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1.2.7 Unsafe Tires, Lug Nuts or Wheels
Trailer tires and wheels are more likely to fail than car tires and wheels because they carry
heavier loads. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the trailer tires before each tow.
If a tire has a bald spot, bulge, cuts, is showing any cords, or is cracked, replace the tire before
towing. If a tire has uneven tread wear, take the trailer to a dealer service center for diagnosis.
Uneven tread wear can be caused by imbalance, axle misalignment or incorrect inflation.
Tires with too little tread will not provide adequate tracking or stopping on wet roadways and
can result in loss of control, leading to death or serious injury.
Improper tire pressure causes and unstable trailer and can result in a tire blowout and loss of
control. Therefore, before each tow you must also check the tire pressure. Tire pressure must
be checked when tires are cold. Allow three hours cool-down after driving as much as 1 mile
at 40mph before checking tire pressure. NOTE: Trailer tires will be inflated to a higher pressure
than passenger vehicle tires.
WARNING
Since trailer wheels and lug nuts (or bolts) are subjected to greater side loads than automobile
wheels, they are more prone to loosen. Before each tow, check to make sure they are tight.
WARNING
The proper tightness (torque) for lug nuts is listed on page 66 of this manual. Use a torque
wrench to tighten the lug nuts. If you do not have a torque wrench, use a lug wrench (from
your tow vehicle) and tighten the nuts as much as you can. Then have a service garage or trailer
dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel parting from the trailer and a crash, leading
to death or serious injury.
Improper tire pressure can result in a blowout and loss of control, which can lead to
death or serious injury.
Be sure tires are inflated to pressure indicated on sidewall before towing trailers.
Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts will cause the rim to loosen and
could result in the wheel coming off, leading to death or serious injury.
Tighten lug nuts before each tow.
Summary of Contents for Gooseneck
Page 1: ...Owner sManual ...
