Did someone say there was?

 

Yes, go back and re read the thread.
“My yellow sticker says max psi of 35.”

 

Right. I see OP stated that. Correct, it does not say that.

 

My whole point in this thread is that, Recommended tire pressure depends on load. The door sticker is a starting point for factory initial conditions.
Air pressure to weight recommendations change across tire brand, size, load rating, type, wheel size etc....
To arbitrarily use 35psi as the be all and do all is asking for premature tire wear and/or failure. Not to mention handling and braking characteristics from a smaller contact patch from over or under inflation.

 

I’ve been running my truck tires at the factory recommendation value lately. In the past, partly due to high speed cross country travel, I always ran tires at 4-5# higher (at or under sidewall Max) for a little more mpg, run cooler at high speeds, less wear from my cornering habits. Running at sidewall Max (44 psi) on my Explorer when towing, made towing much better. But day to day with the F150, it’s too rough on passengers on local roads vying for the Beirut Department of transportation award. Extra pressure firming up P metric sidewalls cuts down flex, lessens heat buildup, and is firmer under heavier loading.

 

My sticker only says "cold tire pressure" of 35psi . Ford equipped it with passenger tires for a comfortable ride around town at a psi of 35 lbs.

Since the OP asked, yes many folks have a better towing experience (myself included) when they raise the tire pressure closer to the max (44psi) stated on the sidewall when towing.

 

Except OP's tires have a max sidewall pressure of 51 psi. That's why I suggested he not go to that high, that he start with 35 all around, then try 35 front and 40 rear, then try 40 front and 45 rear. With his trailer he shouldn't need to go to max cold pressure of 51.

 

Yes, with about 3300 lb steer / 3300 drive / 6000 trailer I usually have something like 36/40 and find more seems to just stiffen the ride without any real gain in stability. Of course different trucks, trailers, tires, sizes, ratings etc may respond differently.

 

I always set to max psi cold when towing. That avoids heat build up in the tire...the most common cause of tire failure. If on wet highway I may reduce to 45psi to slightly increase contact patch.

Google cause of tire failure...heat is is bad. Tire flex causes heat. Tire flex is mitigated with higher pressures.

 

Just because the OP said so, doesn't mean that is accurate, I believe he mis spoke in his post. I've NEVER seen a door sticker that said "MAX" PSI. Every one I've seen gives a suggested PSI for best ride. The tires on the other hand do have a max pressure listed on them. On cars or SUV's I tend to stay pretty close to the suggested PSI on the door sticker. On my trucks I usually run a little more air than suggested even when empty. When I know I'm going to be loaded heavy I'll add a little more. But I almost never get anywhere near the max listed on the tires.

A typical 1/2 ton truck will usually call for about 35 PSI on the door, and around 45-50 PSI max on the tire. I'll usually run 38 PSI for every day driving. I find I get a tad better fuel mileage and if I have to haul some weight unexpectedly I'm in a little better shape. If I know I'm going to be hauling heavy I'll go on up about another 5 PSI.

And while you have to really research to find it, there is a max pressure on wheels. Lots of guys will put E rated tires on a 1/2 ton truck that call for 80 PSI when loaded heavy. The wheels on most 1/2 tons are only rated for about 65 PSI.