BFG K02 E-rated PSI vs heavy load

Is it necessary to air up closer to max pressure (80psi) when hauling in the bed a relatively heavy load?

 

If you're getting a bunch of sidewall bulge, sure. But if you're at that point, you're probably overloaded already or they were low before you loaded the bed. E range tires are like what, 1500lbs? That'll be 3k on the rear axle. Remember, you're still driving and will be hitting irregularities in the road. You want the tire to take some of the shock.

 

Depends where you’re at currently with pressure. I run my e rated KO2 at 36 for daily use. If I tow I bump them up. If I Offroad I drop pressure.
Adjust accordingly. They’re rated for XXXX-lbs at XX-psi

 

I doubt you’d need to max the PSI. I set mine at 55 for towing.

 

4x4 off road shop guys said they would go with driver’s side door sticker (36psi) for unloaded, begin at 55psi for hauling, consider chalk test for loads that are consistently the same.

 

A load inflation table such as the one linked below will tell you what PSI you need to run. A stock tundra is about 2700 lbs on the rear axle empty. Add what payload you have and dived by two. Cross reference that weight to the proper inflation for your tire size.

For an example, upgrading the stock p275/65r18 tires to LT275/65r18 tires requires you to bump the pressure from 33 psi to 43 psi to carry the same load. I run 43 psi with 800 lbs in the truck and air up to 50-55psi when pulling a heavy trailer.

 

Forgot to paste the link…

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