Correct Trailer Tire psi and General Maintenance

Question:

We have a Viking 1906 epic that we use only 3 times a summer. It is stored outside during winter. The max tire pressure reads that it should be 90psi. Is this correct? Seems like a lot. Also, I havent repacked the wheel bearings or changed the seals for a few years. Because of the limited time we use this pop up, do you think we need to repack the bearings and change the seals? Thank you for your response. butch

asked by: Butch

Expert Reply:

You should always tow a trailer with the tires inflated to their maximum psi when the tires are cold. Use the max psi listed on the side of the tire. It may seem high from what you're used to because we're used to passenger vehice tires which aren't the same. Trailer tires are designed to handle the heavy verticle load from a trailer and are constructed to handle this load at their listed psi. Inflating them to a different psi can jeopardize the integrity of the tire and even decrease its capacity.

We recommend at least repacking the bearings, if not replacing them, every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Whichever comes first. Since you haven't repacked yours in several years I definitely recommend doing so.

I've linked a few help articles for you. One on general tire information and another on general maintenance. I've also linked a video on repacking bearings.

expert reply by: Charles S