacturer recommends you are actually going against the information given by the trailer manufacturer. Now if your trailer came with a different tire which the manufacturer okays for running at lower pressure that would be the difference.

expert reply by: Bud M