Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
LT -
Indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers.
ST -
Indicates the tire is for trailer use only.
Max. Load Dual kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold -
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 vehicle).
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.
Load Range -
This information identi es the tire’s load-carrying capabilities and its in ation limits.
Vehicle Load Limits
Determining the load limits of a vehicle includes more
than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.
A Federal certi cation label is located on the forward
half of the roadside (left) of the unit.
The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most
weight the fully loaded vehicle 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. In the same location as the certi cation
label described above, there is a vehicle placard. This
placard provides tire and loading information. In
addition, this placard will show a statement regarding
maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo can be added to the vehicle, 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
vehicle can not exceed the stated GVWR.
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
lled 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
vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as not to
overload the vehicle
Distribute the cargo evenly when loading 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 vehicle is to weigh it
at a public scale. Talk to your RV dealer to discuss
weighing methods needed to capture the various
weights related to the RV. This would include
weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch or
pin (in the case of a trailer) and total weight.
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