"Terry K." <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET> said -

Sean,

I kinda disagree with the response you gave---

If your running the van heavy, and the max load rating is at at specific
pressure you best be running with what the tire mfg. recommends---not
the vehicles mother----

Different tires, different pressures, different load ratings---

<SNIP>

Terry -

Tires, tire pressure, and all of the other suspension components work
together.  The vehicle manufacturer recommendations are what they think will
give you good results with that size tire.  That's why every vehicle has a
recommended pressure plate permanently attached.

On my '87 Westy, the recommended rear pressure is 48 with a Commercial 185R
and 40 with a LR 97 205R.  The bigger 205s would be stiffer at the tire's
maximum pressure, generally 50-60 for a LR 97, so they recommend a lower
pressure.

You are right that the manufacturer knows what the max for the tire is, but
unless you are carrying that much, you don't have to run it that high.

You will loose carrying capacity as you drop pressure, (which, I think, is
why they recommend LR 97 for the 205 at 40 psi, but any Commercial, i.e. LR
C for the 185 at 48 psi).

Sure, tires will differ, so I would say start with the vehicle manufacturers
rating for that size, and go up or down a couple of pounds until it feels
right on the road.  Just don't go over the sidewall max, and keep in mind
that lower pressure means lower carrying capacity.  If you are loaded to the
hilt, don't hesitate to bump up to a higher pressure.  Commercial truck
drivers regularly adjust pressure depending on load.

FWIW, I run my 195R14 Kumho 852s  at 48 rear, 39 front.  If it goes lower,
the van feels too loose.

- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, ID
mike_l_f@hotmail.com

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