ShoreLand'r Powersports Trailer 2008 - Manual (Page 12)

Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com
0003513
Page 12 REV B 4/11/2008
TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURES
WARNING: Keep tires properly inflated. Failure to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure may result in tire failure and loss of control
resulting in serious injury or property damage.
TIRE SAFETY
The most common cause of trailer tire failure is under-inflation. It
is important, therefore, that you always maintain the specified air
pressure, as indicated by the tire manufacturer on the tire’s side
walls. This information can also be found on the tire label or the
manufacturers certification label. Most tire manufacturer’s have the
air pressure molded on the tire side wall.
Maintaining proper tire pressure, observing all tire and trailer maxi-
mum carrying capacities, avoiding road hazards, and inspecting
the tires for cuts, slashes and other irregularities are the most
important things you can do to avoid tire failure. These practices,
along with other care and maintenance, can improve handling, help
protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents,
improve fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires.
Make tire safety a regular part of your trailer maintenance routine.
The time you spend is minimal compared to the amount of time,
inconvenience, and potential safety hazards that can occur from a
flat tire or failure.
BASIC TIRE MAINTENANCE
Properly maintained tires improve the load-carrying capability of
your trailer. You can help avoid flat tires and tire failures by main-
taining proper tire pressure, observing tire and trailer capacity lim-
its, avoiding road hazards, and inspecting your tires regularly.
IDENTIFYING YOUR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE AND
MAXIMUM LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY FOR YOUR TRAILER
Both the tire placard and the VIN label are permanently attached
to the side frame of your trailer and have the required informa-
tion printed on them. They also list the maximum load that can be
placed on the trailer without exceeding the load limits of the tires or
the trailers other components. These labels indicate the manufac-
turers information including:
• Recommended tire size
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
• The maximum weight the trailer is designed to carry
• Gross vehicle weight rating of the trailer
• Gross axle weight rating of the trailer
UNDERSTANDING TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it
with the load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance
of the trailer. The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates
the amount of air pressure that is inside the tire. It is measured in
pounds per square inch (PSI). The tire must be inflated to the air
pressure as designated on the labels. Also listed on the labels is
the air pressure in kilopascals (kPa), which is a metric measure-
ment.
Tire manufacturers determine the air pressure to maximize the
amount of weight the tires can safely carry. The proper tire pressure
for your trailer tires is referred to as the “recommended cold infla-
tion pressure.” It is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pres-
TIRE INFORMATION
STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT
• Locate the statement “The weight of cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
• This figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
• Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity.
The trailer’s placard refers to the Tire Information Placard attached
adjacent to or near the trailer’s VIN (Certification) label at the left
front of the trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer
(For Trailers Over 10,000 lbs. GVWR):
1. Determine the empty weight of your trailer by weighing the
trailer using a public scale or other means. This step does not
have to be repeated.
2. Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer
on your trailer’s VIN (Certification ) label.
3. Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR
stated on the VIN label. That weight is the maximum available
cargo capacity of the trailer, and may not be safely exceeded.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle
(For Tow Vehicles 10,000 lbs. GVWR or Less):
1. Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed xxx lbs.,” on your vehicle’s
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
who will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from xxx kilograms or xxx pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage capacity. For example, if the “xxx” amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lb.
(1400 – 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage capacity calculated in Step # 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the tow vehicle’s manual
to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available
cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle.