Super Single tire "bulges"

[Neophyte]

I put my truck to work today getting gravel and noticed after a couple runs the tires were showing slight ridges/buldges. The cold pressure was 110 Psi (recommended), though 128 Psi at the end of the day. I don't think I broke 35mph, and kept the loads between 10,000 and 11,000 Lbs.

The tires are 16R20 Michelin XZL's.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[ranchhopper]

They all have them if you look close every bulge is where a tread lug comes to the edge of the tire.

 

[cranetruck]

I put my truck to work today getting gravel and noticed after a couple runs the tires were showing slight ridges/buldges. The cold pressure was 110 Psi (recommended), though 128 Psi at the end of the day. I don't think I broke 35mph, and kept the loads between 10,000 and 11,000 Lbs.

The tires are 16R20 Michelin XZL's.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Where did you read 110psi as recommended? Should be about 50 psi...

 

[CUCVFAN]

An M813 on 14.00 super singles calls for 55 accross the board, according to the TM. Given that an M817 and M813 have the same front and rear pressure ratings with 11.00s, I don't see why they would differ if both trucks are wearing super singles. And 16.00s would not require any more pressure than 14.00s to hold the same load.

 

[Odyssey M]

They all have them if you look close every bulge is where a tread lug comes to the edge of the tire.

 

[91W350]

That is a fine looking tipper!

 

[Neophyte]

Thank you gentlemen. They were evenly spaced off the tire lugs (could notice when looking from an angle). If this is normal, good to go.

The cold tire pressure is on the side of the tire...110 PSI for the the 16R20's.

 

[Kohburn]

isn't that indicating the max load rating at max psi cold?

 

[jrod66]

That sir is a good looking truck, I would say 110 is high also, I agree with the above statements about the bulge, drop the pressure a bit and I think you will be fine. Some tires are older than others and have been sitting but if you know about the dates on the sidewall then you can discern for yourself.

 

[Neophyte]

I agree.....max load at 110Psi Cold. The tires are rated for almost 15,000 Lb's each....so i might have 6-7,000 lb's on them with 10,000Lb's in the bed.

Any practical experience with these while hauling? I'm going to let some air out for the thought of a "surprise" while putting the tarp on each load did cross my mind.

Much Appreciated.

Here's a data sheet I found.....showing same 110 PSI on the 16R20's.

 

[cranetruck]

Tire pressure marked on the tire is usually max pressure. The pressure you should use depend on the application and may vary from 20 psi off-road (sand, mud or snow) to maximize traction to about 50 as stated above.
Regarding the bulges, I don't think that so much pressure related as it may be rather normal for radials with the weaker side walls (compared to bias ply) especially with 100% aspect ratio...

 

[cranetruck]

Tire pressure marked on the tire is usually max pressure. The pressure you should use depend on the application and may vary from 20 psi off-road (sand, mud or snow) to maximize traction to about 50 as stated above.
Regarding the bulges, I don't think that so much pressure related as it may be rather normal for radials with the weaker side walls (compared to bias ply) especially with 100% aspect ratio...

 

[Neophyte]

Thanks for the help gents. I lowered the air pressure in the tires and "hammered down" yesterday doing 16 gravel runs at 10 Tons per run. The looks and thumbs up at the gravel pit from the other haulers was for the truck, though I also thought they pitied me in an a non-air conditioned truck in 96 degree heat at the bottom of the gravel pit. And what they didn't know.....I WOULD PAY SOME ONE TO LET ME DO THIS.

Having fun!