Tire pressure??

[sandrooney]

This may be a stupid question but I want to be safe than sorry.

I checked my tires when I left home and adjusted accordingly. I just checked them where I am at now and it's probably about 30 degrees colder here and they are all almost exactly 10 pounds low. I am thinking that it has to do with the colder temps. Here come the stupid question. Should I put air in them? I don't want my tires to explode when it warms up on the way home where it's warmer.

[jtyphoid]

If this is a stupid question then I'm right there with you in stupid question land.

Here are my non-expert thoughts, for what they are worth.

I would air up to the proper pressure based on my understanding that underinflation is more bad than overinflation.

If your trip back to warmer climes will take more than 1 day, then I would adjust each morning along the way, presumably releasing air as the ambient temperature increases.

If it's just a single day trip back, then perhaps keep an eye on the outside temp and drop 5 PSI when you're half way back to your home temp and then do a final adjustment the next morning after getting home.

[Bob Denman]

You set your tire pressures for the conditions where you are...
You just have to keep in mind that temperature and elevation WILL affect the readings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a01QQZyl-_I

[gmc]

So here is one place where it helps to know both the placard PSI from the coach (which is based on GVWR), and the tire manufacturers recommended PSI based on actual axle weights of the rig (which is likely some weight below GVWR).
If your cold PSI is anywhere in that range - you are safe from a tire perspective...

If the temp swing is extreme enough to take you below the tire manufacturers rating for your load at start of day - I would add air...
I wouldn't make any changes to a hot tire mid day.

I've done Michigan to Florida over a couple of days multiple times in winter - without adjusting anything. I do use a TPMS to check pressures in morning - and insure nothing gets way out of whack along the way (including the toad tires which I likely wouldn't feel if something went wrong.)

[sandrooney]

Thanks for the help. It must have been my gauge. I went to a tire store 3 miles away to air them up and they were right on by their gauge. Weird, my gauge is new. Wonder if cold can affect the gauge? Theirs was digital mine is not.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by sandrooney

Thanks for the help. It must have been my gauge. I went to a tire store 3 miles away to air them up and they were right on by their gauge. Weird, my gauge is new. Wonder if cold can affect the gauge? Theirs was digital mine is not.

You have no idea whose is correct unless one of them was calibrated

It is best to use the same gauge and then watch tire temperatures

Remember running lower than required pressures helps keep the tire man in business and really helps the roadside folks as well

[mountainsam]

If you air your tires up to recommended pressure before leaving home and they gain several pounds on the road it is nothing to worry about. Going from hot to cold tire pressure will drop. From cold to hot they will gain. They will gain 3 or 4 pounds driving to the grocery store. When I drove truck I never got out of the cab with a tire gauge, only a club to check inflation. You are overly concerned about your tires. My suggestion is, check them at the beginning of the trip and before starting the return trip.

When crossing the southern states during the heat of the summer frequent stops help cool things but park off pavement when possible. There is a hugh heat difference between gravel and asphalt. An infrared temp gauge will check for over heat and identify possible low pressure.

And lastly, most nation wide tire stores are happy to check your tire pressure and make adjustments free. I personally ask if I can donate 5 bucks to the donut fund and find it well worth the investment.

Happy travels

[sandrooney]

Thanks for all the response

[ducksface]

My tpms shows five pounds lower than my calibrated Guage.
I don't care. I didn't call the manufacturer and raise the dead.
I can do the math, and I still don't care much. Tpms says 60psi I know it's 65psi.
The tpms is there to tell me of problems and differentials between tires.

To me, tire pressure is a range of value, not the 18th place of pi.

Life is short.
Post 7 is correct.
You're overthinking.

Remember how goofy as a whole people are, how lazy, how unknowing.
Then think of the three blowouts you see along the road on a 5,000 mile trip.
The world's worst maintain vehicles. 1:250,000 blown out ratio.
Be diligent, don't be manic.

(I equal mine out before a trip, This makes me look at wheel wells and tank bottoms and such while I'm waiting for the compressor to kick off.)

Also:
Check into one of these.
I LOVE mine
https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-P731-Fu...1703532&sr=8-6

[TimmyB]

Without question, one of the BEST additions I made was the TPMS. I went with EEZTire but there are several good choices out there. I love (LOVE!!!) that every time I start my rig, the numbers pop up on my screen within a few minutes and I always know what the (constantly changing) pressures AND temperatures of each tire while I travel. I have never had to add a drop of air since I first filled them to where I wanted them, which surprises me; the best part of that is, I've never had to get out of the vehicle and check them!

$300 pricey? Maybe, but the peace of mind when you hear a weird sound while you're driving and you know it's NOT the tires is immense.

[Bill Barber]

How do you reach a rear valve stem that's turned inward in between the two back tires ?? Wtheck
Thanks for your help
2016 Axis 25.2
Regards Bill

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Bill Barber

How do you reach a rear valve stem that's turned inward in between the two back tires ?? Wtheck
Thanks for your help
2016 Axis 25.2
Regards Bill

Get a pressure gauge that has two openings like the one in this link; one for when you can simply push straight down on the valve, the other for when you need to pull backwards against it. Also, make sure it can go to a high enough pressure for your rig. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...e+gauge&pos=10

[Bill Barber]

Thanks Timmy,
I have this type but cant reach the valve cap, I'm going to take off the decorative chrome wheel cover and see if that helps per another RV er.
Wish me luck sir !
Regards Bill

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Bill Barber

Thanks Timmy,
I have this type but cant reach the valve cap, I'm going to take off the decorative chrome wheel cover and see if that helps per another RV er.
Wish me luck sir !
Regards Bill

Probably the best bet. I've only had to do that once, so far. Definitely consider a tpms so you don't have to frog around like this very often!

[sandrooney]

Originally Posted by Bill Barber

How do you reach a rear valve stem that's turned inward in between the two back tires ?? Wtheck
Thanks for your help
2016 Axis 25.2
Regards Bill

Do you have the extensions? I do and mine turn inward all the time. I can get them turned around with a small screwdriver or take off the chrome wheel cover and turn it around.

[Bill Barber]

What I can see is looped , just gotta get that cover off for a closer look thanks so much

[sandrooney]

Yes that's the extension. I don't know why the turn around like that.

[mountainsam]

There are rubber grommets that will hold them in place. You may want to find a Tire store to get them properly installed