Load C Duratrac Pressure Question (Don't worry, I searched!)

[rfuree11]

So I switched from my stock size Revos to a set of 265-70-17 load C Duratracs. So far, I'm pretty happy with them. I did some searching around here and found the Discount Tire pressure conversion chart. Per that, I should be running around 42 psi. When I had them put the tires on, I told the shop and they seem surprised at how high I asked them to go. After I picked it up, all are inflated to 40 (I'm guessing they were too afraid to go that high). Even at 40, I noticed they aren't making full contact with the pavement; maybe like 1/2" on both sides aren't really dirty. Is this normal? I'm worried I'm going to start to get some weird wear on them. What are you guys running yours at?

 

[JB.]

So I switched from my stock size Revos to a set of 265-70-17 load C Duratracs. So far, I'm pretty happy with them. I did some searching around here and found the Discount Tire pressure conversion chart. Per that, I should be running around 42 psi. When I had them put the tires on, I told the shop and they seem surprised at how high I asked them to go. After I picked it up, all are inflated to 40 (I'm guessing they were too afraid to go that high). Even at 40, I noticed they aren't making full contact with the pavement; maybe like 1/2" on both sides aren't really dirty. Is this normal? I'm worried I'm going to start to get some weird wear on them. What are you guys running yours at?

Static, visual footprint doesn't mean as much as it seems it should, especially on an offroad tire. It's like the chalk test. If you only drive 5mph and always straight, then it's very relevant.

The reason the shop was surprised at your psi request is because, despite being much more widely known than a few years ago, many still don't know that http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/110299-lt-tires-need-more-air-pressure.html

Put them where you want them, using 35psi as a minimum. Higher psi will yield better mileage and probably better wear with diminishing returns after you hit the low 40s.

In any event, the one thing to remember is that the the higher pressure/center wear scary monster that apparently many people seem to worry about is weak and slow moving. If you plan on rotating your tires normally, there's nothing to worry about as there is plenty of time along the way to make any adjustments deemed necessary.