TimJuhl
Member
I've posted before that my 3500 Sprinter has a bit of a hard ride in the back. I wonder if one approach to "softening" the ride might be to reduce the tire pressure somewhat. The manual calls for 65 PSI which I assume is related to the van's published max vehicle weight. My van is only lightly loaded so wouldn't say 50-55 psi be safe and appropriate under the circumstances?
I know that proper inflation is related to tire wear and fuel mileage but I wonder if there isn't a range of safe working pressures?
What got me thinking about this is my background in aircraft maintenance. For example, I own a classic Aeronca Champ with a max weight of 1220 lbs. Proper tire inflation is 15 psi. The pressure in the same sized tires on the 3000 lb Cessna I used to own was 38 psi. If I were to pump the tires much more than 15 psi in the lightweight airplane the result would be hard, bouncy landings. The "give" in the tires aids in the overall shock absorption capability of the landing gear.
Your thoughts?
Tim
I know that proper inflation is related to tire wear and fuel mileage but I wonder if there isn't a range of safe working pressures?
What got me thinking about this is my background in aircraft maintenance. For example, I own a classic Aeronca Champ with a max weight of 1220 lbs. Proper tire inflation is 15 psi. The pressure in the same sized tires on the 3000 lb Cessna I used to own was 38 psi. If I were to pump the tires much more than 15 psi in the lightweight airplane the result would be hard, bouncy landings. The "give" in the tires aids in the overall shock absorption capability of the landing gear.
Your thoughts?
Tim