Just purchased a set of BFG A/T 285/65/18's.

Ford recommends 35lbs for the factory Rugged Trails.

On the side wall of the BFG A/T it states max cold pressure is 65lbs. The tire shop put 55lbs in each. The ride is noticeably rougher than with the Rugged Trail tires.

Since I no longer have the Rugged Trail tires, does anybody know what the max cold pressure is on the 275/65/18.

Does Fords' recommendation of 35lbs also apply to the BFG A/T. If not, what is the least amount of pressure that can be run on the tire without compromising tread wear, etc. My objective is to mimic as closely as possible the ride characteristics of the Rugged Trail.

 

The max pressure listed on the sidewall is for towing/hauling heavy loads. For everyday driving somewhere around 40psi will work fine. I run 40psi in my BFG's.

 

Very good post adios, I am in the same situation. I too went from BFG Rugged Trails to A/T KO'S. I tried mine at 40 psi and the sidewall looked a little flat. Then went to 45 psi and they look about right. The ride at 45psi seems to be about the same as the stock tires so you might try that. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

As the size mentioned is a load range D, I would run them at about 44-46. The load range C tires on mine, LT275/65R18, I have at 40. Over the years, with the different load ranges, I have found that when I run the LR C's at 36-40, the LR D's at 44-46, and the LR E's at around 50-55 on an F150, I get the best wear and ride. On a F250 naturally, I would run them higher. I do stay away from P series tires, just don't think they are really heavy enough for a truck.
If towing or carrying a heavy load, you may have to bump them up. However, I have never run into a situation where I needed the max as at max pressure, the load capability of the tire is more than the capability (recommended in manual) of the axle.

 

Just installed my 1st set of BFG/ko's, 265/17's, 02' RC, 5.4L at 35K and was wondering the same thing. I usually get around 14.5 mpg while towing my bassboat from Philly to NY/Ontario border(St. Lawr. R).....this time I got 13 mpg? I was running 35 lbs. in the tires, maybe if I had bumped it up to 40 I may have gotten better mileage?? I'll run 40lbs. thru the winter and see.

 

With my 01, and that size tire, load range C, I ran them at 38. In fact still have the tires I bought in 01. When I got my 04 I bought wheels and put the old BFG Ats on them. Use them in the winter and the Goodyears that came on the truck in the summer. I think this will be the last year I will be able to use the BFGs. 40 - 50 k at least. so far.

 

I replaced the original Goodyears on my '03 with BFG's, 285/70/17 Load range D. I run them all at right around 44 psi and it seems to work pretty well. The ride is a little rougher than the stock, but the benefits of the BFG over the goodyear far outweigh the little difference in ride quality. I hated those Goodyears. Running them all at 44, the fronts do have a little more side bulge than the backs, obviously.

 

Thanks for the replies. I lowered to 47lbs and made a pretty big difference. I have emailed tech support at BFG. When I hear from them I will post their reply.

 

When ever you tow, you would want higher pressure in the tires. I personally have towed with F250's for years and they always come stock with Load Range E, or 10 ply tires. When towing medium to heavy trailers (anything over 2k), I put them up to 80 psi, which is better for the tire. It may have a stiffer ride, but for towing you want extra pressure. Never go over your recommended max pressure or load rating. Also, when your tires are "normally" inflated (how you would run them when not towing), and you tow with them, your fuel economy will be decreased. Always make sure you tires are inflated to at least the minimum. And always check them when you have driven a mile or less and the tires are cold. Hot tires show a higher pressure because of the thermal expansion.

Cheers!

 

The following is the reply that I recieved from BFG




Our records indicate, just like you mentioned already, the vehicle's
manufacturer air pressure recommendation for the original equipment tires
(P275/65R18) is 35/35psi for a maximum carrying load capacity of 2,579
pounds (per tire).

Now, we recommend inflating the new tires (LT285/65R18/D) to 50/50psi for a
maximum carrying load capacity of 2,600 pounds (per tire). If you were to
run your new tires at 35/35psi - the maximum load would be 2,035 pounds (per
tire), which clearly indicates that your tires would not support the
carrying capacity of the vehicle.

If you have additional questions, please respond to this email or you may
call us at 1-877-788-8899 (toll-free) between 8:30AM and 6:00PM Eastern Time
Monday through Friday to allow one of our Consumer Relations Representatives
to assist you.

BFGoodrich Tires
Consumer Relations Department

 

Alaska, thanks for the info.....how's the scenery up there?, enjoy