Creamcracker wrote:
I understand the math (no problem) but it's stated in the HF manual that the tires must be inflated to 60psi.....there is no mention of changing the pressure to reflect the load....there have been instances of individuals on this board who have had tires disintegrate when they run them at less than 60psi......
Philip
The HF manual may say 60psi; however, it says that so when the trailer is fully loaded and the manufacturers GTW is at its maximum you dont have a tire blow out.
Our camping trailers are completely different beasts. For the most part the builder knows close to the final weight, balance, and gear load of the trailer. Adjusting tire pressure, axle location, and tongue length are all part of building and "tuning" the trailer to fit our needs. I guarantee your HF manual doesn't advise moving the axle position and/or altering the frame but it's a very common practice here on this board.
I have a Redtrailers utility trailer (almost identical to HF) and always run a tire pressure of 50psi. It rides like crap when it's empty but when it's got a weighted load it rides very nice.
In the cases where tires have disintegrated, it's easy for someone to blame it on tire pressure...it's the easiest way out. But, in the end, there are always factors that lead to operator error.
I would question everything relating to a tire blowout:
Was the trailer loaded, weighed, and tire pressure calculated?
When was the last time the tire pressure was properly checked?
How many miles were on those tires?
Were the tires rotted or cracked from sitting out in the weather?
What speed was it going when they came unglued? Some trailer tires have a 55mph limit.
"Nope, it was just tire pressure!"...Then why wasn't it addressed before the operator hit the road?