Axle weights and tire pressures

[paul102a3]

I have a 2000 Prevost XL II full conversion. Steer axle - 15,960 lbs, drive axle - 19,980 lbs, tag axle - 12,620 lbs. Axle weights were taken with full fuel, water, provisions, and persons on board. Question one - does this seem like a reasonable weight distribution across all three axles? The reason I ask is my MCI 102A3 had a much greater differential of weight between the drives and tag. If memory serves it was close to 21K on the drives and 8K on the tag.

Inflation charts for my tires shows 90 PSI in the steers carries 16,140 Lbs and 95 PSI carries 16,860. 85 PSI (lowest PSI in the charts for drives) carries 23,540 Lbs, and 85 PSI in the tags carries 12,940 Lbs while 90 PSI carries 13,540 Lbs.

Question two - Does it make sense to bump the steers to 95 PSI and tags to 90 PSI for a load safety? Question Three - does a 5Lb change make any significant difference in the contact patch of the tire for traction and braking?

Thanks,

Paul

[TomC]

I'd keep with the lower pressure-it gives a better ride and even at the lower pressures, you're still above the weight. These weights all sound resonable, although 48,650lbs is heavy. As long as the weight of the axle does not exceed the weight rating of the tires, you're alright. Good

[paul102a3]

Tom,

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it.

Paul