BFG TA KO air pressure advice

[mbradley]

In case my experience might prove helpful to someone:

Just purchased a new set of BF Goodrich TA KO tires, sized 265/70/17. I wanted the extra strength of 3 ply, light truck tires for occasional off roading.

Two reputable tire dealers both told me to run 35 psi in these tires. I called BFG customer service and they quickly informed me this acvice was absolutely wrong - that I should be running 46 to 47 psi with my 4Runner empty, a little more when loaded (50 is the maximum psi). They also recommended a minimum of 18 psi when driving in loose sand.

On pavement, these tires give a firmer ride and more road noise compared to the stock Bridgestone Duelers. But I just remind myself that I'm driving a real truck with real off road capability, and just crank the stereo a little louder.

 

[MAC4Runner]

Thanks for the tip.

I'm planning on swapping out my Bridgestones for some BFGs myself. Be sure to post back when you have a few miles on them to give us your impressions.

 

[mikes4runner]

In case my experience might prove helpful to someone:

Just purchased a new set of BF Goodrich TA KO tires, sized 265/70/17. I wanted the extra strength of 3 ply, light truck tires for occasional off roading.

Two reputable tire dealers both told me to run 35 psi in these tires. I called BFG customer service and they quickly informed me this acvice was absolutely wrong - that I should be running 46 to 47 psi with my 4Runner empty, a little more when loaded (50 is the maximum psi). They also recommended a minimum of 18 psi when driving in loose sand.

On pavement, these tires give a firmer ride and more road noise compared to the stock Bridgestone Duelers. But I just remind myself that I'm driving a real truck with real off road capability, and just crank the stereo a little louder.

I have the 31X10.5 BFG's If you run on the highway air them up, off road yes 35 PSI.

 

[86runner-sas]

i have the 31x10.50r15 bfg muds and i run them at 32psi 15 psi when offroading

 

[Kanab]

I put 80K on a set and alway ran 36 psi. That was on a Toyota Landcruiser.

 

[Good Times]

holy crap 40 something? yikes...

I don't think I've ever ran any tires that high.. I would call BFG again just to make sure though since that sounds abit high to me.

I run MT/R's right now (285'75'16) and I'm running at around 35/36ish and it wears evenly.

Ultimately the best way to see if you have the right psi is to run a chalk across the tire on the threads and then go around the block. If the chalk is worn evenly then you know the PSI you have is good It's the ghetto way of fixing the problem

 

[Thai]

I use 35 psi on my BFG's. Over 40 psi seems high to me.

 

[Kmvreter]

Just to verify...

mbradley,
Look on the sidewall of the tire. The max load at a designated psi is stamped on every tire. That would be the normal running psi for a "P" (passenger) tire. "LT" designated tires are higher psi than "P" designated that have an industry wide (regulated design) max. of 32 psi. Loading, ride comfort and treadwear (mentioned above) will determine where you normally run an LT tire (not at max. if you are not fully loaded)

 

[Bluto]

On road, the minimum is 70% of the max psi. That is why the dealers told you 35 psi.

I'd make a 2nd call to BFG, get another psi quote and explanation. Don't give up until you get someone technical on the phone (probably not a customer service rep).

 

[dcampen]

Two reputable tire dealers both told me to run 35 psi in these tires. I called BFG customer service and they quickly informed me this acvice was absolutely wrong - that I should be running 46 to 47 psi with my 4Runner empty, a little more when loaded (50 is the maximum psi).

The BF Goodrich data sheet gives values for Max Load @ Max Pressure. With the values from the data sheet and the weight of a 4Runner you can calculate the required pressure yourself. I have done the calculation before for these tires. 46-47 psi is higher than necessary for an empty vehicle. 35 psi is more like it for an empty 4Runner.

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/all_terrain_ta_kd.pdf

 

[dcampen]

Ah yes, here is the thread where I did the calculation. Also a thread started by mbradley.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4143&highlight=goodrich