Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity in trucks. Various truck types (light, medium, heavy-duty) have different tire pressure requirements. Below is a detailed guide covering all essential aspects of truck tire pressure across different truck types.
1. General Truck Tire Pressure Table by Truck Type
Truck Type
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Tire Pressure Range (psi)
Comments
Light-Duty Trucks
Up to 10,000 lbs
35-45 psi
Passenger trucks or small delivery trucks.
Medium-Duty Trucks
10,001 – 26,000 lbs
50-80 psi
Used in delivery, small freight, or utility services.
Heavy-Duty Trucks
Over 26,000 lbs
85-110 psi
Includes semi-trucks, dump trucks, and commercial haulers.
Trailers (Light)
<10,000 lbs
35-50 psi
Light trailers for personal or small business use.
Trailers (Heavy)
>10,000 lbs
65-120 psi
Heavy-duty trailers, usually attached to semi-trucks.
2. Specific Tire Pressure by Tire Size (Popular Tire Sizes)
Tire Size
Truck Type
Load Capacity
Recommended Pressure (psi)
Comments
LT245/75R16
Light-Duty
2,000-3,000 lbs/tire
50-65 psi
Found in light trucks and SUVs.
11R22.5
Heavy-Duty
6,000-7,000 lbs/tire
90-105 psi
Commonly used in semi-trucks and trailers.
275/70R22.5
Medium-Duty to Heavy-Duty
5,500-7,000 lbs/tire
85-110 psi
Used in medium- to heavy-duty commercial trucks.
315/80R22.5
Heavy-Duty
8,000-9,000 lbs/tire
100-120 psi
Typically used in off-road, construction, and mining vehicles.
ST225/75R15
Trailers (Light)
2,500-3,000 lbs/tire
50-65 psi
For light-duty trailers and RVs.
ST235/85R16
Trailers (Heavy)
3,000-4,500 lbs/tire
80-100 psi
Found on heavy-duty trailers and 5th-wheel trailers.
3. Factors That Affect Tire Pressure
Factor
Impact on Tire Pressure
Recommendations
Load Weight
Heavier loads require higher pressure to support the weight.
Always adjust the pressure based on load and follow manufacturer recommendations.
Temperature
Tire pressure increases in hot weather and decreases in cold.
Adjust the tire pressure by ±1 psi for every 10°F change. Check tire pressure during the coolest part of the day.
Road Conditions
Off-road or uneven terrain may require lower pressures.
For off-road driving, reduce tire pressure by 10-20 psi for better traction.
Altitude
Pressure decreases at higher altitudes due to lower air pressure.
Monitor tire pressure when traveling to different elevations. Adjust as needed.
4. Tire Pressure Maintenance Best Practices
Practice
Details
Regular Inspections
Check tire pressure at least once a week or before long trips.
Use Proper Tools
Use a calibrated pressure gauge to ensure accurate readings.
Cold Tire Check
Always check pressure when tires are cold, as heat can give inaccurate readings.
Visual Inspections
Look for signs of tire wear, bulges, or sidewall damage.
Rotate Tires
Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear and longevity.
Use TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
TPMS systems are mandatory in most newer trucks and provide real-time pressure updates.
Adjust for Load
Adjust tire pressure based on the load to prevent over- or under-inflation.
5. Tire Pressure Impact on Performance and Safety
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Consequences
Under-inflated Tires
– Reduced fuel efficiency. – Increased tire wear. – Risk of tire blowout or failure.
Over-inflated Tires
– Reduced traction and handling. – Increased risk of tire damage from road debris. – Uneven tire wear (center wear).
6. Quick Reference Pressure Chart by Truck and Load Type
Truck Type
Load Type
Recommended Pressure (psi)
Light-Duty Pickup
Empty/Light Load
35-40 psi
Full Load
40-50 psi
Medium-Duty Box Truck
Empty/Light Load
50-60 psi
Full Load
65-80 psi
Heavy-Duty Semi-Truck
Empty
85-95 psi
Full Load (Maximum Capacity)
95-110 psi
Trailer
Empty
35-50 psi
Full Load
65-120 psi
7. Key Takeaways for Maintaining Proper Truck Tire Pressure
Always consult the truck manufacturer’s manual for exact tire pressure recommendations based on truck type, tire size, and load.
Monitor pressure regularly, especially before long hauls or when carrying heavy loads.
Adjust pressure for temperature changes to prevent under- or over-inflation.
Under- and over-inflation both lead to uneven wear, reduced performance, and safety hazards, including tire blowouts.