Air Pressure of Carlisle Tire & Tow Haul Mode of Silverado

[wheels]

We recently aquired a 2003 Chev Silverado 1500, 5.3 engine and a 19 N Mallard by Fleetwood. The GVWR is 5200 lbs., the UVW is 3965 lbs., the NNC is 1235 lbs. In our Silverado owner's manual it talks about tow haul mode as a feature when pulling a trailer or large load. Wondering with the knowledge that is out there - would you tow this trailer in Drive or use the tow haul mode?

Also, the trailer has Carlisle tires - ST205/75R15's on it and it looks like 65 Cold PSI. Wondering what recommendations are out there as to what pressure to run the tires at? Not doubting the recommendation on the tire but wondering what the thoughts are out there.

Wheels

[Ray,IN]

Use tow/haul when towing at 75% or more of your vehicles maximum capacity. It alters transmission performance for a better towing experience, while reducing excess wear in both engine and transmission. Carlisle Tire says to always use the sidewall maximum or the warranty (pg 7) is void.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN Carlisle Tire says to always use the sidewall maximum or the warranty (pg 7) is void.

Most manufacturers say to use the maximum pressure the tire will take when used on a trailer.

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN Use tow/haul when towing at 75% or more of your vehicles maximum capacity. It alters transmission performance for a better towing experience, while reducing excess wear in both engine and transmission. Carlisle Tire says to always use the sidewall maximum or the warranty (pg 7) is void.

We're having a discussion in another thread, some people are getting confused about whether or not to use the molded sidewall maximum.

While it makes sense from a liability point of view for a trailer manufacturer to insist on tire pressure that will cover usage all the way up to the maximum weight, such a practice in driven vehicles is at best uncomfortable; at worst, dangerous.

DOT has a great tire safety brochure HERE.

Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the "maximum permissible inflation pressure" on the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

What works with trailers could be lethal, in driven vehicles. If the vehicle is driven at under the maximum weight, the tire manufacturer's inflation data is the safest bet. If that isn't known, the vehicle placarded inflation values (providing the same tires as originally came on the vehicle are installed) is a reasonable second choice.

[Hipshot]

Wheels; note also that most travel trailer tires have a MAX speed rating of 65 mph. When I had my TT the tire pressure was the max cold pressure stamped on the tire. My TT was running ST205/75R14s. At 6300 lbs loaded I was well under the max weight for the TT but was very close to max for the tires and axels.
My truck was a 2008 Silverado 4X4 5.3 engine. It pulled the TT well. I tried with and without tow/haul. I found the best combination for my rig was 3rd gear with tow/haul on at 60-65 mph.

[JC2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheels We recently aquired a 2003 Chev Silverado 1500, 5.3 engine and a 19 N Mallard by Fleetwood. The GVWR is 5200 lbs., the UVW is 3965 lbs., the NNC is 1235 lbs. In our Silverado owner's manual it talks about tow haul mode as a feature when pulling a trailer or large load. Wondering with the knowledge that is out there - would you tow this trailer in Drive or use the tow haul mode? Also, the trailer has Carlisle tires - ST205/75R15's on it and it looks like 65 Cold PSI. Wondering what recommendations are out there as to what pressure to run the tires at? Not doubting the recommendation on the tire but wondering what the thoughts are out there. Wheels

Other more qualified people have/will comment on the tow-haul mode so I'll not go there. I will, however, strongly suggest that you replace the Carlisle brand tires ASAP. It's not a matter of if they will blowout, but when. There have been literally thousands of posts on other forums about how defective these tires are and the damage one incurs to their rv when they blow. On a previous 5ver that we owned, (1) blew causing extensisve damage and the other (3) had evidence of sidewall knots and tire separation even when inflated as suggested.

[FastEagle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheels Also, the trailer has Carlisle tires - ST205/75R15's on it and it looks like 65 Cold PSI. Wondering what recommendations are out there as to what pressure to run the tires at? Not doubting the recommendation on the tire but wondering what the thoughts are out there. Wheels

“Carlisle Tire & Wheel only recommends and only warrants tires maintained at the maximum tire pressure while in service.”

That’s a direct quote from their current RV trailer tire warranty.

FastEagle

RV Trailer Tires

[wingnut60]

"What works with trailers could be lethal, in driven vehicles."

Could you expand on this, particularly relative in the danger of driving a vehicle with tires inflated to maximum listed sidewall pressure?

Joe

[jbraines]

After working for GM as a service advisor I will tell you tow/haul is great for low end torque but must be turned off for extended periods or speeds over 50mph. The 5.3 is probably the best motor built ever by GM, the transmission is a 4L60 and is good for 150k. Don't try to win any drag races and you will be just fine for many years.

[Cat320]

In my Duramax's manual it said to use the tow/haul if the GCW was 75% or more of the GCWR. No mention of ever turning it off.

[wingnut60]

"tow/haul is great for low end torque"

How does the T/H do anything for low end torque? I was under the impression this option usually just adjusts the shift points to where you stay in a given gear longer, and it downshifts the trans when slowing?
Joe

[jbraines]

Ok correction it won't create more ft/lbs of torque but by holding the transmission in a lower gear longer instead it acts like a truck with a higher gear ratio. Sorry if I did not explain it correctly.

[wingnut60]

Got it, was confusing me a little.
Thanks.
Joe

[wheels]

Thanks to all that replied to my questions about air pressure & tow haul. I learned something & it helped reconfirm what I was thinking. This is an awesome site! - Wheels