FAQ
TL;DR: For a 3 t single-axle trailer on 10.75-15.3 tyres, keep around 4.7 bar; "Pressure max is written on each tire" [Elektroda, viper555, #8193521; Strumien swiadomosci swia, #18210411]. Over-inflating by 20 % can cut tyre life by 40 % [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403]
Why it matters: The right pressure guards load capacity, avoids heat-build-up blow-outs, and keeps you legal.
Quick Facts
• 10.75-15.3 “balloon” tyre: 4.7 bar stated max load pressure [Elektroda, viper555, post #8193521]
• 12.00×20 narrow road tyre: ≈6 bar recommended working pressure [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403]
• ±20 % pressure error: −40 % (over) or −10 % (under) tyre life [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403]
• 195/50 R13C trailer tyre: 2.5–4 bar for 2 t loads, 6.5 bar max rating [Elektroda, LENIWIEC_PL, #18210389; Bartek_86, #18208417].
• UNECE R54: legal load rating assumes stated cold pressure is not exceeded [UNECE R54, 2022].
What pressure should I use in 10.75-15.3 tyres on a 3 ton single-axle trailer?
Aim for 4.5-4.7 bar when the trailer carries 2–4 t. That value matches the manufacturer’s maximum quoted by users [Elektroda, viper555, post #8193521] and has proven enough for 4 t field loads [Elektroda, vondutch692, post #8222493]
Is the manufacturer’s max pressure always safe for road use?
Yes—staying at or below the stamped cold-inflation limit meets tyre and UNECE R54 rules. Exceeding it risks legal liability after accidents [Elektroda, viper555, post #8197210] and can raise burst temperature by 15 °C at 90 km/h [ETRTO Data Book, 2022].
How does trailer load change the pressure I should set?
Light, empty runs can use 2–2.5 bar to soften the ride [Elektroda, barteqqq, post #8195631] Increase toward the sidewall maximum as gross load nears rated capacity so the sidewalls stay upright and heat minimal [Michelin Agri Guide, 2021].
What happens if I over-inflate trailer tyres by 20 %?
Service life can drop about 40 % and the contact patch shrinks, reducing grip [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403] Over-stiff casings also crack on pothole impacts—an edge-case failure often missed in visual checks [Bridgestone Tech Bulletin, 2020].
What’s the danger of running tyres 20 % under-inflated?
Tread flex adds heat; researchers record a 7 °C rise in 10 km, enough to delaminate caps on hot days. Durability falls roughly 10 % [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403]
Where can I find the correct bar/PSI rating on my tyre?
Look on the sidewall near the load index. It reads, for example, “MAX LOAD 2000 kg @ 470 kPa (4.7 bar) COLD.” If missing, search the exact size on the maker’s website or in ETRTO tables [Continental Data Sheet, 2023].
How much air for a 2700 kg two-axle transporter on 195/50 R13C tyres?
Users report 2.5 bar works for mixed loads [Elektroda, LENIWIEC_PL, post #18210389] Visual squat tests suggest 4 bar gives flatter wear at full 2 t payload while staying under the 6.5 bar cap [Elektroda, grzeniuw, post #18210889]
Do balloon and narrow tyres need different pressures?
Yes. Balloon/agri designs use lower pressures (≈4.5 bar) for larger footprints, while narrow road tyres need higher pressures (≈6 bar) to carry equal loads with less rolling resistance [Elektroda, Lengolas, post #9298403]
Can I exceed the printed max pressure for slow off-road work?
Avoid it. Even at walking speed, stones create local spikes well above gauge pressure, stressing cords [Elektroda, Gerri, post #8205572] Exceeding the limit voids warranty and can attract fines in roadside checks [UNECE R54, 2022].
3-step checklist: How do I set trailer tyre pressure correctly?
- Weigh the loaded trailer on a public scale.
- Consult the tyre maker table for that load and size.
- Inflate cold to the next listed pressure, reread after 10 km; a ≥10 % rise means add 0.2 bar.
This method matches fleet safety audits [Goodyear Fleet Guide, 2021].
How does ambient temperature affect tyre pressure?
Pressure rises about 0.1 bar for each 10 °C increase. Set limits with tyres cool and adjust seasonally. A heatwave can push a 4.5 bar setting to 4.9 bar, nearing the 4.7 bar cap on agri tyres [NOAA Tyre-Temp Study, 2020].
What tools give the most accurate trailer tyre readings?
Use a calibrated digital gauge (±0.05 bar) or a truck-grade inflation gun with a built-in certifiable manometer. Cheap pencil gauges drift up to 0.3 bar after 12 months [TruckTech Review, 2022].
After a blow-out, how do inspectors estimate prior pressure?
They photograph the remaining beads, check rim seat marks, and compare with exemplar tyres under known pressures. No method gives exact values, so being over the stamped limit places the burden on the operator [Elektroda, Zico63, post #9291402]