Tire Pressure & Max Rated Tire Pressure

[Phil]

So I just traded in my Dunlops for a set of Cross Terrains (265/65/17), and when I got my runner back from the dealer, I noticed that they only had 26 lbs of air in 'em. I prefer a nice firm sidewall (for more confidence when cornering) over a plush ride, so I pumped them up to 32 lbs. That's what it says on my door too - 32 lbs front and rear.

What on-road pressure do you nice folks prefer in this size tire?

I also noticed that the Cross Terrains are only rated at 35 lbs max pressure. The Dunlops were rated at 50 something. That's quite a difference. The Michelins definitely feel firmer when cornering to my untrained senses, so how come they are rated for less pressure than the Dunlops?

Thanks for your thoughts,

Phil

 

[Mark86]

I prefer my tires to be solid. I usually pump mine to 32-35 lbs. I like my ride to be solid and and I like the way the car drives when the tires are as solid as can be. This is what I use for highway driving.

 

[sharp4runr]

:iagree:

 

[mam4994]

I agree too. I like that firm ride.

 

[Phil]

I was just wondering if the tech at the dealership knows something that I don't since he put exactly 26 pounds of air in each tire. I searched the forums here and a few other places, and there seems to be quite a difference of opinion on what is the right tire pressure. I never really worried about it much with my cars in the past, but the high center of gravity and size of this truck has me thinking...

So what about the large difference in the maximum pressure rating of different tires, anybody have any ideas on that? The Dunlops have a max pressure rating something like 16 pounds greater than the Michelins. Just curious...

 

[TechWrench]

I was just wondering if the tech at the dealership knows something that I don't since he put exactly 26 pounds of air in each tire. I searched the forums here and a few other places, and there seems to be quite a difference of opinion on what is the right tire pressure. I never really worried about it much with my cars in the past, but the high center of gravity and size of this truck has me thinking...

So what about the large difference in the maximum pressure rating of different tires, anybody have any ideas on that? The Dunlops have a max pressure rating something like 16 pounds greater than the Michelins. Just curious...

Just a guess, but are the Dunflops C or D rated? If so, that would explain the higher pressure ratings if the Michelins are only 'P' series tires.

 

[mike_d]

the dunlops are probly LT tires and the michelins are probably P tires. that would explain the pressure rating. but remember that the weight supported by a tire is the product of it's contact patch and pressure. so did you go to a large tire when you got the michelins?

example: 31x10.50 at 30 PSI will have the same contact patch as a 32x11.50 at 27.4 PSI

 

[Phil]

Both tires (Dunlpop Grandtrek AT20 and Michelin Cross Terrain) are P265/65R17, 110s and M+S rated.

Their outer diameters are equal to within 0.1 inchs, and their section widths (whatever that is) are the same.

Their specs are quite similar, that's why I'm curious about the difference in max tire pressure...