Is the PSI really 65 for the Escape 19 tires?

[Radar1]

Per the sticker on our 2020 19' Escape, 50 PSI.

[Gary737]

New guy question( delivery scheduled in May ‘22 for an NE). Given that Escape placards tire pressure, how should the tire manufacturer’s inflation charts be used, if at all? Perhaps I’m overthinking (again), but I plan on using a TPMS and an infrared temp gun during walk arounds at rest stops.

[cpaharley2008]

Just remember these temperatures mentioned are "cold", not while in use. You can start out with 50 psi and then when checking the reading maybe higher, but do not let any air out until the tires are cold again (at rest, overnight). I check mine before starting a trip and will wait until the next morning, before moving, to check again.

[Gary737]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Just remember these temperatures mentioned are "cold", not while in use. You can start out with 50 psi and then when checking the reading maybe higher, but do not let any air out until the tires are cold again (at rest, overnight). I check mine before starting a trip and will wait until the next morning, before moving, to check again.

Understood. Are the tire inflation charts of any use?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Gary737

Given that Escape placards tire pressure, how should the tire manufacturer’s inflation charts be used, if at all?

The tire manufacturer's charts (which are the same for every manufacturer of the same type of tire following the same standards) give the minimum inflation pressure for a given load. The inflation pressure recommended by Escape is high enough to provide sufficient load capacity for the fully loaded trailer, so they don't conflict with the tire manufacturer's load/inflation chart... once you have confirmed that (if you have any doubt), you don't need the charts any more.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

The tire manufacturer's charts (which are the same for every manufacturer of the same type of tire following the same standards) give the minimum inflation pressure for a given load. The inflation pressure recommended by Escape is high enough to provide sufficient load capacity for the fully loaded trailer, so they don't conflict with the tire manufacturer's load/inflation chart... once you have confirmed that (if you have any doubt), you don't need the charts any more.

The charts are fine for a starting point. Then you have to plan for a worst case where one tire of a dual axle has failed and a single tire is now carrying twice the load that it would in normal circumstances. Then you also have to consider if the pressure is high enough to give a good wear pattern, high enough to dissipate summer heat in West Texas (maybe no tire can do that), and high enough to provide proper sway stability for a loaded trailer. It is a reasonable assumption that the manufacture has taken all this into consideration.

[Gary737]

Thank you all for the clarification. Running the placarded tire pressure combined with a TPMS seems to me a prudent way to provide both an added level of safety in case of a blowout and an early indication of impending failure. As a pilot, I appreciate redundancy in a system.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

The charts are fine for a starting point. Then you have to plan for a worst case where one tire of a dual axle has failed and a single tire is now carrying twice the load that it would in normal circumstances. Then you also have to consider if the pressure is high enough to give a good wear pattern, high enough to dissipate summer heat in West Texas (maybe no tire can do that), and high enough to provide proper sway stability for a loaded trailer. It is a reasonable assumption that the manufacture has taken all this into consideration.

When that happens, I would just change the tire rather than driving on 3 of the 4!

[Iowa Dave]

With a 12 volt inflator it is possible to try various pressures while on an extended trip to learn what performance the owner prefers. The tire wear factor is considerably influenced by pressure adjustments. Road temperature makes a difference too. Like a lot of things it is satisfying to adjust variables to a “sweet spot” if you want to take the time and pay attention to conditions at hand.
Iowa Dave

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

... Then you have to plan for a worst case where one tire of a dual axle has failed and a single tire is now carrying twice the load that it would in normal circumstances.

I don't think you do: when you get a flat, stop - the other tire will be fine for the short time involved. Some people get one flat on a tandem-axle trailer and continue, destroying the other tire on that side by overloading and overheating it.

There is a tandem-axle factor to consider: in any tandem setup, and particularly with the non-equalized system used by Escape (Dexter Torflex), the two axles don't necessarily carry the same load. Inflation pressure must allow for the effects of off-level trailer attitude and unequal tire inflation, which result in unequal load on the axles.

But I agree with this:

Originally Posted by alanmalk

It is a reasonable assumption that the manufacture has taken all this into consideration.

50 PSI is fine, given all of the factors.