what's a good rule of thumb tire pressure?

BradandJanee · 12-21-2005, 04:33 AM

My 36 Itasca is new and I haven't weighed it yet. What is a good rule of thumb tire pressure to maintain? I've been running 110psi but someone said they kept 100 in all 6 tires.

BradandJanee · 12-21-2005, 04:33 AM

My 36 Itasca is new and I haven't weighed it yet. What is a good rule of thumb tire pressure to maintain? I've been running 110psi but someone said they kept 100 in all 6 tires.

tomsm · 12-21-2005, 05:30 AM

Like you, I kept my tires at max until I was able to get it weighed. Was very surprised to find that even fully loaded for a trip, I could reduce my pressures to 90. I elected to use 95 to allow for any left/right imbalance since I was only able to get axle weights and not individual tire weights.

Unless you've loaded your compartments with lead ingots, 100 is probably OK, but try to get weighed soon. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I assume when you say "36 Itasca" that you are talking about a Meridian (Journey twin). If it's a Horizon (don't know if there is a 36 model), you are probably heavier and shouldn't lower your pressures until you weigh it...

rebelsbeach · 12-21-2005, 05:36 AM

There is indeed a 36RD Itasca Horizon (big brother twin of Vectra),it has a 12K front axle and a 20K rear.

tomsm · 12-21-2005, 05:46 AM

And then there's the new Ellipse with 2 36' models. They have the Journey/Meridian front axle and a 19k rear.

Best advice - get it weighed

Dsouthw524 · 12-21-2005, 07:29 AM

Why is no one suggesting to use the weight that is listed in the MH by Winnie? It should be a good start until you get it weighed.

KCE · 12-21-2005, 08:21 AM

Mine coach sticker says 70 lbs. I've been in the tire business 30yrs. No way I'm going to use that.

bobpie · 12-23-2005, 06:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KCE:
Mine coach sticker says 70 lbs. I've been in the tire business 30yrs. No way I'm going to use that. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
You probably have a replacment sticker in your info case as I did stating 80psi tire pressure.

DriVer · 12-24-2005, 05:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BradandJaneen:
I've been running 110psi but someone said they kept 100 in all 6 tires. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Could we please have your year, make and model and then we can help you determine what an initial pressure should be in your tires. If you're running a gas rig, 110psi/tire is way too much pressure.

Radarr · 12-24-2005, 05:40 AM

The best rule to follow is: get the Tire Maunfacture"s Tire Guide either at a tire dealer or on line and then follow the recommendation set forth in the guide, then get your coach weighed at all 4 corners.

I'm sorry to say, about the time you take someones personal recommendation that they use for their coach, you could create a problem for your self and your tires.

Now, you should have a Tire Pressure Chart type sticker some where in your coach, with the factory recommendations printed on it, but the best way is to get your coach weighed and follow the Tire Manufacture's recommendations.

If you ever have a tire problem and want a successfull warranty claim, follow the procedure the Tire Manufacture Describes and keep records of dates tires were checked and serviced. Always check tires COLD.

radarr

Captain Bud · 12-24-2005, 05:51 AM

The rule of thumb is to open the driver's door and there is a sticker from Winnebago that tells you the tire pressure. I have maintained this pressure for almost 3 years and 18,000 miles with no problems. I have a 35U and I run 90psi on the front and 85 on the duals. I don't bother to get it weighed as I am always shifting cargo from one compartment to another. When I stop for a break I feel my tires and hit them with a truckers bat.

Banjar · 12-24-2005, 08:06 AM

Captain Bud, could you explain a little about the "trucker's bat"? What to do, why and so forth?

thanks.

rebelsbeach · 12-24-2005, 09:26 AM

"Trucker's Bat" on ebay

Banjar,this is a wooden device that truckers use in place of an air gauge to determine the status of their tires.
(Makes a good self defense device too,I've heard....

KCE · 12-26-2005, 06:53 AM

I always carry a 30yr old softball bat to check my tires at gas stations and truck stops. I get some interesting looks at gas stations and don't get bothered much by folks wanting a hand out. Never step out of the rv on the side of the road without the bat. Never know some kid may want to play ball.

Thudman · 12-27-2005, 08:28 AM

The spec on my driver's door says 90 psi front; 85 psi rears. The data on "My Winnebago" for my VIN says 100 psi front; 90 rears. So there ya go.

I had mine weighed on 4 corners; am now using 90 psi all around (per Michelin).

Thudman

auntsis · 01-02-2006, 07:59 AM

Regarding the Truckers Bat and/or use of a softball bat to check tire pressure - how exactly are these items used? Is this a joke or a way to really check tire pressure? I am only a few months into this and can use all the help I can.
Thanks

KCE · 01-02-2006, 08:22 AM

Antsis[/B]: Regarding the "Bat"

Using a bat to solidly hit each tire during a short stop and becoming familiar with the sound and feel of the bat lets you know quickly if a tire is going flat. It is by no means a replacement for a tire gauge and knowing the exact pressure you should use for each tire.

Plus I've never been approached by anyone looking for a handout or anyone that would like to help himself to my possessions. Also if anyone wants to play softball I'm ready.