Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 45)

D
D - 7
EXTERIOR
TIRES
Load/Inflation Information for Your Tires
Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is essential for
both tire safety and performance.
Proper Tire Inflation
The level of air in your tires affects your vehicle’s
overall performance. Not even the highest quality tire
will perform well if it’s not inflated properly. The correct
pressure varies from vehicle to vehicle and depends
in part upon driver preference. Each vehicle has a
maximum inflation pressure, usually found on a metal
tag riveted to the outside of the vehicle as well as on
the original equipment tires.
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. COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE is the tire
pressure checked in the morning before you drive more
than a few miles or before rising ambient temperatures
or the sun’s radiant heat affects it. Check your tires’
air pressures at least once a month, before each trip
and each morning you drive during a trip. Tire pressure
should be checked cold, as tire pressure ratings have
been designed with typical running heat/pressure
build-up in mind. Make sure the valves and caps are
free of dirt and moisture.
Under Inflation
Under inflation brings a higher risk of damage due to
road hazards, reduces casing durability, causes a loss
in fuel economy, and uneven or irregular tire wear.
Severe under inflation brings about an increased risk
of tread separation, handling difficulties, and possibly
tires failure, caused by overheating.
IMPORTANT: Lowering tire pressure in the search for
a smoother ride is not only dangerous, it’s relatively
ineffective, and as the difference in the ride quality
is not significant. When minimum inflation pressure
requirements are not met, tire durability and optimum
operating conditions are compromised. Tire inflation
pressure should always meet the guidelines for
vehicle weight.
• It may be necessary to inflate your tires at
a truck stop or truck service center in order
to achieve adequate air pressure for your
coach’s needs
• Only permanent air seal metal valve caps
should be used.
• Be safe - if a tire has been run 20% under
inflated, it must be dismounted and inspected
by a trained professional. It should not be
aired up without a full inspection or without
using a safety cage. Use a calibrated gauge. If
your tire is rated for higher inflation pressures,
a special gauge will be required designed for
larger tires.
• Don’t bleed air from warm tires to reduce
pressure buildup
• Don’t inflate tires to cold PSI rating beyond
rim specifications
HOW OVERLOADING AFFECTS YOUR TIRES
Tire pressure is what enables your RV tire to support
loads. Overloading your tires can have serious
consequences for passengers and your RV. Too much
weight can cause stress on your RV’s suspension
system, brake failure, shock absorber damage, handling
and steering problems, irregular tire wear and possible
tire failure. Excessive loads or under inflation can lead
to an excessive amount of heat and tire failure. If you
discover that your tires cannot handle the load, lighten
the weight of the load on your tires.
Tire pressure should never be reduced below the
vehicle manufacturer’s recommended levels to support
load conditions in order to improve the ride quality of a
vehicle. The difference in ride quality is not significant.
When inflation pressure requirements are not met, tire
durability and optimum operation can be affected.