The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Ideal tire pressure for gas milage & wear ?

donut · 07-13-2011, 07:55 AM

IMO, it's like bikes&bowties already mentioned. The 245/75-16's I had on my 73 used to be inflated according to how I was using it. 75-80 psi if loaded or plowing (80psi max), summer or general driving I'd drop back to about 50 psi.

YMMV. @ 50, wear pattern appeared to look good and ride was much better than @75. Mileage didn't change by much if any.

Too much air and the tire will run on a thin strip in the center of the tire, too little and your riding on the edges. Either way, you can do damage to the tire and affect handling of the truck due to changing the contact patch of the tire.
Heat build-up due to improper inflation can also play a factor in the life of the tire.

07-13-2011, 07:55 AM	#4
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Ideal tire pressure for gas milage & wear ? IMO, it's like bikes&bowties already mentioned. The 245/75-16's I had on my 73 used to be inflated according to how I was using it. 75-80 psi if loaded or plowing (80psi max), summer or general driving I'd drop back to about 50 psi. YMMV. @ 50, wear pattern appeared to look good and ride was much better than @75. Mileage didn't change by much if any. Too much air and the tire will run on a thin strip in the center of the tire, too little and your riding on the edges. Either way, you can do damage to the tire and affect handling of the truck due to changing the contact patch of the tire. Heat build-up due to improper inflation can also play a factor in the life of the tire. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.