BajaNomad

how to set the right tire pressure for your tires

4x4abc - 1-18-2018 at 05:05 PM

you have me seen mentioning the chalk test for tire pressure
if you run stock tires on your rig - this is not for you
just use what the door sticker recommends

however, if you picked a different tire (taller, wider etc) you will have to find the correct psi
the following chalk test shows you how to do that

please note - you don't need to run the vehicle for 100 feet
20 feet will do
especially on pickups you will have to check front and rear separately
because of the uneven load distribution (empty bed)
and then of course a 3rd run with a loaded bed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvbFgrH0IQ

bajabuddha - 1-18-2018 at 05:27 PM

I read what's printed on the tire, unless under unusual conditions.

4x4abc - 1-18-2018 at 05:45 PM

what's printed on the tire only gives you the maximum load at a certain psi
that maximum load is almost always much higher than the weight of your truck
so, the given psi is almost always wrong for your tires



mtgoat666 - 1-18-2018 at 06:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
you have me seen mentioning the chalk test for tire pressure
if you run stock tires on your rig - this is not for you
just use what the door sticker recommends

however, if you picked a different tire (taller, wider etc) you will have to find the correct psi
the following chalk test shows you how to do that


When I change from P to LT tires, and door plate pressure no longer applies, I use the load/inflation tables to select proper pressure for paved road. Has always worked fine.

David K - 1-18-2018 at 06:37 PM

Bingo!
The chalk test rocks!
Here is when I did it back in 2012, photos, posted on Tacoma World: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/chalk-test-dynapro-atm-a...

aguachico - 1-18-2018 at 06:52 PM

Don't let your mechanic set your tire pressure by the OEM specs. OEM specs are inside the door. Cost me $600 in rubber.

billklaser - 1-20-2018 at 10:03 AM

I agree chalk test is a good, simple method. My last trip to Loreto I also stopped several times on the straight road areas, and took tire temps. I have always had a tendency to slightly over inflate. On the new KO2's I have set mine at 53psi front, and 62 psi rear. F-350. I have found it is easy to over inflate. After any truck service I always reset tire pressure myself.

John Harper - 1-20-2018 at 12:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
My last trip to Loreto I also stopped several times on the straight road areas, and took tire temps.


What were your tire temperatures? MPH? Ambient temperature?

John

billklaser - 1-20-2018 at 12:28 PM

MPH. 60 to 65 mph- air temp around 75,

107/111/105 102/108/102
117/120/109. 102/108/105
Did not take road temps:

John Harper - 1-20-2018 at 01:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
MPH. 60 to 65 mph- air temp around 75,

107/111/105 102/108/102
117/120/109. 102/108/105
Did not take road temps:


Interesting, about a 40* jump.

What was the tire pressures at those temps? You started at 53/62?

John

[Edited on 1-20-2018 by John Harper]

billklaser - 1-20-2018 at 11:47 PM

John, did not check tire pressure hot. Probably should have done that just for the info, I was just interested in either under or over inflation.