Should trailer Tires Be Inflated To The Max PSI When Cold?

Question:

I we have a new 5th wheel with a tire link system. We have received conflicting advice on checking tire pressure when tires are cold before we pull out. Should they be inflated to 80 PSI as tire says or lower. If so the tire pressure quickly increases to much higher according to tire link system. Finally what is a too hot temperature. We are in Florida and it is much hotter 87 plus degrees so tires are running much hotter than we have seen previously. Thanks for helping us out. We really are novices. Cheers Cathy

asked by: Cathy C

Expert Reply:

Hello there Cathy, I can definitely help clear this up. Trailer tires should always be run at the listed max psi and filled to that psi while cold. By cold I mean when it is not being used on the road. So, filling a tire to the max PSI on a hot Florida day is still considered "cold" in tire terms. The 80 psi for cold is just for the tire being cold and wouldn't be the max psi once it actually heats up.

You are right that the PSI does increase when you start driving. Generally, it is 1 PSI for every 10 degrees or so. Do not worry about these increases though. Tires are tested extensively and are designed to withstand typical pressure increases while in use. It is typical to see a 10 PSI increase while driving, or maybe even more. The maximum recommended temperature for trailer tires is 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feel free to post in the comments below if you ever have further questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M