Airstream Safari - Manual (Page 50)

D
EXTERIOR
D - 12
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. 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.
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