12 Ply Trailer tires and MPG drop

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Miroh, Jan 26, 2020.

  1. Miroh

    Miroh Light Load Member

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    So I just put on new tires all the way around my truck. I kept the truck tires at 10 ply but jumped from 10 to 12 on the trailer. From this point on, my MPG has suffered. When empty I was getting about 14-15ish MPG around 70 mph. Now I'm getting around 12ish MPG. Loaded, it drops a lot more. Im carrying a payload right now of around 7k lbs and I would typically get like 11 MPG but now I'm getting around 9 at 70. I dont even want to find out what a 15k load is going to do to me lol.

    But I'm assuming it's from more rubber grabbing the road? Anyone able to explain the dynamics of the different ply and how they affect MPG? I increased the tire pressure to see if it would help. I was at 80 but temps dropped to low 70s cold. So while driving up here in Wisconsin I upped the pressure to 97 while hot. Didnt seem to do anything.

    Thanks for the discussion.
     
  2. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rolling resistance, and deeper tread has higher than minimal tread, you changed tires on tractor, too, that has a bearing.

    Company decided to run cheaper new tires on trailers, lease company runs open shoulder dual drives on our tractors, so mpg takes a hit.
     
  3. Miroh

    Miroh Light Load Member

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    Yeah, that's what I was thinking. So as they wear down, do you think the mpg would get better? Lol, about to do a bunch of uturns!! Just joking, those tires werent cheap and I need them to last.
     
  4. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Was the first trip with the new tires also the first trip into the cold temps?
     
  5. Slay

    Slay Light Load Member

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    I think you should double check the air pressure in all your tires. The shop man often does not pay real close attention as he is mounting tires.
     
  6. Explorerspl

    Explorerspl Bobtail Member

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    This,tire pressure has a lot to do with mpg especially with more weight,keep it at the max rated pressure.
     
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    And when the tires are cold.

    Nitrogen helps.
     
  8. Slay

    Slay Light Load Member

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    Any improvement in the mileage? Was the pressure low? What brand of tires did you put on both the truck and the trailer? An after thought, did you put on bias or radial tires? What type of tires did you take off?
     
  9. Miroh

    Miroh Light Load Member

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    They are radial. The truck tires are 10 ply Mastercraft courser hxt. The trailer's are 12 ply power Kings Towmax STR. I have 90 PSI in them currently but max is 100.

    Mileage really hasn't gotten better. Changed the fuel filter, that was kinda dirty but it was time for a change anyway.
     
  10. DouletTheDriver

    DouletTheDriver Light Load Member

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    how much fuel filter replacement run you? My truck says that mine is at 34% so I’m starting to prepare for it.