Yak Trailer Tire Pressure

I was just checking my tire pressures on the Man Van and decided to check the trailer tires too.  The trailer tires were at 32 pounds.  My trailer is a modified single PWC trailer.  I looked at the side walls and the recommended pressure is 90 pounds.  These are 12" tires.  I did a Google search and found that 80 - 90 pounds is what they should be inflated to in order to avoid over-heating.  My spare tire is the same size but a Harbor Freight tire as opposed to the Les Shwabb premium trailer tires on the trailer.  It has a suggested pressure of 60 pounds.  I'll be towing the trailer about 5 hours to Shelter Cove tomorrow morning.  I aired them up to 85 pounds cold to allow for a little heat expansion.  Does the 90 pounds of pressure seem too high? 

Martin

That is usually the 'Max' Tire pressure.  I've almost always inflated to slightly under the 'Max' allowing for expansion caused by heat.  Right, Wrong or otherwise ...  maybe I don't know the correct way.

Found this & thought I'd share:

http://www.carlisletransportationproducts.com/cms_files/original/Trailer_Tires__Tips_Best_Practices.pdf

Good info.  It looks like I'm doing the right thing inflating them to around 80-85 pounds.  Thanks!

It almost SEEMS like my logic of under-inflation (slightly) is opposite of the desired effect.  The rubber is expanding & allowing for the air pressure to decrease (slightly) as I understand it.  In the end, seems like we are on target with our inflation procedures.

My trailer tires are 4.80 x 12.  They are 60# max inflation.  However the PWC trailer was meant for 750-1000 lb. Max load.  I carry two kayaks, a lightweight tool box with not much in it.  At max pressure it is a bit bouncy, as the springs are overkill for the weight I am now carrying.  Just another factor to consider.

My kayak trailer is quite the same.  More weight on the trailer, the better it rides.  Hauling it home from Sacramento to Monterey area it literally bounced its way home.  I nearly pulled over & loaded it on TOP of the car for the rest of the ride home.  It has NO shock at all.  I let a little air out & that helped some.

  Great reading. !!!       I don't think most tire dealers know that much.   
 
      I've got LT on my trailer now.  last year, while traveling going down I-10  in middle of nowhere Texas.  one blew out..   it was a 1985 year tire.    Turns out they don't last forever just because there's tread. 

how about this , we do this for our street leagle buggy.
put a stripe of pait across the witdth of the tire.and drive, in your case a loaded kayak trailer.
the paint should wear evenly across, if wear is in the center remove some air,
if wear is on the out sde add air.