PDA

View Full Version : High Speed "Float"



Pointer
08-06-2002, 16:48
Ok, I added the 265's and now I've got what I would call excessive "float". By this I mean if I roll the steering wheel slightly side to side my truck seems to float especially at highway speeds. It wouldn't bother me so much except when I'm towing the 5er it could cause problems if I ever over corrected. Do I just get used to it or is there something I can do about it? Side to side struts maybe? Anyone done this?

bluenote
08-06-2002, 20:27
I replaced the 245's on my 99 GMC with load range 'E' tires and still had this same situation. You have to make sure the sidewall of your tire is stiff enough to handle what you want it to do. I never had any problems, but even unloaded, I had some float as well. My buddy, a Chevy service manager, said to make sure to buy tires that are the correct TPC specification. This number is printed right on the sidewall of your factory tires.

Pointer
08-07-2002, 11:10
The 265's I put on are load E's rated at 3410 lb. I'll check out the "TPC" spec, though I assumed the E load would give me the stiff sidewall.

RVGuy
08-07-2002, 20:29
And I'm sure it goes without saying that you inflated the tires to the amount you intend to have in them while towing?

Pointer
08-08-2002, 13:48
With my stock 245's I could take the pressure down to 55psi all around with no bad recorse, not towing obviously. So I started out new tires with 55 front and 70 rear. Filled front up to 70 this morning but have not taken on highway yet. Maybe?

Black Dog
08-08-2002, 14:15
What kind of tires did you put on there?

Wally
08-08-2002, 18:53
What you are describing is pretty common with brand new truck tires and is especially bad with a mudgrip. I theorize that it is the truck moving on the tread blocks, not the side walls.
I do know this however, load it down and it mostly goes away.
All truck tires do it to some degree when new. Some folks notice and some don't.

Pointer
08-09-2002, 11:21
I put on Pirelli 265/75 16 E (Scorpions A/T). It's a new tire for them. Until recently they only offered 245's in an E load A/T. Anyway, put 70psi all around and did see an improvement. I'll be towing next week and see how they are under load.