Tire Pressure (Eagle) & Monitors

[NJT 5573]

Tom, Eagles don't have a "rough ride problem". My converted Eagles don,t weigh much different than in passenger mode. Maybe 500lbs heavier. If you have anything from Freightliner that relates to changing tire pressures for each load I'd like to read it. Is it possible that a manufacturer like Eagle may want steer tires to carry a little extra air to help reject foriegn objects from the roadway. Eagle built these buses, cut down steer tires are bad for safety.  They have enough experience with their product to earn my respect. I'm curious how weighing will work when you don't weigh the same on each side of the same axle, how will the different foorprints affect steering? Braking on Ice? I am going to follow my manufacturer guidelines on this one, thank you.

[TomC]

NJT 5573. If concerned on left to right, weigh it left to right.  Technically, yes you should alter your tire pressure for each load (for big rigs).  But in conversions our loads are usually pretty constant (within 2000lb trip to trip).  When you have a tire that is over inflated the tire footprint will pull up on the sides making for a roundish shaped footprint.  In another words the sides of the tread will not have as much tread in contact with the pavement.  This does make for less rolling resistance, but I like to have the most traction available.  Having the proper tire pressure is key to making as close to a "square" foot print.  Tire pressures from the OEM manufacturers are based on proper tire inflation when the vehicle is full-mainly to cover their behinds.  Considering that Freightliner makes more trucks in a year than Eagle ever did, and that ALL the tire manufacturers publish extensive tire inflation tables, I maintain that to get the best tire performance, ride, life out of your tires, follow the tire manufacturers inflation for your specific tire according to what your bus actually weighs in at. Course like all others on the board, I'm sure you'll do it your way.  Good Luck, TomC