Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Tire pressure & LP level Question (Read 603 times) previous topic - next topic

Tire pressure & LP level Question

Well, we're almost ready to head out. Never towed before and am just about ready to toss my cookies due to the stress of having the jeep behind us. Seriously. I've checked and checked and checked some more. Getting ready to fill it up with water and then we've outta here.

A couple things I'm curious about. A couple years ago we had brand new tires installed on the coach. Bridgestone R280. They say no more than 120 psi cold, but honestly they have never lost a pound of air since being installed...they are right at 100-102 each and all exactly the same. It's cold here in Michigan if that matters right at the moment.  I think this is the pressure I've always ran them at but wanted to ask the opinion of some of you before we pull out.

The other question is in regards to our LP level. It's at or just a tiny smidge less than half...that's it though, no lower. We're heading to Florida and I was just curious what your thoughts were about traveling with it at that level? This whole week has been a complete nightmare for me, I'm ready to leave, extremely stressed out, don't really want to stop for a while once we get going and could also use some prayers for safety, clear path, mechanically soundness etc, from those of you who share the same faith and belief.

I'm on my PC right now and will wait to hear from someone before I leave and while she's filling with water.

Also, I was going to connect the jeep, disconnect the battery and turn the key forward so the tires travel...that's ok right?

Thanks in advance


Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #1 –
Carl, I can't give you any authoritative info on LP level or what to do with the Jeep, but we can send our hopes and prayers along with ya'll for a safe trip and merry Christmas. If you come through east TX on your way down, look us up.
Len & Deb
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Carl Sandel –
Well, we're almost ready to head out.  This whole week has been a complete nightmare for me, I'm ready to leave, extremely stressed out, don't really want to stop for a while once we get going and could also use some prayers for safety, clear path, mechanically soundness etc, from those of you who share the same faith and belief.

We've all been there, and commiserate with you. My advice: "damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead".
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #3 –
@Carl

Don't think you can go wrong with tires at 100psi. If you have the 65 gallon LP tank (holds 45 gallons) you will be fine. That should last several weeks. If you stay in a campground with 50amp use electric heaters with the LP as backup. We do this not only to save on LP but because the electric heaters are more comfortable than the LP furnace blasting us with hot air.

Good luck and don't worry everything works out eventually.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #4 –
Make Flying J a diesel fill spot along the way, most of them have propane for sale, two birds one stone.
If you heat coach as much as possible with engine heat, furnaces should run the least. If refrig has 12v setting use that as well to further concern your LP.
Have to take should easily last you a few days and as I mentioned if you stop at flying J along the route you can usually go up with LP without much extra aggravation.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #5 –
[quote author=Tim Fiedler link=msg=220102 date=1450  If you heat coach as much as possible with engine heat, furnaces should run the least. If refrig has 12v setting use that as well to further concern your LP.  [/quote]

These coaches have so much storage, I'd not worry about it. Running a fridge on 12 volt  is "old and in the way"
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #6 –
Alright kids, many thanks and I'm sure that once we get on the road I'll feel more comfortable. It's been a very very stressful week and I and my family are in much need of a break from life. It's been 2 full years since we've done anything like this and is far over due. We've got a ginormous lp tank...so big that when it's filled the people always say"OH MY GOSH!!!! HAVE YOU SEEN THE SIZE OF THIS TANK?? The only thing I can say is DUH....dude, I own it, it's mine of course I've seen it, lol We're topped off with fresh fuel, the park we stay in does have 50 amp, we have a full tank of water, new glow plugs in the generator and everything else is a go. Going to check the lights one last time before we head out. My wife will stay in touch with you all while we're on the road.

I've got the infrared heat temp gun I was going to stop and check rear ends on the jeep and tires after about 30-45 miles.

As always I am highly blessed to have all of you in my corner as I wouldn't have had the ability to own this unit had it not been for many of you helping me understand things along the way. Merry Christmas and Happy new year

Thanks again
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #7 –
Carl, tire pressure should be OK. You will want to check tire pressure on "cold" tires. That generally means in the morning after the coach has been parked overnight. Pressure will change with ambient temperature. On "cold" tires, don't fill to more than 120 psi. The minimum should be according to the axle weight. There are pressure tables on line from the manufacturer that will give you a minimum pressure for the tire size, load rating, and axle weight.

I don't know about "disconnect the battery." I think you are referring to the Jeep. I've never disconnected a battery to tow a vehicle. Some may require it. I have towed a 1994 Jeep and a 2002 Subaru. Neither required disconnecting the battery. The key should be in a position to release the steering lock, but not turn on any electrical accessories. The transmission must be appropriately set. On our 1994 Jeep with automatic transmission and transfer case, the Jeep was ready to tow with the gear shift in Park and the transfer case in neutral. The Subaru has a manual transmission. It is ready to tow when the transmission is in neutral. Be sure to release the parking brake. Check that everything is "turning and rolling" on your first turn. Some folk have a spotter watch the car for the first several feet of towing.

We've been in temperatures well below freezing and never used more than about four gallons of propane in a day. That was running both furnaces with little auxiliary electric heat. You can buy propane along the way if you need it. Many trucks stops and campgrounds sell propane.

I wish you safe and enjoyable travels. I hope you can relax and enjoy the trip.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #8 –
If you don't have actual wheel position weights (better) or axle weights, best tire pressure advice is to inflate to the PSI recommended on the GVWR sticker on the wall next to the driver's seat. This assumes they are the same size and load range as is listed on the sticker. It also assumes that you are not carrying more than the GAWR on either axle.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #9 –
Carl, safe travels and enjoy your trip! Wishing you and yours a very marry Christmas.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #10 –
Alcoa aluminum wheels are rated for a maximum of 120 psi in our U300. This is a conservative number as is the max recommended 120 psi on the Bridgestone R280s. The tires won't actually fail until over 300 psi but would bend the bead on the rim before that.

Never drop the pressure in hot weather (don't have to worry about that now ;D ) . We use the max rated PSI in our tires but your 100-105 will be fine.

Don't worry about disconnecting the battery. Check online to see if you need to start the engine every few hundred miles to lube the manual trans. Put a check list in front of you before you start towing. Key in steering unlock position, parking brake off, transmission in neutral, etc. Easy to forget when you are tired so double check. Thump tires on coach and toad at fuel stops if you get a chance and check lights.

Fuel early in the day to avoid making mistakes when pulling up to the pump when tired. Night fueling can be more difficult at some stations.

Have a great trip.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #11 –
Hi Carl, As I recall you have a '97 Wrangler.  You do not have to disconnect the battery.  And they key doesn't need to be anywhere other than where it needs to be to remove the key.  Unless you have a locking steering wheel there is no need to leave the key in the Jeep.  Transmission in first gear, transfer case in neutral, brake off.  Double check.  Check lights on the toad.  Double check.  Check all of your towing connections.  Double check.

Like someone said, make a list, do it the same way every time, double check.  Pay attention, avoid distractions while doing it.

On your first few towing trips stopping at the first rest stop to double check is a good idea for your own peace of mind.

I always double check tire pressure in all of the tires, coach, toad and spare before leaving.  I like to run the toad at the max psi on the tire sidewall.  Less rolling resistance. It is frequently very cold (-30° once) when we leave and two days later it can be 70-80 degrees warmer.  Double check tire pressures in the morning.  If they are over the max psi, adjust.  The temp change will have more effect on your toad tires.  Once you get to where you are going and temps are more stable check and adjust for those conditions.

Take it easy, relax, enjoy the drive.  Stop every couple hours or every other rest stop. Get up, walk around, take 10 minutes or more. It gets dark early so stop before 4 so you have time to get set for the night before dark. An extra day or two to get somewhere is OK. Just get there safe and sound. And be calm.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN
 

Re: Tire pressure & LP level Question

Reply #12 –
Yes,

As above.  Don't make it a marathon 200 - 250 miles a day is fine, unlike me.  Leave plenty of time so you get there before dark.  Make the journey part of the vacation not something to be endured.  Plan things to do or visit on the way.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159