Tire Pressure for Towing: Optimal Settings and Safety Tips

When you're towing a trailer, tire pressure is more than just a number—it's the foundation for a safe, smooth, and stable trip.

Think about it: you're hauling all that extra weight, and if your tires aren’t at the right pressure, everything can feel off—sluggish, unstable, and even prone to dangerous blowouts. So, before hitting the road, it’s crucial to get it right.

You might not realize how easy it is to push those tire limits, especially with all the gear, passengers, and cargo you pack. If your tires are underinflated, you risk compromising control, but don’t worry!

You can avoid this by always following the recommended tire pressures listed on your tow vehicle and trailer stickers or manuals. Plus, checking and adjusting your tire pressure before every trip ensures that weight is distributed correctly and your tires wear evenly, making for a much safer drive.

And here’s where a premium anti-sway hitch, like the ProPride 3P® Hitch, steps in. While correct tire pressure is your starting point, using this technology adds another layer of stability, so you can leave worries about trailer sway behind and enjoy the ride.

In this blog, you'll learn:

• Why tire pressure matters more when towing and how it impacts your safety
• Key factors to consider when setting your tire pressure for a safe trip
• How a ProPride 3P® Hitch enhances towing stability alongside tire maintenance

Let’s find out!

Understanding Tire Pressure for Towing

Tire pressure directly affects how safe and stable your tow setup is on the road. If you tow with the wrong tire pressure, you risk unsafe handling, poor sway control, and even blowouts under extra load.

What Tire Pressure Means

Tire pressure is the internal air force measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The right PSI helps a tire keep its shape, grip the road, and safely support weight.

When towing, tires face higher loads and heat.

• Under-inflation increases sidewall flex, causes heat, and raises the risk of failure. 
• Over-inflation makes the ride stiff and reduces traction. 

Use a high-quality tire pressure gauge to check PSI when tires are cold. The recommended PSI is on the tire’s sidewall and in your tow vehicle manual. Never guess or just “eyeball” pressure—tire safety depends on accurate numbers.

Differences Between Towing and Regular Tire Pressure

Driving solo and towing create very different tire needs.

When you add the tongue weight of a trailer—even with advanced sway control like the ProPride 3P®—each tire must handle more pressure and flex.

Daily driving may allow for slightly lower tire pressure to improve ride comfort. But towing, especially over long highway stretches or rough ground, requires tires set near or at maximum sidewall PSI. This reduces the risk of overheating and lets the tire support the extra weight without flexing or squatting.

Safe towing means checking PSI before your trip and while loaded. Return tires to normal pressure after unloading for safety and optimal sway control.

Load Ratings and Tire Capacity

Every tire has a load rating marked on the sidewall.

This rating shows the maximum weight a tire can safely carry at a given PSI. This is critical when towing since your combined vehicle-and-trailer weight may be near the maximum.

Add up the load ratings of all tires (tow vehicle and trailer) to see if they meet or exceed your total load. Never exceed a tire’s marked capacity. Under-loaded or overloaded tires make sway more likely and can defeat even the best anti-sway hitch.

Proper load ratings work hand-in-hand with weight distribution to keep towing safe and under control.

Determining the Correct Tire Pressure When Towing

Choosing the right tire pressure is essential for safe towing. Consider manufacturer recommendations, added weight, and changes in weather or elevation to avoid tire failure and keep your trip safe.

Consulting Vehicle and Trailer Manufacturer Guidelines

• Check the owner's manuals for both your tow vehicle and trailer. They list the correct tire pressures for towing, which are usually higher than normal driving.
• Look for a tire pressure chart, sometimes on the driver’s door frame or trailer frame. Use the numbers recommended for “maximum load” or “towing” situations.
• If you use advanced hitches, follow tire pressure guidelines. The right pressure keeps your weight distribution even and stabilizes your ride, especially when paired with an anti-sway hitch.
• Do not set tire pressure based on how the tires look or feel. Always use a reliable tire pressure gauge before every trip.

Adjusting for Vehicle Weight and Trailer Load

Proper tire pressure depends on the weight of your vehicle and trailer. More weight means you need higher pressure.

Overloading or underinflating tires increases the risk of blowouts and poor control. Check the load rating on the tire sidewall—it tells you the max weight the tire can handle at a certain PSI.

When you add more cargo or water, or tow a heavy RV, increase the tire pressure to the recommended towing value.

Use these steps:

• Weigh your loaded vehicle and trailer
• Check max load & PSI for all tires
• Adjust pressure to match the extra weight

A hitch system like ProPride can improve towing stability, but proper tire pressure is critical for optimal sway control.

Effects of Ambient Temperature and Altitude

Air pressure in tires changes with temperature and altitude.

For every 10°F (about 5°C) temperature drop, tire pressure drops by around 1 PSI.

If you start your trip at sea level and travel into the mountains, the air outside gets thinner and may impact tire pressure. Check and adjust your tire pressure before leaving and again after significant changes in elevation or temperature.

Hot weather increases tire pressure, leading to over-inflation if not monitored. For the most accurate reading, always measure pressure when tires are cold before driving.

Ignoring these factors can make towing less stable and increase the risk of tire damage or accidents during your trip.

Safety Considerations When Towing

Proper tire pressure is one of the most essential details for safe towing. Tire pressure directly impacts your trailer’s stability, braking, and control, especially when you’re carrying heavy loads.

Risks of Underinflation and Overinflation

If your tires are underinflated, they flex more while driving.

This creates extra heat, increasing the risk of blowouts, especially at highway speeds. Underinflated tires also wear out faster, mainly along the outer edges, and lose their ability to support the trailer’s weight evenly.

Overinflation makes your tires harder and reduces the contact area with the road. This often leads to less traction, a rougher ride, making tires more vulnerable to damage from potholes and other road hazards.

Both underinflation and overinflation cause uneven tire wear, which can shorten a tire’s life and force you to replace it sooner. To find the correct pressure, always follow your tow vehicle and trailer’s tire pressure recommendation listed in the owner’s manual or on the tire information sticker.

Impact of Incorrect Tire Pressure on Braking and Handling

Incorrect tire pressure changes how your trailer responds to braking and steering.

• Low tire pressure makes it harder for the tires to grip the road, increasing stopping distances and making emergency stops riskier. If you need to swerve or correct a sway, soft tires may not respond predictably, increasing the chance of loss of control.
• Overinflated tires reduce the contact patch with the road surface, decreasing stability and making the trailer more likely to bounce or slide during sudden maneuvers.
• Trailer sway is also more likely when tire pressures are not set correctly. Even the best anti-sway hitch can’t fully compensate for poor tire maintenance.

Always check tire pressure before every trip and adjust if needed.

Best Practices for Tire Pressure Maintenance

Keeping your tire pressure correct makes towing safer and extends the life of your tires. Routine checks and using new technology can help prevent dangerous blowouts and make your trip smoother.

When and How to Check Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold—before you drive more than a mile or before sunrise, if possible.

Tire pressure rises as the tires heat up, so warm readings will mislead you. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge, either digital or analog, and compare your readings with the numbers on your tire’s sidewall or your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Look for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for “cold” conditions. Don’t rely on visual checks; low tires often look normal. Check all tires, including your trailer spare. Inspect for cracks, uneven wear, or nails while you’re at it.

Consistent tire pressure checks lower your risk of sudden flats or blowouts while towing heavy loads.

Using Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) let you see each tire's pressure and temperature from your dashboard.

Some are built-in, but you can add aftermarket units to trailers that don’t come with them. These systems sound an alert if a tire gets too low or hot, giving a warning before a problem turns into a blowout.

A TPMS is especially useful for long hauls or when using premium hitches like the ProPride 3P®. It can catch slow leaks or help you keep pressure balanced across your vehicle and trailer.

Choose a TPMS showing pressure and temperature readings for the best real-time tracking.

Preparing Tires for Long-Distance Towing

Before a long trip, check all tires—including your trailer—for correct pressure, age, and tread. 

• Replace any tires older than six years, even if they look fine.
• Pack a gauge and inflator so you can adjust pressure at your stops.
• Check the pressure every morning before driving. When fully loaded for towing, inflate your tires to the highest rated pressure on the sidewall. If you use an advanced anti-sway hitch, steady tire pressure helps your hitch work at its best by providing stable, even contact with the road.

Keep a quick checklist:

• Cold tire pressure check every morning
• Spare is inflated and in good shape
• Tread depth, no sidewall cracks, and no bulges
• Carry emergency repair kit and portable air compressor

Choosing the Right Tires for Towing

The correct tire choice decides the stability and safety of your towing setup. Your tires must match the weight and demands of regular towing, not just daily driving.

Tire Types Recommended for Towing

Towing requires tires rated for an extra load.

LT (Light Truck) tires and Special Trailer (ST) tires are built to carry heavier weights. LT tires have stronger sidewalls, giving them the strength to handle the stress of towing. ST tires are made specifically for trailers and help control trailer sway with stiffer construction.

Never use P-metric (passenger car) tires for towing, even if they fit your wheels. These tires are not built to withstand weight or forces from towing. Check the tire’s load index and maximum inflation pressure, which can be found stamped on the sidewall.

Choosing tires not designed for towing can lead to poor stability and even tire blowouts.

Replacing or Upgrading Tires Before Towing

Before any trip, check your tires for tread wear, sidewall cracks, and punctures.

If you see uneven wear or the remaining tread is below 4/32", replace your tires. Stale, dry-rotted, or mismatched tires raise the risk of sway, especially if you use the ProPride 3P®.

Upgrading to a higher load-rated tire can give more stability. Ensure new tires match your trailer or tow vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Always keep tire pressures at the number listed by your vehicle or trailer manufacturer, not just what's written on the tire.

Proper inflation and the right tire type work together with advanced hitches to maximize towing safety and minimize sway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring recommended tire pressure is a frequent error.

• Don’t assume your usual PSI is enough. Always check your vehicle’s manual or the tire sidewall for the proper settings when towing.
• Never mix different tire pressures on the same axle. Both tires should have the same PSI to stabilize your load. Uneven pressure leads to poor handling and increased tire wear.
• Many people forget to check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Tire pressure rises as you drive, so measure it before starting your trip.

Over-inflation makes your ride harsh and reduces tire grip. Under-inflation causes excessive heat, which may lead to a blowout.

You must maintain proper tire pressure even if you use a ProPride 3P® hitch for sway control. Advanced technology can't compensate for unsafe tires. Don't wait until damage is visible. Regular checks help you catch problems early and keep your towing experience safe.

Additional Tips for Towing Safety

Before every trip, check tire pressure when the tires are cold.

• Use a reliable gauge for accuracy. Inflate tires to the pressure in your vehicle’s manual or the tire placard.
• Double-check your trailer connection points. Make sure the hitch, safety chains, and electrical wiring are secure. A loose connection can cause sway or even a dangerous disconnect on the road.
• Balance your load from side to side, keeping the heaviest items low and close to the trailer axle. Unbalanced loading increases the risk of trailer sway and reduces your control.
• For extra control, use a dedicated trailer sway control hitch. The ProPride 3P® Hitch uses patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology for fifth-wheel-like stability. This eliminates trailer sway caused by wind or passing trucks.
• Check your lights and brakes every time you tow. Working brake lights, turn signals, and running lights keep you legal and visible.
• Watch your speed. Towing requires longer stopping distances and gentler movements. Avoid sudden lane changes and high speeds, especially in bad weather.

Consider upgrading your equipment for better towing stability. ProPride offers anti-sway solutions with a one-piece yoke and adjustable hitch bar for top safety and compatibility.

Quick Checklist:

• Tire pressure (cold)
• Hitch and connection inspection
• Cargo balance
• Lights and brakes
• Safe, steady driving

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve learned how important tire pressure is for towing, but you might have a few lingering questions. Let's address the common ones and make sure you're fully equipped for your next adventure!

What is the recommended tire pressure for a truck when towing a trailer?

Most trucks have a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb with recommended tire pressures for your front and rear tires. When towing, use the “Max Load” pressure listed on the tire sidewall if you are near your maximum payload or trailer weight. Low tire pressure can cause overheating, sidewall damage, and poor control, especially under heavy loads. Always use a calibrated gauge for the best results.

How do I calculate the proper tire pressure for my vehicle during towing?

Start with the manufacturer’s recommended pressure from your owner’s manual or door placard. If you add significant weight, such as a loaded trailer, increase the tire’s maximum listed pressure, but do not exceed it. Weigh your vehicle plus the trailer at a truck stop scale for an accurate load. Adjust pressure if needed to stay within safe tire limits.

Are there any specific tire pressure guidelines for a Silverado 1500 when towing?

For a Silverado 1500, check the door sticker for original specifications. Many models recommend 35-40 psi for both front and rear, but this can change if you tow a heavier trailer. If you tow closer to the vehicle and tire max, use the higher end of that range. Check the exact tire sidewall for maximum ratings, especially if you use aftermarket tires.

Does towing capacity affect how much tire pressure should be applied?

Yes, as your towing weight increases, you need higher tire pressure to prevent the tires from flexing too much. The closer you get to your truck’s towing capacity, the more critical it is to inflate tires to their maximum safe value. Advanced sway control systems like ProPride hitches help distribute load more evenly, but correct tire pressure is still essential.

What are the consequences of towing with incorrect tire pressure?

If your tire pressure is too low, your tires can overheat and fail, or you can lose steering control and have longer braking distances. Too much pressure reduces grip and makes the ride harsh. Underinflated and overinflated tires increase the risk of trailer sway, even if you use modern sway control equipment.

How often should I check my tire pressure while towing heavy loads?

Check your tire pressure before every trip, when the tires are cold. Check your tire pressure every morning before driving for long trips or when towing heavy loads.