FEATHERLITE TRAILERS Horse Trailer, Owner'S Manual

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Section 2 - Tire Safety Information
R6 3/30/2017 Page 14
High speed towing in hot conditions degrades
trailer tires significantly. As heat builds up during
driving, the tire’s internal structure starts to
breakdown, compromising the strength of the tire.
It is recommended to drive at moderate speeds.
Statistics indicate the average life of a trailer tire is
about five years under normal use and maintenance
conditions. After three years, replacing the trailer
tires with new ones should be considered, even if
the tires have adequate tread depth. Some experts
claim that after five years, trailer tires are
considered worn out and should be replaced, even if
they have had minimal or no use. This is such a
general statement that it may not apply in all cases.
It is best to have your tires inspected by a tire
supplier to determine if your tires need to be
replaced.
If you are storing your trailer for an extended
period, make sure the tires are fully inflated to the
maximum rated pressure and that you store them in
a cool, dry place, such as a garage. Use tire covers
to protect the trailer tires from the harsh effects of
the sun.
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Determining the load limits of a trailer includes
more than understanding the load limits of the tires
alone. On all trailers there is a Federal Certification
/ VIN label that is located on the forward half of the
left (road) side of the unit. This certification/VIN
label will indicate the trailer’s Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the most weight
the fully loaded trailer can weigh. It will also
provide the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there
are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be
provided.
If your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or
less, there is a vehicle placard located in the same
location as the certification label described above.
This placard provides tire and loading information.
In addition, this placard will show a statement
regarding maximum cargo capacity. Cargo can be
added to the trailer, up to the maximum weight
specified on the placard. The combined weight of
the cargo is provided as a single number. In any
case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded
trailer can not exceed the stated GVWR.
For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight
of water and propane also need to be considered.
The weight of fully filled propane containers is
considered part of the weight of the trailer before it
is loaded with cargo, and is not considered part of
the disposable cargo load. Water however, is a
disposable cargo weight and is treated as such. If
there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gallons,
this tank when filled would weigh about 800
pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water
can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo
added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR
so as not to overload the vehicle. Understanding
this flexibility will allow you, the owner, to make
choices that fit your travel needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed
evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side
to side. Heavy items should be placed low and as
close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many
items on one side may overload a tire. The best way
to know the actual weight of the vehicle is to weigh
it at a public scale. Talk to your dealer to discuss
the weighing methods needed to capture the various
weights related to the trailer. This would include the
weight empty or unloaded, weights per axle, wheel,
hitch or king-pin, and total weight.
Excessive loads and/or underinflation cause tire
overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire flexing
occurs. This situation can generate an excessive
amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may
lead to tire failure. It is the air pressure that enables
a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is
critical. The proper air pressure may be found on
the Certification / VIN label and/or on the Tire
Placard. This value should never exceed the
maximum cold inflation pressure stamped on the
tire.