Tyre Pressures

There has been a discussion on this before and perhaps it's been lost along with a lot of other things when the forum was 'upgraded'. I know a lot of people will disagree with me but I religiously stick to correct tyre pressures dependent upon whether towing or not. My Touareg varies between 33psi on the back for light loads to 44psi with full load which, like your Passat is a big difference.  Since we are usually away for at least a week, I deflate the tyres to their normal pressure once on site - to allow for sightseeing trips etc and then increase the pressure again before we set off back. With the pump that came with the car it's not a big issue and only takes a few minutes.

I always assume that with the awning and all the other heavy gear in the car, it is running at 'full load' and therefore take it up to the full recommended pressure for four/five adults plus luggage etc. 

Notwithstanding any additional tyre wear caused by incorrect pressures, it is also an important safety issue to have them correctly inflated and I know from my past experience that if there is a serious accident, one of the first things checked by accident investigators are the tyre pressures.

As Richardandros says, it is no hardship to change pressures whilst on site and it just becomes part of the routine of getting ready to leave site. I don't see why such a simple thing should be ignored in light of the possible consequences.

Always increase the car tyre pressures when towing and then decrease when going off solo, not a problem. Car fully loaded and towing 35psi front, 44psi rear, solo 32psi all round, as per handbook.

I tried changing them years ago, but now don't ... I just leave them at the solo pressures. Not had a problem.

My LandRover is 32psi all round, either with me or fully laden as per the plate on the door pillar and repeated for towing in the manual. So no, they stay as they are but not everything is made equal .

I always adjust, can make a noticeable difference to stability. However if only away for a few days I do not reduce the pressures in between. 

Thank you for your replies. I shall continue changing pressures as I have a small battery driven pump it's not too much trouble; just have to remember to do it as part of the hitching procedure. 

Varies from vehicle to vehicle. The tyres are the only bit of the vehicle in contact with the ground. Tyre condition and pressures are very important.

AS long as my tyres are at their stated pressure thats fine for me.Never had any issue with tyre pressure and towing.

v9

I think many folk are forgetting that the front tyres need the max pressure too .. there's a very heavy load on them when breaking and that's when I want best grip.  So, please suffer a slightly more taught ride and be safe.  It might also improve your mpg.