Suspension & Tires
The suspension system of your new travel trailer or fifth
wheel consists of tandem axles, leaf-type springs, wheels,
tires and electric brakes on each wheel. The following is
an overview of these components:
AXLES & LEAF SPRINGS
Our travel trailers and fifth wheels axles are suspended
on heavy-duty, double-eye leaf springs designed to absorb
sharp jolts from the road, prevent jolts from being
transmitted to the trailer and maintain full tire contact with
the road.
Spring shackle mounts are welded to the frame of travel
trailers. Adjustable, multi-hole, plate mounts are welded
to fifth wheel frames. The springs and shackle bolts are
self-lubricating. Check the shackle bolts periodically for
tightness. Do not reuse shackle bolts/nuts, if an axle must
be removed. Self-locking nuts must be replaced if removed.
TIRES
We use only premium quality radial tires. All tires meet
or exceed load and wear specifications for trailers. Proper
inflation pressure must be maintained for safe trailer
stability and maximum tire life. Load range and maximum
cold inflation pressure are stamped on the sidewall.
Always inflate the tires to this maximum pressure.
A tire gauge should always be part of your tool kit. Check
tire pressures before starting out, when the tire is cold.
Do not bleed air out of warm tires. Inflation specifications
are for cold tires.
Inflate the rear tires of the tow vehicle to the maximum
cold inflation pressure stamped on the tire sidewalls.
Higher rear tire pressure improves tow vehicle stability.
WARNING: CHECK TIRE PRESSURES OFTEN. ALWAYS
CHECK PRESSURE WHEN TIRES ARE COLD. DO NOT
EXCEED MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED PRESSURE
.WARNING: KEEP TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED. TIRES MAY
LOSE AIR SUDDENLY AND/OR CATCH FIRE, IF DRIVEN FOR
LONG DISTANCES OR AT HIGH SPEEDS WHILE SERIOUSLY
UNDER INFLATED. TIRES COULD OVERHEAT WHERE
DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, CONTENTS AND/OR
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
CHANGING TIRES
1.Turn on the tow vehicle’s hazard warning flashers.
2.Set up flares or warning lights.
3.Chock the opposite tire and unhitch the trailer from
the tow vehicle, or eliminate tension on equalizer bars,
if applicable.
4.Place scissors-type or hydraulic jack on a block of
wood directly under the frame, close to the tire you
intend to change.
CAUTION: When using bottle-type jacks, a metal plate
or block of wood to relieve stress against the steel frame
should be inserted between jack and frame. DO NOT
use a bumper jack. It may damage the sidewalls or
floorboard of the trailer.
5.Raise the jack to take weight off the tire.
6.Loosen the lug nuts.
7.Raise the jack until the tire clears the ground.
8.Remove the lug nuts and old tire and put the spare on
the hub.
9.Replace and tighten the nuts.
10.Lower the jack until the tire touches the ground.
11.Tighten the lug nuts to a torque of 90 to 95 ft. lbs.
12.Lower and remove the jack.
13.Hook up equalizer bars, if applicable.
14.CHECK THE TORQUE IMMEDIATELY
.
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that
discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR
575.6. This brochure is reproduced in part below. It
can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free
of charge, from the following web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/
TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper
tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits
(not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your
tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road
hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other
irregularities are the most important things you can
do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or
blowout and flat tires. These actions, along with other
care and maintenance activities, can also:
• Improve vehicle handling
• Help protect you and others from avoidable
breakdowns and accidents
• Improve fuel economy
• Increase the life of your tires.
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