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What did you do TO your RAM today?

Razzman said:
I've used the chalk test for decades and it's never failed me. 63 front & 50 rear unloaded. Towing I bump to 65 F&R. Too many factors to rely solely on inflation tables, tire size, width, wheel width, truck specifics and how it's used all play a role in determining proper inflation.
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What is the chalk test , I'm not familiar ?
 
Razzman said:
I've used the chalk test for decades and it's never failed me. 63 front & 50 rear unloaded. Towing I bump to 65 F&R. Too many factors to rely solely on inflation tables, tire size, width, wheel width, truck specifics and how it's used all play a role in determining proper inflation.
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So you think the chalk test is more accurate than weighing the truck and using inflation tables that are published by the tire manufacturer based on math and science (aka engineers)? Because you’ve used it for decades?

Disagree.
 
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Rockcrawlindude said:
Basically chalk across your tread, drive straight a few rotations and check to see how much tread is contacting

Its more useful when you have a light vehicle that has too much tire like a jeep on e rated 37s or something that you may only need 18psi in
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The chalk test is great for light vehicles coming off the trail where the oversized tires are generally capable of a LOT more weight than the vehicle weighs, and I've used it for that many times.... but I am sure not going to use it for my HD truck and hauling/towing over what those engineers list...

i.e. my TJ on 285/70R17's only needs around 20 psi to support the weight, I'm not getting that off of a chart...
 
Conversation/debate is good.

I may have missed it but I don’t think Razzman said he is going to chalk test to tow 18k.

The discussion was about getting a little better ride. Yes, the door placards are way off in terms of comfort. Yes there are inflation tables available online for “most” tires. Yes the chalk test is an aged process that, with tire wear being your main concern, is suitable.

Go on the interwebs, chalk all five tires, let all the air out. It’s your truck! You have to replace the tires if the center wears fast. You have to fix or find a wheel if you decided to be a rebel and run too little air and found a curb en route to the big box store….to do truck things.

I currently have 50F and 43R in my tires. I’m not towing anything and the truck rides “good”. If the camper is hitched or the dump trailer is doing some work, I adjust accordingly with my handy dandy 18v pistol gripped air thingy. That’s my $.02


Sent from me
 
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AH64ID said:
The chalk test is great for light vehicles coming off the trail where the oversized tires are generally capable of a LOT more weight than the vehicle weighs, and I've used it for that many times.... but I am sure not going to use it for my HD truck and hauling/towing over what those engineers list...

i.e. my TJ on 285/70R17's only needs around 20 psi to support the weight, I'm not getting that off of a chart...
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You said what I said except smarter
 
Rockcrawlindude said:
So you think the chalk test is more accurate than weighing the truck and using inflation tables that are published by the tire manufacturer based on math and science (aka engineers)? Because you’ve used it for decades?

Disagree.
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Disagreeing is ok, everyone has their own opinion. But that's not what I said and I'm pretty sure you know that. And I'm pretty sure you know that relying solely on inflation tables and weighing the truck is also of limited value. I've weighed many times and take it with a grain of salt as conditions change, so as a guideline it is of value, but not the end word. And yes I believe in science and math, engineers work within a given set of parameters to reach the end goal. You think for one minute that their calculations will account for all uses and deviations? Not a chance, if they did we wouldn't be lowering tire pressures on these trucks. If they did we all be running what the door sticker says. Chalk test is just another tool in the box.
 
Razzman said:
You think for one minute that their calculations will account for all uses and deviations? Not a chance, if they did we wouldn't be lowering tire pressures on these trucks. If they did we all be running what the door sticker says.
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Hardly, that's why the tables exist.... to account for loads and sizes that differ from the door placard. It is 100% why we can lower tire pressure and be confident that the tire will support the load it's carrying (up to the speed rating the tire has). Because those calculations exist we don't have to run placard pressure all the time.
 
Not today, but over the last few weeks since I took delivery of it.

2024 2500 Laramie:
- S&B Intake
- Pedal Commander
- AMP Research Power Running Boards
- Bullet Point Rubigrid Phone Mount
- MT Baja Legend MTZ - 35x12.5x18

I have a Supreme Suspension 2" spacer lift to install, hopefully this weekend.
 
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