Airstream Safari - Manual (Page 49)

D
D - 11
EXTERIOR
TIRES
Load and 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.