Okay so, I just got another new set of tires for my boat trailer. Now, my boat motor and trailer are pretty darn light. I think about 900 lbs for the total package. The tires are 12 X 4.80, and they are 4 ply tread and sidewalls, rated for up to 800 lbs each.

Oh, and they have a max pressure, of 60 lbs.

Now, because I'm running such a light load, I've always ran about 30-35 lbs in them. They wore just fine, and I figured it gave the boat and motor a little softer ride. And BTW, at 30-35 lbs, their is virtually zero bulge of the side walls below the rim.

However, my buddy the tire pro, says if the tires are rated for 60 lbs max, he would run 50-55 lbs, regardless of the load being ran on them..............

Hmmmmm......

Oh, and I have been getting about 15K to 20K miles per set, which doesn't seem bad for a little 12" wheel. I bet they turn as many rotations as my truck would in 30K to 40K miles !

What's your personal opinion ? I just don't see any big advantages to running any more lbs than I have been.

Fish

PS, How many guys actually wear the treads off of their light duty trailer tires, vs. the ones that sit on a driveway until they are dry rotted ? Boats like that need to be given to somebody who's going to use them !

If you're not experiencing any kind of uneven wear or stress I wouldn't worry about it. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I'm on my 2nd set, I keep them @50psi which is max. Never had uneven wear and had 1 blowout after 5 years which is when I replaced them.

Your buddy knows best.  Put in some more air.

Nope. No major problems. I did develop a major blister on one of the tires, which is why I replaced them, however they were about 95% gone anyway, so I didn't mind replacing them.

Can't say that had anything to do with running 30 lbs, instead of 50 lbs though. I figured I might have just nailed a pot hole, or clipped a good sized rock, or obstacle....

Hmmm,

Fish

Chris

Listen to your buddy. All tire run there coolest when inflated to maximum pressure. Heat kills. Maximum air pressure also carries maximum load ratings. I was in the tire business for over 20 years.

Chris

Listen to your buddy. All tire run there coolest when inflated to maximum pressure. Heat kills. Maximum air pressure also carries maximum load ratings. I was in the tire business for over 20 years.

Good advice. Heat would be my concern. Heat can actually make the rubber become harder which can lead to all kinds of problems................Al

Well, I'm pretty sure he put 50 lbs in these (they feel really hard to the kick) I'll check today to be sure, and this time around, I run 50 lbs for the entire life of them, and see if I find any differences.

Thank you guys,

Fish

If it says 50psi cold than its 50 psi cold or you can look at load charts for your particular setup, many tire manufactures give them to their dealers to hand out as brochures.