Cooper H tire inflation

[DECelt]

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate your feedback! I sent messages to GD, my dealer, and Roadmaster Tire. I don't expect any quick replies due to the holiday - I'll start calling on Monday. 110psi seems to make the most sense.

FWIW, I have about the same setup as you. Mine are set at 125 per the pressure rating on the side of the tire. Our ride is smooth, and the tires ride cool. Why have an H-rated tire if you are going to de-rate it? Essentially you are giving yourself a G-rated tire by inflating to 110 psi...still likely enough rating for your specific purpose but I don't understand the logic. The entire point is to have a tire that provides more protection from the dynamic forces associated with towing a tall, heavy somewhat unstable trailer. Smoother ride is what some people say, but in all my years of towing heavy fifth wheels, I have never de-rated a tire by intention....up to you...just my two cents worth! I have never had an issue with excessive wear or the trailer hopping around. Not once.

[USA in a Chevrolet]

FWIW, I have about the same setup as you. Mine are set at 125 per the pressure rating on the side of the tire. Our ride is smooth, and the tires ride cool. Why have an H-rated tire if you are going to de-rate it? Essentially you are giving yourself a G-rated tire by inflating to 110 psi...still likely enough rating for your specific purpose but I don't understand the logic. The entire point is to have a tire that provides more protection from the dynamic forces associated with towing a tall, heavy somewhat unstable trailer. Smoother ride is what some people say, but in all my years of towing heavy fifth wheels, I have never de-rated a tire by intention....up to you...just my two cents worth! I have never had an issue with excessive wear or the trailer hopping around. Not once.

I understand your thinking. However you are not derating your tires. You are inflating to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation for the load you are carrying. I add a “cushion”, pun intended of 20 psi extra which goes beyond the tires needs. However each of us should do what we feel is comfortable. My concern is that although it won’t hurt the tires to inflate to maximum pressure, it does put additional stress on your frame & suspension.

[DECelt]

To make a long story short, the GD rep in our area advised on the direction of the production manager that I should be running 120psi since that's probably what the rims are good for. Where do I find the rim pressure rating? Do I need to remove the wheel and look at the back side? Thanks!

That doesn't sound like a particularly confident response.

The tires are rated for so much weight load (4850? lbs.) at 125 psi. The wheels are also weight load rated...in this case they will be matched to the H-rated tire. The psi rating of the valve stem also has to be in line with this rating, but Lionshead wheel and tire know what they are doing. You should be able to crawl under the trailer and see the rating of the wheel...but if you have Cooper H rated tires on 17.5 inch wheels, I would save yourself the effort.

My little yellow sticker indicates 125 PSI for my 2021 Solitude 310-GK.

Enjoy the trip!

[DECelt]

I understand your thinking. However you are not derating your tires. You are inflating to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation for the load you are carrying. I add a “cushion”, pun intended of 20 psi extra which goes beyond the tires needs. However each of us should do what we feel is comfortable. My concern is that although it won’t hurt the tires to inflate to maximum pressure, it does put additional stress on your frame & suspension.

I would consider doing that if I weighed all 4 wheels periodically, but since I don't....125 for me. I've never seen any study that indicated additional strees is put on the frame. Two schools of thought but I don't think it really matters much as long as you weigh up if you decrease psi.....enjoy the ride!

[DECelt]

I understand your thinking. However you are not derating your tires. You are inflating to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation for the load you are carrying. I add a “cushion”, pun intended of 20 psi extra which goes beyond the tires needs. However each of us should do what we feel is comfortable. My concern is that although it won’t hurt the tires to inflate to maximum pressure, it does put additional stress on your frame & suspension.

I would consider doing that if I weighed all 4 wheels periodically, but since I don't....125 for me. I've never seen any study that indicated additional strees is put on the frame. Two schools of thought but I don't think it really matters much as long as you weigh up if you decrease psi.....enjoy the ride!