Hello -

I'm new here, but the proud owner of a 2020 Lariat F350 6.7 turbo diesel DRW. We absolutely love this truck and it is perfect for towing our fifth wheel. However, we recently ran into a tire problem: we had new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on the truck; they are OEM and had less than 5000 miles on them. We bought the front two at one dealer and the 4 rear ones at another while on our trip. Manufacturer dates of 5 tires were 2024, and one was 2023. This past week, we discovered that at least 4 of the 6 tires (both front and at least two rear) had belts separating; we've maintained proper tire pressure and have not exceeded the cargo capacity of the truck (at least not from the stats I can find and based on the sticker on the door jamb). Unfortunately, we had to purchase 6 new non-Michelin tires because we are deep into Montana with no Michelin dealers nearby. In trying to determine causes of the belt problem, if it is other than defect, the question of tire inflation under load came to mind.

My RV has specific tire inflation recommendations based on the weight of the RV with cargo - more weight = max cold tire pressure. Does the same thing exist for an F350? The rear cold inflation pressure is 65 psi. I can find nothing in my manual or online with Ford to tell me if the inflation should be higher for hauling a fifth wheel, which puts weight over the rear axle. Is it the 65 psi or something higher? The max cold psi is 80.

It the problem was a matter of load, then the front tires would not/should not have had a problem, in my estimation. They aren't under load.

Would appreciate any and all assistance!

ODNT23

 

First, you are not the only folks to have problems with Michelin tires. They don't seem to be what they used to be.. There were several problems with those tires lately, among which was squirmy steering and constant control required and they didn't last as long as the older Michelin tires. I happened to be one of those with that tire problem.
A different brand got rid of the problem.

Also, pretty sure the rear tires were supposed to be aired up to 80 PSI. The sticker on the door should tell the required tire pressure for front and rear and the rears always were higher..

 

Hanky, thank you for replying so quickly. The sticker on the door says 75 psi for the font and 65 psi for the rear tires. The max load bearing for each rear tire is lower when used as duals, so it seems the psi would be lower. Max cargo is a bit over 5300 lbs.

v/r

ODNT23

 

If that is what it recommends, that is what you should use..
What did your tire place offer as an explanation ?

Have you had any problems with the replacement tires ?