Tiffin Motorhomes 2014 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual

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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –PHAETON® Chapter 13 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
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Whenever there is a significant change in the loading regimen of the motor home, it would be wise to recalculate the
load weights of the tires to assure optimal use of the motor home.
Frequency of Checking Tire Inflation Pressures
When one has determined the “correct” tire inflation pressures for each of the motor-home tires (as a function of the
“fully loaded” condition, of course) and inflated the tires under “cold” (i.e., tires haven’t been driven for more than one
mile) conditions; then the air pressures in the tires should be periodically checked to make sure that they retain their
proper pressures. It is recommended that tire pressures be checked at least once a month (every two weeks would be
better) and before any major trip. On long trips, the tires should be checked every “drive” morning. On short trips (a
day or less), the tires should be checked before one departs on the trip and again before one returns home.
Check tire pressures when they are “cold”; that is, the tires haven’t been driven at all or, at most, less than one mile
before being measured. In this manner, the tire pressure has not been increased by the heating associated with both
tire sidewall and tread flexure associated with traveling. If one must check tires that are warm or hot, remember that
they will necessarily read higher than normal. Do not “bleed” these tires down to the “cold pressure” readings, as they
will probably then be underinflated when they are actually cool. Don’t make any adjustments to tire pressures when the
tires are warm or hot, if such can be avoided.
To make these tire-pressure measurements, it is recommended that one purchase a
quality, truck-tire air gauge which has an angled dual head. This type of gauge allows
one to check inflation pressures of both the inner dual wheel which has the valve stem
pointing towards one and on the outer wheel which has the valve stem pointing away
from one. Pressure-sealing valve caps should always be used to protect the valve
stems and prevent air from escaping from the valve stems.
Tire Wear, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
In addition to tire inflation considerations, the tires should also be periodically
examined for other types of normal “wear and tear.” If installed and maintained
properly, all tires mounted on the motor home should wear in a smooth, even
pattern. If the tires begin to show irregular wear patterns and the motorhome
alignment is still correct, then sometimes just rotating the tires by changing wheel
position and rotation of the tires will allow the tires to wear evenly. Check with the
chassis manufacturer (Freightliner) and its literature (in the Owner’s Information
Package) for particulars on maintaining proper wheel alignment. Tire rotation should
include the spare tire in the rotation pattern and changing the direction of rotation of
the tires. Tires can be rotated front-to-rear and side-to-side.
Figure 13-10. Rear Tire
Figure 13-11. Front Tire