An under-inflated tire will also cause poor motorhome handling, rapid and/or irregular tire wear and an increase
in rolling resistance that results in a decreased fuel economy. An over-inflated tire will reduce the tire’s footprint/
contact patch with the road, thus reducing traction, braking capacity and handling of the motorhome. Over-
inflation of a tire for the load will result in a harsh ride, uneven tire wear and is susceptible to impact damage.
Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure for each loaded wheel position on the motorhome is of the utmost
importance and must be a part of regular motorhome maintenance.
WARNING:
Driving on a tire that is under-inflated can exceed the design limits of the tire and may damage the
sidewall. A damaged sidewall can burst upon inflation resulting in serious damage, injury or death.
WARNING:
Aged tires are also susceptible to sidewall damage. For safety purposes clear the area of people and
pets during tire inflation. Inflate the tires using a remote inflation device.
Tire Pressure Inflation Guideline
Federal law requires that the specifications for the tire’s maximum load rating be molded into the sidewall of the
tire. The amount of air pressure to use is dependent on the weight of the motorhome when it is fully loaded. The
chart within this section indicates the weights that can be properly supported by varying air pressures. Decreasing
air pressure decreases load carrying capacity.
Always comply with the tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure inflation guideline. The actual weight of the
motorhome can vary significantly depending on how it is loaded. For optimum tire wear, ride and handling always
comply with the manufacturer guideline. A tire inflation chart listing proper inflation pressure for different loads is
contained in this section of the manual.
The tires of the motorhome are inflated to pressure(s) appropriate for the actual weight on each axle in the
unloaded, shipped condition. When the motorhome is loaded, check and adjust the inflation pressure on each tire
as needed. Always inflate tires to the pressure indicated in the tire chart for the load carried by the tire.
WARNING:
DO NOT OVERINFLATE OR UNDERINFLATE THE TIRES.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the axles listed on the federal certification label attached to
the motorhome is the maximum allowable loaded weight on an axle. When the actual loaded weight of the
motorhome and the weight on each axle is unknown, follow the recommended tire inflation pressure(s) listed on
the federal certification label. When loading a motorhome never exceed the motorhome’s Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the GAWR for each axle. Contact the tire manufacturer for further information concerning
proper tire pressure inflation and other tire issues.
Inspecting & Pressure
Regularly check tire pressure. A nail or screw can lodge in the tire and create a slow leak. The object may
eventually be spotted on a front tire or an outside rear dual. However, if there is a slow leak on an inside dual, it
will probably go unnoticed. If the inside dual tire is low on air pressure or is flat, the outside rear tire will heat up
quickly due to carrying double the load. This can lead to failure of the outside tire resulting in two flat tires on the
same side of the same axle.
Check the tire pressure every two weeks or at least once a month and before any major trip. Check the tire
pressure every “drive” morning on both long and short trips (driving a day or less). Check the tire pressure before
leaving on a trip and again before starting your trip home. Check the tire pressure before storing the motorhome
for any length of time. More importantly, check the tire pressure when removing the motorhome from storage.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and have not been driven for more than one mile. The rated load
capacity for cold inflation pressure is based on ambient temperature. If you must check the tires when they are
warm or hot, allow for a slight increase in air pressure.
