Quote:
Originally Posted by BadTrainDriver
Load rating on the tire has nothing to do with the pressure to run, that's strictly for the weight of the vehicle.
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Tires have different ratings at different pressures.
LT tire load rating drops steeply under 35 psi and the chalk test isn't exactly state of the art. Chronic overheating reduces lifespan and can cause explosion. This is per about every tire manufacturer there is. Toyo has materials available online.
Now, I, too, don't follow recs blindly so I do 35-38 depending on the load and outside weather for my ATZ tires. If I were to follow advice blindly, I would have to run like 42-45 which would result in a terrible ride. The reason is that I base my pressures on my vehicle's weight and the tires' capabilities. By contrast, tire manufacturers look at nominal generic numbers.
But I don't run less than 35 except when I am on vacation and moving on pavement at lower speeds like around Ouray or Moab. Not worth the safety risk.
I have seen more than a few 4x4 with blown MTs on the interstates. My guess is chronic overheating due to always running them too low for highway conditions.
Also, there is no difference whatsoever in the load capacity between LTC, LTD, and LTE at pressures under 50 psi. The difference is that the more robust construction allows higher pressures which in turn allow higher load rating. But an LTE at 35 psi carries the same as an LTC and likely less than a P at the same pressure.