Demco CR 108, Operator'S Manual, Page: 11 / 104

11
Safety
TIRE AND LUG NUT SAFETY
It is essential to inspect the trailer tires and wheels before each tow. Trailer tires are more likely to fail
compared to car tires due to the heavier load the trailer carries. Please follow the list of guidelines and/
or possibilities below that could cause serious injury or even death.
♦ Replace the tire before towing if the tire has a bald spot, cut, bulge, is showing any cords, or
is cracked.
♦ If uneven tread is noticed, take the trailer to a dealer service center for an inspection. Tire
imbalance, axle misalignment, or incorrect inflation could cause the uneven tread.
♦ To little of tread will not be adequate enough for traction and can cause loss of control on wet
highways.
♦ Tire pressure that is improper causes an unstable trailer and could blowout the tire causing
loss of control.
♦ Check the tire pressure before towing, while the tire is cold. For the recommended PSI, see
the VIN Plate or the side wall of the tire.
♦ Always order and install tires and wheels with appropriate type and load capacity to meet or
exceed gross weight of unit.
The inspection of the tire and wheel lug nuts is necessary since they are prone to loosen after first
being assembled. Please follow the list of guidelines and/or possibilities below that could cause serious
injury or even death.
♦ When towing a new trailer, check the lug nuts after the first 50 to 100 miles of driving.
♦ Metal creep between the wheel and the lug nuts will cause wheel to loosen and could come
off. Check to make sure the lug nuts are tight before each tow.
♦ Improper torque could cause the wheel to separate from trailer. A torque wrench should be
used to tighten the lugs nuts. If one is not available use a lug wrench then take to a trailer
dealer or service garage to tighten them to the required torque.
LOAD DISTRIBUTION SAFETY
The total weight of the load you put on the trailer, plus the empty weight of the trailer itself, must not
exceed the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You must distribute the load on the trailer
such that the load on any tire or axle does not exceed the tire load rating or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do not know the weight of you trailer you must weigh it at a commercial scale.
See your VIN Plate for proper ratings. Not following these guidelines could cause serious injury or
even death.