Wide vs. Narrow tire size for Truck Campers

[IdaSHO]

I'm running this same tire right now on my Ram 3500 with a camper. What PSI are you running yours at, out of curiosity?

It wont be the same for everyone. Luckily, Toyo provides inflation tables!
So, find out how much weight you have on each axle, divide it by two, then consult the inflation table.


Example.... Lets assume I have 6000lbs on the rear axle, and 5000 on the front.

Divide 6000 by 2 = 3,000lbs Consult the table... you get 50PSI for the rear tires (SRW)
Divide 5000 by 2 = 2,500lbs Consult the table... you get roughly 40PSI for the front tires.


Start with those values, and watch tire wear, and adjust accordingly.

 

[Regcabguy]

No 35's or 37's?

 

[IdaSHO]

The 285/75R18 that we are talking about is equivalent to a 35
It is literally less than 1% smaller than a 35

The 37" is show below. Do note that it is not an 80PSI load E. tire. Its max load rating is at 65PSI

I considered it, but stuck to 35's as I didnt want to lift my truck, nor did I want to regear.
35's fit stock, and are not quite big enough to require a regear, especially when I dont tow often.

FYI, the full inflation table (PDF) can be found on Toyos website.

Here: https://www.toyotires.com/tires-101/tire-load-and-inflation-tables

 

[Conifer]

@IdaSHO Thank you! I had seen those load inflation tables before, but was just curious for some real world specs. My truck is 5900 pounds on the rear axle and 5400 on the front, give or take 100 pounds depending on what I'm carrying in the camper. I've been running them at 60 rear/50 front, but sounds like I could maybe drop them a smidge.

For those of you complaining about the heavy snow performance of the Toyo AT2, I agree it's not the best, but it's a better than most. I have run the 285/75R18 Duratrac in the past, and it's actually much quieter (to my ear) than the other wider sizes of the Duratrac that I've run before. It is hands down the best truck winter tire I've ever run, and I've had studden Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2's on my other truck, and Blizzak's on our SUV. The Duratrac beats them both IMO. It is what I'll be running again next winter.

 

[Mnbogboy]

Two thoughts,
1) narrow better in snow usually
2) camper jack clearance if removed often

 

[Conifer]

No 35's or 37's?

The 285/75R18 is listed as 34.8" tall on most brands I've looked at, with the exception of the Goodyear Duratrac and Toyo MT which are listed at 35.1". Since most 35x12.50R17 and R18 tires are listed as being 34.5" tall, the 285 is actually larger. I've confirmed this with a tape on mine. They do tend to "look" smaller though as they're narrower, but the advantage is they have a much higher load index, and can be run on stock 8" width 18" wheels.

 

[lettuce]

How does the 285/75r18 compare to the 295/70r18? I know skinnier tires improve mpg, but the 295's might provide more lateral stability, especially with a heavy camper on the back.