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TIRE SAFETY
INFORMATION
This portion of the User’s Manual contains tire safety
information as required by 49 CFR 575.6.
TRAILER TIRE INFORMATION
Trailer tires may be worn out even though they still
have plenty of tread left. This is because trailer tires
have to carry a lot of weight all the time, even when
not in use. It is actually better for the tire to be rolling
down the road than to be idle. During use, the tire
releases lubricants that are beneficial to tire life. Using
the trailer tires often also helps prevent flat spots from
developing.
The main cause of tire failure is improper inflation.
Check the cold tire inflation pressures at least once a
week for proper inflation levels. “Cold” means that the
tires are at the same temperature as the surround-
ing air, such as when the vehicle has been parked
overnight. Wheel and tire manufacturers recommend
adjusting the air pressure to the trailer manufacturer’s
recommended cold inflation pressure, in pounds
per square inch (PSI) stated on the vehicle’s Federal
Certification Label or Tire Placard when the trailer is
loaded to its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If
the tires are inflated to less than the recommended
inflation level or the GVWR of the trailer is exceeded,
the load carrying capacity of the tire could be dra-
matically affected. If the tires are inflated more than
the recommended inflation level, handling character-
istics of the tow vehicle/trailer combination could be
affected. Refer to the owner’s manual or talk to your
dealer or vehicle manufacturer if you have any ques-
tions regarding proper inflation practices.
Tires can lose air over a period of time. In fact, tires
can lose 1 to 3 PSI per month. This is because mole-
cules of air, under pressure, weave their way from the
inside of the tire, through the rubber, to the outside. A
drop in tire pressure could cause the tire to become
overloaded, leading to excessive heat build up. If a
trailer tire is under-inflated, even for a short period of
time, the tire could suffer internal damage.
High speed towing in hot conditions degrades trailer
tires significantly. As heat builds up during driving, the
tire’s internal structure starts to breakdown, compro-
mising 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 expert’s claim that
after five years, trailer tires are considered worn out
and should be replaced, even if they have had mini-
mal 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.
STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD
LIMITS OF THE TRAILER
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 Rat-
ing (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.
There is a vehicle placard located in the same loca-
tion as the certification label described above. This
placard provides tire and loading information. In
addition, this placard will show a statement regard-
ing 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 pro-
vided as a single number. In any case, remember: the
total weight of a fully loaded trailer can not exceed
the stated GVWR.
The weight of water and propane also needs to be
considered. The weight of fully filled propane con-
tainers 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 30 gallons, this
tank when filled would weigh about 250 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
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