Best tires pressure for long trip high way drive

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Mybad not the best speller here

 

[Bedrck47]

you spelled the word correctly but was the wrong word lol

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

O lol I'm at work so I have to read fast so I don't kill no one with my loader

 

[Bedrck47]

you mean your multi-tasking

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Trying anyways lol

 

[Mediamonkey11]

Guys its what the truck saies not what the tire saies

I will go ahead and call you out here, unfortunately you are incorrect.

The vehicle recommended tire pressures are based off of the same rating of tire being installed that came from the factory which should be a C or P rated tire (can't remember which). So, if the OP had factory rated tires, you'd be correct.

That being said, the OP sates that the maximum tire pressure rating on the tire is 80 PSI indicating that they have an E rated tire. These are usually reserved for larger trucks and are a bit overkill for the expy but hey, they work.

Tires require a certain minimum pressure to maintain structural integrity of the sidewall or else they will break down faster and risk the possibility of sidewall failure (blowout). Just give your local reputable tire dealer and they'll be able to confirm this...

The minimum pressure for a C rated tire is right about 30-32, for a D rated tires it about 40-45, and for E it's about 50 PSI. Anything lower than that on those is risking heat buildup and blowout, especially on long trips and ESPECIALLY in hotter climates. MANY more failures occur due to underinflation rather than overinflation. The only thing that is negatively affected by overinflating a tire is a higher rate of treadwear and an uncomfortable ride.

OP: PLEASE do not run anything lower than 50PSI in your tires, 46-47 at BARE minimum, yes it's going to be a bit more uncomfortable but you're not running the stock rated tire and therefore need to deal with those consequences. Upside is it gives you the possibility to have less rolling resistance and therefore slightly better mileage.

 

[MADEXP]

Thanks to military orders, I drove my 2004 Expy from Virginia to Washington State twice (meaning 3,000miles X4) and had my tires set as recommended by factory label and I had no issues whatsoever...BTW, I was also hauling a small U-haul trailer on my first trip. Second trip, I was hauling my 1999 Ranger.

 

[2005Expedition]

how do I know if my tires is E rate ? it say some where on the tires ?

 

[Mediamonkey11]

I know there'll be a plethora of people chiming in with "I did such and such with so and so and had no problems", well, great! I'm happy for y'all!!! You're still playing with fire, be my guest if you'd like to continue to, can't say you weren't warned.


OP: there should be one of 4 letters somewhat easily designated apart from anything else on the tire, either P, C, D, or E. By that pressure though I'm gonna bet you have an E rated tire.

 

[2005Expedition]

btw I pump from 35psi to 40 psi and note my truck run a bit smoother too.
and when I bought this truck, I note the tires pressure was 46+ something. I will pump it to 50 tonight