When I moved from Mississippi to VA Beach I had my '01 loaded to the hilt: full trunk, full passenger side with cargo. Probably in the 500lb+ region. I felt no adverse effects. Not even on high speed highway bumps/expansion cracks. Handling was about the same; accel maybe a little slower. Then again, that's probably cause I only weigh 130.

 

I weigh 230lb and have had a 250lb+ friend regularly in my car... The rear tires slide around a lot less, but that's the only difference I've found.

 

I'm 6 foot 2, 215 lb, and my son is 5 foot 11, about 200. Even with my 125 lb Significant Other plus luggage, I am at or above that theoretical limit. You certainly want to be have 32 psi or greater tire pressure under such conditions. I believe that when you are at or above the load limit, the tires are in a region where heat and flexing are more punishing to treads and cords; higher pressures help mitigate the extra stresses. You probably want to be careful not to overdo it under conditions of high heat and high speed, but then you really shouldn't be barreling along at 100 mph across the desert in 120 degree heat anyway.
If I remember correctly, that was a source of the problems with the unfortunate Firestone tires installed on the Ford Exploder. Ford had recommended lower tire pressures to soften the trucklike ride, and most of the catastrophic failures were occurring under high speed hot weather conditions, perhaps also with heavy loads playing a role.

 

Very informative... thank you.

J

 

I'm curious why anyone on the "large" size would own the S2K! Is comfort not important??

 

Originally posted by jelliotlevy

plus luggage,


HA!

 

Don't forget that the difference between a full and empty gas tank will be over 50 pounds.

 

Surely fuel isn't supposed to be considered as part of the 400lbs?!

 

Based on what I've read, the 400 pound rating is primarily to keep the load within the tire's speed and load rating. The tire's load rating on the blackwall is at the max psi, but the car manufacturer's spec is lower.

If you know your car will be heavily loaded, bump up the tire pressure closer to the maximum stamped on the sidewall, and don't drive at sustained high speed.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by velocity
[B]I'm curious why anyone on the "large" size would own the S2K! Is comfort not