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EXTERIOR
D - 10
WEIGHING YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER
OR TOWED VEHICLE
Since a trailer or towed vehicle adds to the load on
your RV’s tires, it is crucial to properly weigh towed
vehicles. A travel trailer should first be weighed with the
tongue, while detached from the pulling vehicle. The
actual weight of the trailer must be less than or equal to
the GVWR for safe operation, otherwise contents must
be removed until the weight is within maximum GVWR
limitations. The weight of the complete, attached trailer,
excluding the towing vehicle, must also be taken. Each
wheel should be weighed while still attached to the
towing vehicle, and the individual wheel positions on
the towing vehicle should be weighed and checked for
overload as well.
If you determine that the loading of your vehicle’s tires
are uneven, the actual weight of the trailer on each
tire must be less than or equal to its maximum load
capacity for safe operation, otherwise contents must
be removed until the weight is within maximum load
limitations.
TIRE CARE
Tires are a very precisely engineered product designed
for specific applications and use. The tire functions
as the sole contact between the vehicle and the road.
Therefore, it must provide several different functions in
order for your recreational vehicle to handle properly.
Most important are traction while moving, grip when
steering or stopping, and a comfortable ride for you
and your passengers. The Tires on your recreational
vehicle are designed for highway use and must be
properly maintained in order to maximize tire life, as
well to provide a safe mode of transportation. Always
keep your tires clean and properly inflated.
Correct tire inflation is a key component in tire care.
The recommended inflation pressures for your tires are
indicated on the certification label or in your owner’s
manual. Since RVs can be loaded with many different
configurations, the load on each tire will vary. For this
reason, air pressure should be checked based on the
load on each individual tire. Cold Inflation Pressure
should be adjusted to handle the maximum tire load,
and all tires on the axle should carry the same inflation
pressure.
Tips on Tire Care
Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in
use as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper
inflation or other conditions resulting from use. Tire
failures may create a risk of property damage or
personal injury. To reduce the risk of tire failure we
strongly recommend the following:
1. Check the pressure in your tires, including your
spare, at least monthly when the tires are cool (after
the vehicle has stopped three hours and then driven
less than one mile.) Do not reduce pressure when
tires are hot. Use a tire gauge to check pressure
and maintain it at the recommended level.
2. Never overload your tires. The maximum load
carrying capability of your tires is molded on the
sidewall of the tire.
3. Check your tires frequently for scrapes, bulges,
separations, cuts or snags resulting from use. See
your tire dealer immediately if any such condition
is discovered.
4. Never operate your vehicle in excess of lawful
speeds or the maximum speeds justified by driving
conditions, or in excess of speeds recommended
for the tire you are using.
5. Make every effort to avoid running over objects that
may damage the tire through impact or cutting,
such as chuckholes, glass, metal, etc.
6. Never drive on smooth tires. Tires should be
removed when 2/32nds inch of tread depth
remains. In most states it is illegal to drive with less
than 2/32nds inch remaining tread depth.