Quote:
Originally Posted by arctictraveller
Heavier loads require higher inflation pressures. Under inflation results in more sidewall flex which results in higher operating temps. High tire temps can result in a tire failure. If you are running near the tires maximum load rating, you need to be running near the maximum inflation pressure as written on the tire its self. I often check sidewall temps with my infrared when stopped for gas or a break.
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Yep, I agree. Most of us are running E-rated tires and all of us
should be on these big vans we load to the gills. These are tough tires no matter the brand and can handle a lot of abuse. If you are not running E's on an SMB or converted camper van you should check them out sooner than later.
I have a very wise friend who prefers to think of tire ratings more as a tire's ability to shed heat (or probably better said to handle heat) than to handle a load. It's an interesting way of thinking about it but doesn't supersede paying attention to load ratings. Anyway, the idea is an E rated tire will shed/handle heat a whole lot better than a lesser rated tire. Oh, also, hopefully everyone here is running LT (light truck) tires. If you are driving an E150 or Chevy half ton it's very possible someone put passenger tires on your van and this is very bad.
This (link below) should be in everyone's driver's door pocket. They're just too cheap and too handy not to own. I use mine for everything related to the van, cooking, checking cold frosty beverage temps, entertaining pets, and sometimes drunkenly gauging the rocks around the campfire.
https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lase...-1-spons&psc=1