Airstream 2023 INTERSTATE 24X, Owner'S Manual

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Sprinter Van
7-4
2023 Interstate 24X
tire load, and all tires on the axle should carry the same
inflation pressure. Cold tire inflation pressure is the tire
pressure checked in the morning before you drive more
than a few miles or before rising ambient temperatures
or the sun’s radiant heat affect it� Check your tire air
pressure at least once a month, before each trip, and
each morning you drive during a trip� Tire pressure
should be checked cold, as tire pressure ratings have
been designed with typical running heat/pressure build
up in mind� Make sure the valves and caps are free of
dirt and moisture�
Under Inflation
Under inflation brings a higher risk of susceptibility
to damage due to road hazards, reduces tire casing
durability, and causes a loss in fuel economy, plus
uneven or irregular tire wear. Severe under inflation
brings about an increased risk of tread separation,
handling difficulties, and possibly tire failure, which is
caused by overheating�
NOTE
It is a common practice for motorhome owners to
lower tire pressure in their search for a smoother
ride. This is not only dangerous, it is relatively
ineffective, and the difference in ride quality is
not significant. When minimum inflation pressure
requirements are not met, tire durability and
optimum operating conditions are compromised.
Tire inflation pressure should always meet at least
the minimum guidelines for vehicle weight.
• It may be necessary to inflate your tires at a truck
stop or truck service center in order to achieve
adequate air pressure for your coach’s needs
• Only permanent air seal metal valve caps should be
used�
• Be safe - if a tire has been run 20 percent under
inflated, it must be dismounted and inspected by a
trained professional. It should not be inflated without
a full inspection or without using a safety cage� Use
a calibrated gauge� If your tire is rated for higher
inflation pressures, a special gauge designed for
larger tires will be required�
• Don’t bleed air from warm tires to reduce pressure
buildup�
• Don’t inflate tires to cold psi rating beyond rim
specifications.
How Overloading Affects Your Tires
Tire pressure is what enables your touring coach tire to
support loads� Overloading your tires can have serious
consequences for passengers and your touring coach�
Too much weight can cause stress on your touring
coach’s suspension system, brake failure, shock
absorber damage, handling and steering problems,
irregular tire wear and possible tire failure� Excessive
loads or under inflation can lead to an excessive
amount of heat and tire failure� If you discover that your
tires cannot handle the load, lighten the weight of the
load on your tires�
Tires and Wheels
(This section is partially excerpted from the Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter Van Operator’s Manual�)
Check tires regularly for even tread wear, tread depth
(note legal requirements), and signs of external
damage� Use only wheels and tires of the same size,
make, and pattern�
Do not install tires that are not approved for the size
and type of wheel installed on the vehicle itself� Only
use those wheel sizes that were delivered to you by
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer�
Use only wheels and tires that have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer�
Break in the tires at moderate speeds for a distance of
about 65 miles�
WARNING
Always replace wheel nuts that are damaged
or rusted. Never apply oil or grease to wheel
nuts. Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Incorrect mounting bolts
or improperly tightened mounting bolts can
cause the wheel to come off. This could cause an
accident. Make sure to use the correct mounting
bolts. Check tightness of wheel nuts regularly and
retighten if necessary.
Tire Grip
Tire grip is greatly reduced on a wet or icy road� Speed
and driving style must therefore be adapted to suit
road conditions� Below a tread depth of 1/8 in�, tire grip
begins to decrease rapidly on wet roads�
NOTE
California Tire Chain notice: Your motorhome may
not be operated with tire chains.