[VACList] Tire Pressure

["Craig Carlson" <craigcar@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't own an Airstream (yet, or a tow vehicle for that matter), but I've
been lurking for some time and enjoying the vintage talk.  A while back
there was a thread about tire pressure.  After getting a new set of tires
for my SOV (some other vehicle), I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents worth on
the subject.

I've always been aware that there is a difference between cold and hot tire
pressure.  What I didn't realize is how much the difference is, and how
quickly a tire goes from cold to hot.

From the BFGoodrich Tire Owners Manual:
"Pressure should be checked when tires are cold; in other words, before they
have been driven on.  Driving for even a short distance, causes tires to
heat up and air pressure to increase.  If inflation pressures are checked
after tires have been driven for more than three minutes or more than one
mile, the tires become hot and the inflation pressures will increase
approximately 4 psi."

Almost every time I check tire pressure, it's Saturday afternoon while
running errands.  As defined by BF Goodrich, the tires are "hot".  I always
thought I filled them exactly to the "maximum recommendation", it looks like
I've always run my tires at about 4 psi under maximum!

The day after reading the above, I put 4 extra psi in my tires (sure seemed
like a lot).  The following morning I checked the pressure before moving my
car . sure enough, the tires were EXACTLY at the recommended pressure.
After years of relatively careful auto maintenance it's hard to admit, I've
probably never had fully inflated tires!  Anyway, check those tires.

Craig C
vintage trailer - none (yet)
tow vehicle - 1999 Trek 7500 Multitrack (80 psi)
SOV (Some other vehicle) - 1995 Ford Probe (44 psi - yes, it seems high; but
I've triple checked)