[Tires & Wheels] correct tyre pressure,

[trundlepuppy]

Hi all, hope you're all having a great weekend,
I bought a 2009 berlingo with a converted camper installation, can be used as 5 seats, and also fold down the seats for the bed, with cooker and sink, the bed is made from wood
The van came with 16inch wheels (205/55/16) and originally it would have come with 15" wheels, as the tyre pressure chart shows.
I have just changed the tyres to continental all seasons but really have no idea what tyre pressure to put in, the fella who fitted the tyres put in 32 psi all round, but that seems to low to me,, obviously there is a bit of weight with the bed etc,, i've looked online and now even more confused, someone even mentioned 45 psi but that seems too much, hope someone can help, i'm sure i destroyed the original tyres by not putting enough air in, i put 31psi in the front and 33 in the back
Looking forward to some clarification,
Thanks
Harry from Hampshire

[LukeC]

As a van, mine shows 2.3 bar all round for light loads, and 3.2 all round for full loads I believe. That's just off the top of my head. I would also guess that the higher pressure would lower rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. I don't think it's going to be easy to get a proper pressure without it being checked by Citroen.

[trundlepuppy]

As a van, mine shows 2.3 bar all round for light loads, and 3.2 all round for full loads I believe. That's just off the top of my head. I would also guess that the higher pressure would lower rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. I don't think it's going to be easy to get a proper pressure without it being checked by Citroen.

Thanks Luke

[geoff]

Manufacturers tyre pressure figures are just indicative of what is needed for the vehicle and the tyre that is provided by them from new - after that you are on your own.

When you fit a replacement tyre ( sometimes even with the same make ) the pressure will need to be adapted to suit the tyre, more so with a different make of tyre.

You need to LOOK at the tyre and see how the tarmac is marking the tyres, too much scrub on the edges and you need more pressure .... too much pressure ? generally you don't notice this apart from a hard ride or perhaps an overlight feeling at the wheel or maybe a slip out on roundabouts / cornering ( I tend to test the vehicles performance as a matter of course on a daily basis ).


On my M59 with the previous tyres I needed to use 36 front and 38 rear and achieved even wear across the tyre for its whole life ( no premature failure )

On the current set of tyres I have to use 38 front and 38 rear

Another example :

With a C15 van I had from new I was so delighted with the tyre life and performance I chose to renew with the same tyres despite the cost  - 45,000 miles rear and 25,000 miles front
Unfortunately these Michelin tyres were NLA and the official Michelin replacement was supposed to be just as good ... unfortunately they were not ....
I only achieved 25,000 rear and 15,000 front and needed to adjust the pressures up by 4 psi at front and 5 psi at rear

Moral of the story ? .. It is all up to you to find out what is needed !!! ...

Keep a close eye on your " chicken strips " ..... Lol !!!!!

[geoff]

A moments Googling found some guidance

https://community.smallmotorhome.co.uk/f...all-models

You'll still need to monitor tyre wear and actually LOOK at the tyres to tune the pressure to suit your rig.

As said check your chicken strips.

[trundlepuppy]

Thank you all, i had to google "chicken strips!" d'oh!