Should Tire Pressure Lower Than Sidewall of Tire be Used to Account for Heat Build-Up

Question:

What would the proper tire pressure be for a 1995 dutchmen pop up camper? The current tire size is: ST 175 / 80 / R 13, and the maximum pressure stamped on the tire is 50 psi, cold. Should they be inflated to 50 psi, or a lower pressure to allow for heat build up from the road and hot weather?

asked by: Greg H

Expert Reply:

If the psi rating stamped on the sidewall of your ST175/80R13 size tires on your 1995 Dutchmen Pop-Up Camper is 50 then that is what you need to fill them to with the tires cold (sitting for a long period of time like overnight).

The manufacturer has already taken into account that the psi rating will increase once the heat builds up in the tire and they have deemed that 50 psi is the proper rating for safe use with this tire. Technically you can run it at a lower psi but that would change the load and speed ratings and could possibly cause the tire to build up heat quicker so I recommend using the rating on the sidewall.

expert reply by: Jon G