Michelin Defender LTX PSI for towing

[shalabama]

I’ve got a new set of Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 on my F150 with 50lbs max psi. Was advised to run tires at 39 psi as daily driver without load, but what would you recommend for towing a 6200# RV?
I’m getting ready to head out on a 4k+ mile trip out west and wanted to get the tire pressure right. Thanks.

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[HammaMan]

50 psi is the max the tire can run as its an SL or XL. You can run that towing or not.

 

[shalabama]

Thanks Don I appreciate the advice but I have already previously established the tow weight at CAT scales which have been between 6100-6300 lbs loaded. I’m now trying to determine the sweet spot to inflate the truck tires. Could not find anything at Michelins website and my tire dealer just pretty much guessed. He originally said 35 PSI and then 40 PSI when I questioned him further. I was guessing 42 PSI but would like more informed opinion.

 

[HammaMan]

Max pressure listed on tire is just that. Its rated load would be around 40psi so it's essentially allowing you another 10psi to minimize squat for ride quality.
Only LT tires are listed as variable pressure/load.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I’ve got a new set of Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 on my F150 with 50lbs max psi. Was advised to run tires at 39 psi as daily driver without load, but what would you recommend for towing a 6200# RV?
I’m getting ready to head out on a 4k+ mile trip out west and wanted to get the tire pressure right. Thanks.

i’ve ran those before on a previous truck. I ran 40-42 dependent upon the season.

 

[shalabama]

i’ve ran those before on a previous truck. I ran 40-42 dependent upon the season.

Thanks. Just to clarify tires are 275/60/20 load range XL.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Thanks. Just to clarify tires are 275/60/20 load range XL.

yes, same Tire.

In the summer if I started out with 42 it seem like they heated up a little more and got a little too harsh on some roads. If I encountered that feeling, I dropped them 2 pounds.

In fall, I would run 40.
When not towing, I had them aired to 37

 

[Ed21]

Excuse my ignorance but isn’t door sticker pressure as per GVWR & GAWR of the truck? As long as those weights are not exceeded is that not the recommended tire pressure? That’s the pressure I run towing my 6,000# TT. 36,000mi on truck. 8,000 miles towing with no abnormal tire wear or problems with my OEM tires.

 

[flasch192]

I run mine at 40 psi 24/7 365 ride and wear is good .

 

[J17GT]

Michelin's always seem to have a bit of a softer sidewall compared to other brands. That is probably the reason they seem to 'ride better' than most when just driving around town unloaded. My experience with towing was they were mushy as can be and the truck floated around. I'd pump those things up to their max pressure when pulling a load.

 

[Ed21]

Michelin's always seem to have a bit of a softer sidewall compared to other brands. That is probably the reason they seem to 'ride better' than most when just driving around town unloaded. My experience with towing was they were mushy as can be and the truck floated around. I'd pump those things up to their max pressure when pulling a load.

My Michelins do not feel mushy and my truck doesn’t float around when towing or not, as a matter of fact when they are inflating above 35# I can tell instantly that the ride is too harsh. Just my personal experience with my truck.

 

[Tone]

Had a long conversation with Michelin support about this. They recommended 35 psi and situationally higher rears for towing. Tried 40 psi on the rears for a 4.5K travel trailer and the steering was greasy. Went away when returning to 35 psi.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Excuse my ignorance but isn’t door sticker pressure as per GVWR & GAWR of the truck? As long as those weights are not exceeded is that not the recommended tire pressure? That’s the pressure I run towing my 6,000# TT. 36,000mi on truck. 8,000 miles towing with no abnormal tire wear or problems with my OEM tires.

The extra air pressure stiffens up the tire and provides less sidewall flex. Tires actually running a little bit cooler as well. This intern gives you less pressure rise.

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