MT tire tread not making full contact lug to lug?

[bleaches]

Been reading a lot of "best" tire pressure threads for people like myself who went with LT tires. I did some reading both on those threads and looked at the tire inflation chart for my tires (Falken Wildpeak MT 285/70/17) and settled for 40psi. Not much weight other than the roof rack and ladder was put on so I felt pretty comfortable with that.

This being said every time it rains I can clearly see the contact patch of the tire and it appears to be about an inch or inch and a half away from the outer most edge of the outer most lugs. Should I deflate it or chalk it off as being normal?

I have also heard people say do the chalk test but to get full contact on the ground it would mean running it at 30psi which is no bueno.

Anybody have some insight?

 

[RedSled]

I had the Wildpeak M/Ts on my 2002 sport (265/75/16) and really like them, i like having a full contact patch so i was running 36psi front, and 34 rear. There is a little more noise, and drag (mpg) but your tires wear more even. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on some in 285/70/17 Wildpeak M/Ts for my 2017 SR5P. I would not be afraid to run 32 psi if needed.

 

[<<<<]

I'm getting full contact along width of my tread on 285/70/17 Nittos TG by running 32 psi on all 4 (you can almost see it on avatar to the left). Even 33 psi reduces that footprint by as much as half an inch on both sides of tire.

 

[bleaches]

I found that running 32psi is a bit too mushy for my liking on these tires. Not to mention the sluggishness. Gah... tire pressure is a weird one. Hear so many people running 40+ psi...what to do...

 

[RedSled]

I found that running 32psi is a bit too mushy for my liking on these tires. Not to mention the sluggishness. Gah... tire pressure is a weird one. Hear so many people running 40+ psi...what to do...

At this point, i would adjust the pressure to the ride you like, and rotate often. If you get to a point that you think you need more contact, just air them down a bit. I myself like the M/Ts and am willing to make adjustments.

 

[bleaches]

At this point, i would adjust the pressure to the ride you like, and rotate often. If you get to a point that you think you need more contact, just air them down a bit. I myself like the M/Ts and am willing to make adjustments.

Thats fair. I might just do that.