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Old 04-06-2016, 08:50 AM   #1
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Tire air pressure

Guys, what's the right cold tire air pressure to keep? I couldn't find a placard like in most cars.
Thanks

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Old 04-06-2016, 08:59 AM   #2
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Really depends on the size/load of the tire and your needs. Most full-size buses will have around 100psi if i'm not mistaken, but some people will do a little less (85-90) to soften the ride a bit. Usually not an issue since a lot of our buses come nowhere close to the GVWR (my GVW is 26,000 lbs, and I was at 13,400 after I took out my seats).

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Old 04-06-2016, 09:17 AM   #3
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You need to start with the manufacturers stated recommendations (stamped on the tires) and adjust for your weight, driving style and suspension.
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Old 04-06-2016, 08:21 PM   #4
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This is something that has confused me, I get Motorhomes magazine & the Tech Editor has mentioned on more than one occasion that the Tire PSI on the side of RV & Truck tires is a MINIMUM RECOMMEND pressure.

And yes I know it goes against everything most of us have ever been taught
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Old 04-06-2016, 10:06 PM   #5
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you need your bus weight, front and rear axle, then go on line find your tire brand, and they should have a chart to show your min air pressure you can have, max pressure is what's on your tires.
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Old 04-07-2016, 11:32 AM   #6
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you need your bus weight, front and rear axle, then go on line find your tire brand, and they should have a chart to show your min air pressure you can have, max pressure is what's on your tires.
gbstewart
That's what I did. Once the build was finished I filled all the tanks (fuel, water and propane), loaded all our camping gear and drove off to Jay's truck stop to have it weighed. For a few bucks they'll weigh the front and rear axles and give you a print out. Once we got home I downloaded a tire inflation chart from the Michelin web site and found the proper inflation pressure for the weight on the axles. My tires are marked for 80 lbs inflation but we are able to fill them only to 60 lbs which gives a much better ride. Note that if your axle ends are not loaded evenly you need to increase pressure on the side with the higher load.

Our bus had a pretty rough ride at 80 lbs but is fairly comfortable at 60.
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Old 04-07-2016, 11:35 AM   #7
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When I have time I'll go back thru the mag's & scan & upload the article .
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Old 04-07-2016, 01:53 PM   #8
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Just ask the Tire Pressure Expert.

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Old 04-07-2016, 02:14 PM   #9
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is there any place stamped on a placard what a bus weighed as a factory original?

im assuming there are the usual trade-offs with tires pressures like in cars? lower pressure generally better ride, better rain / snow traction..

Higher pressure, harsher ride, better MPG, generally reduced Rain / snow traction...

im assuming always within the rating of the tire.. obviously there are possible massive consequences to airing above or below the maxx / min ratings of the tires..


on busses with air brakes is there a place to grab general purpose air for airing up tires or is that frowned upon?

-Christopher
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Old 04-07-2016, 02:57 PM   #10
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There is an air chuck connection inside my air service door. I haven't found the right size fitting for it yet. Using bus or truck air systems to air up the tires is pretty common. Given the size of the tanks I wouldn't use the air extensively but it should easily be enough to top off the tires if they're low.
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Old 04-07-2016, 03:50 PM   #11
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on busses with air brakes is there a place to grab general purpose air for airing up tires or is that frowned upon?

-Christopher
Grab it from the wet tank. The other two tanks operate the braking system. Most accessories operate off the wet tank so you should have no trouble plumbing a 1/4 inch nipple into one of the ports on the tank and running a disconnect off of it.
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