Understanding Pressure Rating and Temperature of Trailer Tires

Question:

I have Dill TPM sensors in the tires on my fifth wheel KZ Durango 2500....dry weight about 11,500# , E rated tires. I find that the temperatures in the tires can reach very high levels over 150 degrees if driving in hot temperatures. In addition, at these high temps, the pressures can go from 80 the cold inflation pressure to 90 psi. Is there a temperature and pressure level at or above which the danger of tire failure is greater? If the tires reach these high levels of pressure and temp, should you pull over and let them cool? I sure would like to know the answer to these questions.

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

Irregardless of the ambient temperatures, we always recommend you fill the tires to the max psi listed on the sidewall while cold. This max psi rating will account for the psi increase as they warm. Unfortunately, there is not a standard psi/temperature in which a tire becomes unsafe to drive on as most of them have different ratings specified by the manufacturer. The pressure ratings set by the manufacturer takes into account many variables. If there is a max psi and temperature range the tire can safely operate at then you would need to contact the manufacturer in order to see what they recommend. However, filling them to the max psi listed on the sidewall while cold should take all of the other guesswork out of the equation. Please note that exceeding the trailer tires load range rating could also be a cause of excess heat so I do recommend you verify this beforehand.

expert reply by: Conner L