Quick question about tire PSI

[Brandon96]

I'm taking about a 500 mile trip this coming weekend, about 70% highway the rest strict city (lots of turns). While the gas prices are low, I want some gas mileage!!!! I've got a set of BFG A/T's with max PSI at 50 written on the tire. Would running on 40 PSI be safe? Would it induce incorrect tire wear? (I'm psycho about my tires) What do the EXPERTS reccommend?

 

[Four0Sport]

personally i run 36 psi in both of my vehicles, why? i found that with my driving it helps minimize tire wear, it is good for dry and wet pavement and handles a good mix of on and off road driving. im lazy. basically yeah its my lazy tire setting.

 

[Donner]

I'm no expert so I don't recommend anything. However, Max psi 50 just means it's unsafe to exceed 50 psi - Anything lower is your option. The manufacturer should have recommendations at their website. But I just don't see a trip of 500 miles or round trip causing such significant wear. As far as saving gas, drive the limit...

 

[Blee1099]

34-36 psi is ideal. 40 psi and above the ride will be somewhat more harsh.

 

[JCUZ]

I'm taking about a 500 mile trip this coming weekend, about 70% highway the rest strict city (lots of turns). While the gas prices are low, I want some gas mileage!!!! I've got a set of BFG A/T's with max PSI at 50 written on the tire. Would running on 40 PSI be safe? Would it induce incorrect tire wear? (I'm psycho about my tires) What do the EXPERTS reccommend?

Yep, I'd go with 40PSI - you will get mileage, and better grip, but a harsher ride. You should have them around 36 anyway, so the difference won't be that noticeable.

 

[Essex4x4]

personally i run 36 psi in both of my vehicles, why? i found that with my driving it helps minimize tire wear, it is good for dry and wet pavement and handles a good mix of on and off road driving. im lazy. basically yeah its my lazy tire setting.

Great now everyone knows the secret.

I run 36psi in mine for basically the same reasons i get better mileage and my on/offroad traction including wet and dry is better at 36.

 

[Brandon96]

36 seems to be the way to go hahah

I'm going to go ahead and use 40 for the highway trip, Virginia's highways suckk, so looks like this is going to be one bumpy ride...

Hopefully when I get to the North Carolina border my butt won't be thaaat soar.

 

[Four0Sport]

if you run high psi on a bad road dont be surprised if you get thrown around when hitting bumps. not that 4psi is a big difference, but when you overinflate you lose surface area for gripping the road and you will basically bounce around and skip if it makes sense around turns hitting bumps.

 

[Brandon96]

if you run high psi on a bad road dont be surprised if you get thrown around when hitting bumps. not that 4psi is a big difference, but when you overinflate you lose surface area for gripping the road and you will basically bounce around and skip if it makes sense around turns hitting bumps.

I understand yah. But that brings one question to mind... I've noticed when I hit a harsh bump and the rear end takes a big hit, the rear of the truck kind of 'swings' to the right if you will. When the rear axle is shocked like hitting a bump or a hole, is it normal for it to torque slightly? I contributed the rightward swing to the rear axle shifting counter clockwise (drivers rear tire moving forward and passengers moving backward) while the axel is being compressed upwards towards the truck. I'm just curious as to is that normal?

 

[Four0Sport]

you might feel that slightly, prbly just bc its a solid rear axle and doesnt cushion bumps like an independant rear would. with my rear lifted i feel it alot more.

 

[Brandon96]

Update: I averaged 25.3mpg on the way to my destination and 27.5 on the way home!

how:
-Tires at 40 PSI (BFG A/Ts )
-NO throttle feathering
-windows cracked. no A/C no heat.
-stayed 5mph above each speed limit (Mostly at 70mph)
-coasted whenever possible and gently GENTLY got back on the gas when needed
-all sensors were cleaned 2 days prior to trip
-new air filter
-Flowmaster Cat-back system
-nooo traffic
-uhh... can't think of much more...

 

[Four0Sport]

you virginia-ers and your flat roads. no wonder we became our own state. lol

 

[Brandon96]

you virginia-ers and your flat roads. no wonder we became our own state. lol

yeah but you've got to admit, yalls highways are hundreds of times nicer than ours. I've taken I64 through there on my way to Indianapolis. WOW, us virginia-ers only dreeeaam of roads like that!

 

[Four0Sport]

wv does do one thing well and thats maintain/build highways. im in north central wv below the pa line and i hate crossing over into pa. the roads are horrible, maryland isnt much better.

 

[parad1mg]

i wish the city roads were built better.. everytime it rains potholes just spring out of nowhere.. i run 42psi on BFG A/T 30X9.5 r15's.. i called up BFG tech support and after i gave them all the info they asked for they came up with 42-44 psi as the best all around psi for me.. i wouldnt really know about the change in mpg since i havent driven farther than 40 miles at a time but this i know, i get better city mpg compared to the rental chevy cobalt that i drove a few weeks back.. that chevy sucked gas like crazy

anyway, it does ride a bit harder compared to the old ltx m/s but hey, it is a truck an now it feels like one and i like it