I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with a V8 4.7 Liter. My axle ratio is 3.55. I have 17 inch tires and they recommend 44 PSI. My GVWR is 6010lbs with a maximum trailer weight of 4,450. I am planning on pulling a 22 foot camper which is around 3,800lbs. Whew!, now to my question. Should I be changing my tire pressure when pulling the camper and if so, by how much. Thanks.
This info is printed right on the side of the tire. It tells the max pressure you can use at the max weight.
The factory pressure specs will be good enough for that. If you have more pressure in the tire then you pass the capacity that is SAFELY recommended for that tire. Also, with the weight of a trailer or camper too much pressure will increase the risk of a blowout.
Unless your tires are load range E the max tire air pressure is 44 psi. Tires get really hot pulling that much weight. Air pressure in the tires will increase as the tire gets hotter. If you start off with 44 psi You can end up with as much as 50 to 60 psi after the tire gets hot exceeding the tires max air pressure and possibly blowing the tire. Open the drivers door and look for a tag that has the tire size and recommended air pressure. It should be between 32 to 36 for Lt rated tires or (50-Front 80-rear for Load range E tires.
