Can Trailer Tires Be Aired Down for Better Traction on Icy Pavement

Question:

In icy conditions at high elevation is it ok to lower the tire pressure on the trailer a few pounds to increase traction

asked by: Robert W

Expert Reply:

We recommend running the vast majority of trailer tires at the pressure rating listed on the tire sidewall, and for very good reason.

You can lower the tire pressure to increase the tire's contact surface with the pavement if you wish, however by doing so you are reducing the tire's capacity by an unknown degree. The tire's listed capacity is at the pressure rating listed on the tire's sidewall, if that pressure is lowered you won't know what the tire's capacity actually is which could cause a tire to blow out. When you consider that you'll need to lower the pressure significantly (by at least half) to increase the contact surface of the tire, tire failure is a very real possibility.

I've linked to several of our wheel/tire help articles, which could come in handy.

expert reply by: Mike L