Community Forums

tickfarm · 05-18-2017, 11:53 AM

Weighed the goose (that what she calls it) yesterday on the way back from picking it up from the dealer for some warranty work. It weighed 6900 at the front axle and 13760 at the rear, total 20660. That is with 45+ gallons of fuel, no water, full propane, some personal items, and one fat boy. When it left Fleetwood in March of 16 it weighed 20099. No idea what was in the coach.
The tires are 235/80/22.5 Michelin XRV. When we picked it up the walk thru guy said just keep 100 psi in all the tires. When buying it I asked the sales dude about tire pressure and he said 90. Uh, nothing like consistency.
The Michelin site says to weigh each end of each axle. I haven't found a weigh site in the Austin area that does that. As a result I'm having to go with each axle. Now what Kemo Sabe???

Mudflat · 05-18-2017, 01:12 PM

When in doubt go with the pressure that is printed on the sidewall of the tire. If the ride is acceptable then leave the pressure there, but check the tire treads for wear in the center of the tread that would indicate over inflation.
Also please check out my article, "Tires for Towable RVs and Tow Vehicles", which is published on This Old Campsite campground recommendations reviews RV Shows RV Articles . Oh, I know you are talking about a motor home, but there is still much relevant information for you.

pchuckie · 05-18-2017, 07:30 PM

My 16 Bounder has a sticker next the drivers seat or on the screen door that lists the tire pressure. If I remember correct it says 90 psi

RockyMtnRide · 05-18-2017, 09:12 PM

You might have a tire inflation vs weight chart in your owners manual or book. If not I agree to use the sticker info in the coach.

computerguy · 05-19-2017, 10:21 AM

Have to be careful what is posted in threads.
Salespeople are absolutely clueless and many RV techs don't know what they are talking about.
Everyone has an opinion so be careful.
Lots and lots of threads here in irv2 about this topic.

Please read this and use the information on this site:
Michelin Official Tire Inflation Tables

The value in the coach on the certification label is recommended pressure at max weight for that RV.
Pressure on the sidewall is the max pressure allowed for that tire.

4x4van · 05-19-2017, 02:44 PM

Don't go with the number on the sidewall; that is for the maximum allowable weight that the TIRE can carry, not your RV. It is safe to go with what the tag near your driver seat says (assuming the stock size/load range tires), but those pressures will be for the absolute max that YOUR rig should ever weigh, and as such will likely give you less than optimal handling and ride.

Best is to use actual weights, and you are indeed a step ahead since you do have axle weights. Since you don't know each corner weight, splitting the axle weights is acceptable, and many will tell you to simply split the axle weight 50/50. However, very seldom is an RV equally weighted on both sides, so to be safe, go with 53-55%. 53% of your weighed axle weights gives you 3657 lbs front, 7293 lbs rear. According to Michelin's tire load/pressure table, you should run 80 psi front and 90 psi rear.

tickfarm · 05-19-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4van

Don't go with the number on the sidewall; that is for the maximum allowable weight that the TIRE can carry, not your RV. It is safe to go with what the tag near your driver seat says (assuming the stock size/load range tires), but those pressures will be for the absolute max that YOUR rig should ever weigh, and as such will likely give you less than optimal handling and ride.

Best is to use actual weights, and you are indeed a step ahead since you do have axle weights. Since you don't know each corner weight, splitting the axle weights is acceptable, and many will tell you to simply split the axle weight 50/50. However, very seldom is an RV equally weighted on both sides, so to be safe, go with 53-55%. 53% of your weighed axle weights gives you 3657 lbs front, 7293 lbs rear. According to Michelin's tire load/pressure table, you should run 80 psi front and 90 psi rear.

Thanks, I saw that but we still have to allow for filling the fuel tank, all of her clothes, my one pair of shorts and t shirt, and food.

rmbmrm · 05-20-2017, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tickfarm

Thanks, I saw that but we still have to allow for filling the fuel tank, all of her clothes, my one pair of shorts and t shirt, and food.

I wish you would stop spreading the news that you can bring a pair of shorts and shirt tickfarm. I'm not sure where I'm going to fit that if DH hears of this possibility.....so far he's convinced the clothes he has on are the clothes he'll be wearing. Good thing we have that washer/dryer

tickfarm · 05-20-2017, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmbmrm

I wish you would stop spreading the news that you can bring a pair of shorts and shirt tickfarm. I'm not sure where I'm going to fit that if DH hears of this possibility.....so far he's convinced the clothes he has on are the clothes he'll be wearing. Good thing we have that washer/dryer

You ever see a movie where a woman walks into the lobby of a hotel followed by 5 bellhops carrying 2 bags each. Well...........

z3406 · 05-20-2017, 02:31 PM

If you look at the placard it lists the max weight for each axle and also the recommended tire pressures. If you take the recommended tire pressures 90PSI front and rear and compare the max weight for each axle to the Michelin tire chart you will see that the 90PSI is within a few pounds of each axles max weight. Unless you have overloaded an axle there is no reason to ever go above 90 PSI. Since you have you have had you coach weighed you can safely reduce that pressure based on what the tire chart will allow.