Ditch Witch FX25 - Manual (Page 116)

1.4. TIRE SAFETY - EVERYTHING RIDES ON IT
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361)
that discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced
in part below. It can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free of charge, from the following
web site: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and trailer load
limits (not carrying more weight in your trailer than your tires or trailer can safely handle), avoiding
road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most
important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires.
These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also:
◊ Improve vehicle handling
◊ Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents
◊ Improve fuel economy
◊ Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including information on the
following topics:
◊ Basic tire maintenance
◊ Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
◊ Fundamental characteristics of tires
◊ Tire safety tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your trailer maintenance routine.
Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety
consequences of a flat tire or other tire failure.
1.5. SAFETY FIRST–BASIC TIRE MAINTENANCE
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of
your trailer. Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure.
Therefore, as mentioned above, to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you should
maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and trailer load limits, avoid road hazards, and
regularly inspect your tires.
1.5.1. FINDING YOUR TRAILER'S RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS
Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and load
limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer's information including:
◊ Recommended tire size
◊ Recommended tire inflation pressure
◊ Vehicle capacity weight
◊ Front and rear gross axle weight ratings
Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front.