Looking for some input regarding new tires.
I just replaced some worn out Firestone Transforce HT 245/70/R17. They were basic highway tread style light truck tires.

Ran 35PSI as mfg suggested, no issues. Also do towing with 26ft travel trailer, roughly 3000-3500lb load with distribution bars. Tows great.

I just installed some BFG Rugged Terrain T/A tires LT245/70R17. I wanted some better traction for rain, dirt, and towing to mountain and desert surfaces.

These are heavier-duty tires capable of 80PSI cold. MFG pressure for the Ram 1500 is 35PSI. The installer put them at 60PSI and the ride home was rattling my teeth. Dropped them down to 45PSI and better but still rather stiff. Did some more research and majority say put it at MFG PSI, so I deflated to 35PSI. They ride great but look too low. (see pics)

My question: Should I increase PSI to 40-45 for proper wear and tow loading? Trying to find this specific info on BFG website but no luck. Want to be safe and take care of these tires. I understand if the higher-ply tire will give a rougher ride but it has always been a pretty nice riding truck. Thanks in advance for your input!

(ps: also just replaced shocks with Bilstein 4600 all around)

Another topic after this is settled will be a front leveling kit...

 

35-40 should be ok, when you are not towing. I just ordered bilstien 5100 for my truck.

 

You could do what I did when I went to the SRT 10 rims and tires. Email the tire manufacturer and tell them your vehicle and tire size and ask what psi the recommend.

 

with those tires you'll see a pretty rough ride no matter what, as they are HD tires with very high ply... I wouldn't inflate them below 40-45 PSI (cold), but your best bet is to call/e-mail the Manufacturer with your year, make, model, tire serial numbers, tire model, and tire size.

 

My Dodge 2500 calls for 60PSI front and 45PSI rear when empty. I don't think running with 45PSI front and back will cause issues. Not sure that you can find any manufacturer calling for less than 45PSI on a load range E tire. The 1500 manufacturer rating is for the stock tire size and load rating. You will still have a softer ride than I do with the 2500 because my springs are stiffer too.

 

Thank you, my cup runneth over
That's a good idea to email BFG. I've been given advice from various sources to run 35psi-40psi but the tires just look too low.
Initially I thought it was due to my new shocks, but then I remembered that it still rode fairly smooth for the few days I had my Firestone on there. I'm sure towing will smooth things out but the daily commute just got a little more bumpy.

 

The truck will drive and ride best at the recommended pressure which is 35psi on my 08. The max pressure that you can run is what is on the side of the tire. If you are going to be loading the truck close to the max pressure load rating, then add more air. My BFG Long Trail T/A's have a max rating of 44psi, but I run 35 to keep my teeth in my head.