Monaco LaPalma, Owner'S Manual

Page: 70 / 366

2 • 70
2004 • LaPalma
Driving & Safety
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 you begin driving unaware that an inside dual tire
is low on air pressure or is flat, very quickly (in most cases a few miles) the
outside rear tire will heat up 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. The pressure should
be within a couple of pounds of each other on the same axle. Never let air
out of a hot tire.
When checking the inflation pressure, use a high-quality truck tire air
gauge. These have an angle dual head. This type of pressure gauge can check
the pressure of the inner dual wheel that has the valve stem pointing outward
and the outer wheel has the valve stem pointing inward. Nothing should
restrict the ability to easily check tire air pressure daily when traveling in the
motorhome. Use valve stem caps with a positive seal to prevent air escaping
from the valve stem. If there are extension hoses on the valve stem, make
sure they are good quality reinforced stainless steel braid. Attach hoses
securely to the outer wheel.
Optimum tire performance is achieved at proper inflation pressure for the
load carried. Do not mix tires of different tread patterns on the same axle.
The difference in traction could cause rear end gear fight and mechanical
damage to the drive train. Never mix tires of a different size or construction
on the same axle.
Higher than recommended pressure can cause:
• Hard ride.
• Tire bruising or carcass damage.
• Rapid tread wear in the center of the tire.
WARNING: Improperly inflated tires can effect handling
or cause sudden tire failure possibly resulting in loss of
vehicle control. Always use an accurate tire pressure gauge
when checking tire pressure.
Inspecting &
Pressure
Example of Overinflation.
More wear in Center
090440