On the Road - continued
Additional Information on Light Truck Tires - Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found
on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
LT - The "LT" indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers.
ST - An "ST" is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Max. Load Dual kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold - This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure
when the tire is used as a dual; that is, when four tires are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on
the trailer). Note: Not applicable to RV trailers.
Max. Load Single kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold - This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure
when the tire is used as a single. Note: Applicable to RV trailers.
Load Range - This information identifies the tire's load-carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.
Trailer Load Limits
Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.
On a trailer, there is a Federal certification label that is located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the
unit. The certification label will indicate the trailer's gross 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 weight
a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided.
Cargo Capacities
Cargo can be added to the trailer, up to the maximum weight specified on the placard. The combined weight
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.
Water and propane also need to be considered. The weight of fully filled propane containers is considered part
of the weight of the RV before it is loaded with cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo load.
Water however, is a 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 trailer within the limits of the GVWR so as not to
overload the trailer. Understanding this flexibility will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel
and camping 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 trailer is to weigh it at a public scale.
Talk to your RV dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to capture the various weights related to the
RV. This would include weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.
How Overloading Affects Your RV and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious consequences for passenger safety. Too much weight on your
trailer's suspension system can cause spring, shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering problems,
irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded trailer is hard to tow and hard to stop. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail
completely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of tire, its
load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under-inflation 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.
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