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Upgraded Half-ton to E-Rated Tires

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  • Upgraded Half-ton to E-Rated Tires

    Hey Everyone,

    I am going pick up our new 2021 2400BH this Friday and the TV was due for new tires so I upgraded to E-rated Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685. I know when I have a chance to CAT scale the combo I will know my drive axle weight but what are most of you keeping your PSI at when towing? I am testing some different PSI this week as I am commuting to see how the ride feels but would love to hear some ideas from the gallery.

    Thanks everyone!

    2021 GD Imagine 2400BH with all the bells and some whistles
    2018 Nissan Titan 5.6L 4x4
    Last edited by GrandDeal3; 03-22-2021, 01:40 PM.
    2021 GD Imagine 2400BH - Hensley hitch, Levelmate Pro, TPMS, Furrion back up and a few other things
    2018 Nissan Titan SV 5.6L 4x4 - 3 kids and a co-pilot

  • #2
    Originally posted by GrandDeal3 View Post
    Hey Everyone,

    I am going pick up our new 2021 2400BH this Friday and the TV was due for new tires so I upgraded to E-rated Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685. I know when I have a chance to CAT scale the combo I will know my drive axle weight but what are most of you keeping your PSI at when towing? I am testing some different PSI this week as I am commuting to see how the ride feels but would love to hear some ideas from the gallery.

    Thanks everyone!
    Hi GrandDeal3, welcome to the Grand Design Owners' (technical) forum. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the Welcome Letter to New Members at https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members

    I took the liberty of moving your info to the signature line area--hope that's OK. (If not ping me back and I'll delete it.)

    My TV is completely different, but I know some folks let out some air when not towing and then air up when loaded up for camping. What those values may be for your combo is not something I can comment on.

    Post back when you take delivery and let us know how it went.

    Howard

    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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    • #3
      I've had Michelin Defender E rated tires installed on my half ton. It stiffened up the ride a bit where I air the tires up while not towing to 40 psi. This pressure still allows far more support than the C rated tires at the recommended 35 psi.
      For towing I air up the E rated tires to 45psi on the front and 50 psi on the rear axle.

      These tires along with the Bilstein 4600 shocks ride reasonably well but I do not like the secondary valving of the Bilstein shocks. As an example when I hit a serious dip or depression in the road, the Bilstein's will stiffen up too much IMO. The Bilstein shocks do however handle the extra mass of the heavier E rated tires and my towing performance is excellent.

      Jim

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      • #4
        howson Thanks for moving that to signature. I was having technical brain issue getting that there yesterday.
        Guest Thanks for the thoughts. I have them at 55psi now just running around time and they feel ok but I’ll play with some pressures on the drive home. 8hrs down on Friday, overnight at a campground near the seller, then 8+ back on Saturday. Trial by fire for sure haha
        2021 GD Imagine 2400BH - Hensley hitch, Levelmate Pro, TPMS, Furrion back up and a few other things
        2018 Nissan Titan SV 5.6L 4x4 - 3 kids and a co-pilot

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        • #5
          GrandDeal3

          As a reference . . . my HDPP (Heavy Duty Payload Package) F150 came with factory E-Spec tires. The label set pressures for GVWR are 55 psi front and 60 psi rear. I set these pressures a little higher for towing and a little lower for daily driving. BTW . . . make sure that you do not exceed the pressure capability of your wheels or your valve stems.

          Rob
          Cate & Rob
          (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
          2015 Reflection 303RLS
          2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
          Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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          • #6
            Cate&Rob I am trying to determine what the PSI capacity is for the wheel, I did request higher PSI valve stems (up to 80psi) when they replaced the tires. I am probably not looking to go over 60psi cold based on the TT I am towing. I just wanted some ideas from the community as I know many have upgraded to E-rated tires on their half tons. I will say that the ride is already 'better' with these tires running between 54 and 55psi.
            2021 GD Imagine 2400BH - Hensley hitch, Levelmate Pro, TPMS, Furrion back up and a few other things
            2018 Nissan Titan SV 5.6L 4x4 - 3 kids and a co-pilot

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            • #7
              You may have to determine the manufacturer of your wheels and search online to determine their PSI rating. I took a set of wheels off my previous trailer (not truck) and there was 65PSI MAX marked on the backside of the wheel. I would be surprised if your truck rims were rated lower than 80PSI but I suppose it would be possible. Give your Nissan dealer a call. He should be able to tell you.
              2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
              Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

              Comment


              • #8
                The OPs OEM tires were most likely aired up to 35psi via the yellow tag in the door jamb. So with a heavier tire, at the same pressure, he would have much higher payload capability at the same pressure and based on the trucks payload as an example. Having the room to add 10-15 psi over the yellow tag value will most likely maintain a good contact patch and possibly would help to make up the loss in fuel economy from the heavier tires by reducing rolling resistance with a higher pressure.
                Pressure can be added to a light weight truck to crown the tires which will result in poor handling due to a reduced contact patch. I noticed more truck suck with higher pressures and reduced the pressure from 60psi to 45 front and 50 rear. 40 empty which has provided good handling and good ride quality. Also interesting that the truck corners similar to a car with the stiff sidewalls which can be fun at times.
                The OP will have to play around to find what works best with the trailer attached and for non-towing ride quality if that matters.

                I would not go beyond 60 psi on a factory half ton aluminum rim.

                Jim

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                • #9
                  Guest yeah I’m thinking about setting them at 50psi. At 55 unloaded I get some more movement when at highway speed. I wasn’t planning on going over 60psi cold but I like hearing the conversation as I think this will be a great upgrade for the TV for anyone
                  2021 GD Imagine 2400BH - Hensley hitch, Levelmate Pro, TPMS, Furrion back up and a few other things
                  2018 Nissan Titan SV 5.6L 4x4 - 3 kids and a co-pilot

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by GrandDeal3 View Post
                    Guest yeah I’m thinking about setting them at 50psi. At 55 unloaded I get some more movement when at highway speed. I wasn’t planning on going over 60psi cold but I like hearing the conversation as I think this will be a great upgrade for the TV for anyone
                    Not surprised you found the increased sensitivity to steering input at speed. This tells us that the decrease in contact patch results in less steering effort that your accustomed to. Cross winds can also play into how the truck handles.
                    By the way, in my last post, I used the word payload but the E rated tires will not increase the payload of your truck but rather handle better with the heavier built sidewalls. The comparison I was making is the heavier tire at the same pressure as your OEM is capable of more payload at that same pressure.

                    The E rated tires made a nice improvement when towing for me.

                    Jim

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                    • #11
                      Guest Thanks! I know the tires wont increase payload but will increase the stability. This is what I was looking for specifically. The old tires had almost 50k on them and were well worn so the steering always seemed a bit slower. I think some of the snappier steering input is due to newer rubber but I am going to pop them down a few PSI for my trip to pick up the trailer.

                      I really appreciate the feed back everyone! Glad to be part of the GD family.
                      2021 GD Imagine 2400BH - Hensley hitch, Levelmate Pro, TPMS, Furrion back up and a few other things
                      2018 Nissan Titan SV 5.6L 4x4 - 3 kids and a co-pilot

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