I noticed my truck was riding really stiff the 1st day I got it, checked and it had over 60 lbs of air in the tires . Anyway, I noticed the tire had 44 lbs as maximum pressure printed on it. I took a guess and lowered them to 33 lbs all around. Just wondering what you guys were keeping yours at...

 

I'm running about 42 lbs. all around, kinda stiff but if I get much lower my tires look low! I've made myself mad because in the last two weeks I've scraped BOTH my front rims in those slim curbed drive throughs!

 

My 2000 H-D F-150 says 35psi. I have worked at tire dealers and for BF Goodrich and Goodyear and many New Car Dealers. I only run the vehicle tire pressure at the Vehicle manufactuer recommended tire pressures.
Any one remember the Explorer deal with Firestane tires. The whole deal is cause the type of drives that own Explorer's never check tire pressures. They are to busy going to work and taking the kids to school and and other activitys that they never get a chance to check there tire pressures and then when one goes out cause of low tire pressure, it fault is of the tire and the manufacture.

 

I have always wondered if more than 35psi would be better. I'm with Harleyboy about the look of under inflated tires. The door sticker says 35psi because all F150s have the same sticker. I am going to try 37-38 pounds this summer and see what happens to the ride and handle.

 

Just to add my two cents worth about tire pressures.
They say to run about 10% less than what is on the tire if you aren't carring a load.So for the 20's on my HD I'm running 34 lbs. and I like the ride and the way it handles. I tried 42 and 40 but wasn't happy with it. Going to keep an eye on wear though!!

 

Harleyboy has my vote, as well. It just LOOKS better with at least 40 pounds of pressure. And, ain't that what it's all about?

 

I have like 41, but i think it is too much because the middle of the tires is worn much more than the edges, remember, that higher pressures arent usually better for performance. higher pressures give you less lean, but also less grip... lower pressure provides the best grip. this is mostly from race tire experience, which is a diffent game, but it should be a similar concept.

-steve

 

One other important consideration is outside temperature and seasonal changes which can impact the pressure in the tire. I always notice how teh pressure drops in my tires in the fall as it gets colder. As summer approaches the reverse can happen (and I let a little out). The same can happen day to day - get a hot one and jump on the highway and it can make a difference. I keep things around 36lbs - it allows for some upward and downward movement in pressure without uneven wear. Also I note that higher pressure gets loose pretty fast on damp pavement (back end comes around to say hello) while the truck is a little more forgiving with less than 40.

Jim

 

Hey, I'm with Don,

I'm running 40psi cold all the way around. Haven't had any extreme problems. (You don't need to be running 3 lateral-g turns in a pick-up truck anyways).

Mike

 

I've played around with pressure on my '00--it came with 44 on it since the boys at the garage were concerned about rim damage. I don't like it lower than 40--feels a little too spongy for me--prefer crisper turn in's so 40 to 42 is where I keep it. After years of driving performance tires, I think vehicle recommendations are on the low side--driving Explorers with 28 to 30 is one bad example. I've never experienced abnormal tire wear keeping pressures between sidewall max and vehicle recomendations and in all cases have exceeded suggested wear mileage. This really is a personal preference though depending on the type of driving you do and the ride quality you like. 35 psi though seems and feels too low for me given the rubber on this truck.

 

Hi Casey K.
Thanks for your reply on the 2nd., wasn't able to get back to you until now, I am gone from Tues. to Sat. night late every week. I am going to try 38 lbs. in my tires this week and see how that works. 42 was too much, rode too hard for me, but the 34lbs. I thought was ok, but want to experiment more. My 01 seems to handle good and has good traction in the snow we get here so far at 34, but not sure what it'll be like in heavy rain. Got the truck the end of Jan. of this year so only been in snow,slop, and dry roads pretty much so far. I carry 360 lbs. of sand bags for weight in the box all the time while it's still winter here! Take care,

 

Hi to BackinBlack and BlownHarleyFord and HarleyGuy for your replies on the tire pressures. Please see the response I sent to Casey K., cause I ment for it to be directed to you guys too!! Just learning about this chat forum sorry!!
P.S. Just to let you all know I bought my Harley Ford used with 6100 miles on it the end of Jan. 02 from a dealer in Minnesota and it is my dailey driver so goes in all kinds of weather here in Wisconsin. I really like it so far. It is bone stock except for a Harley bug sheild, Harley splash guards, an Access roll-up tonneau cover, Harley bed mat and a bet extender. It's a great ride and I really love how it looks!!

 

I noticed when I put the Goodyears back on even with the 350# in the bed that there was more spin on takeoff in the rears but the trick is stomp on the gas after you're rolling. My winter Generals seem to have more grip @ 35 psi. I drive mainly 2 lane asphalt--stay off the gravel--so running 40-42 with the reg tires on translates to more satisfying handling at speed, 60 to 70 mph. But play with it and see what you like.

 

I just checked mine today and i'm running 42 psi, and i think the ride's great for a truck. feels kinda like driving a car, but i guess thats cuz i have 2 trucks, and no car

 

sitting at 42 all around and after a weekend of driving from smooth asphalt to washboard to a bit of gravel, I don't notice any harshness. And in tight corners, the turn in is crisp at speed. I'm happy with this combination but I might go nuts driving some concrete interstates with those raised seams.