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The amount of air pressure in a tire determines the load that can be carried safely. Every tire will
have the maximum load and inflation moulded into the sidewall of the tire. This load and inflation
ratio should never be exceeded since this can cause handling problems, irregular wear, and
component failure. The proper amount of air pressure is always determined by the weight of your
fully loaded trailer. This weight takes into account all liquids, supplies, and equipment. We must
inflate the tire at the recommended pressure indicated on the tire but it is possible to travel 5 psi
below this pressure.
Make sure the valves and caps are free of dirt and moisture. Check your tires’ air pressures at
least once a month, before each trip and each morning you drive during a trip.
How Overloading Affects Your Tires
Tire pressure is what enables your trailer tire to support loads. Overloading your tires can have
serious consequences for your trailer. Too much weight can cause stress on your trailer
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.
Under-inflation of Tires
Under inflation brings a higher risk of susceptibility to damage due to road hazards, reduces casing
durability, and causes a loss in fuel economy, plus uneven or irregular tire wear. Severe under
inflation brings about an increased risk of tread separation, handling difficulties, and possibly tire
failure caused by overheating.
Tire pressure should never be reduced below the trailer manufacturer’s recommended levels.
When inflation pressure requirements are not met, tire durability and optimum operation can be
affected.
Tips on Tire Care
Any tire, no matter how well built, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact damage,
improper inflation or other conditions resulting from use.
Tire blowout may create a risk of property damage or personal injury.
To reduce the risk of tire failure we strongly recommend the following:
● Check the pressure in your tires, including your spare, at least monthly when the tires are
cool (after the trailer 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.
● Never overload your tires. The maximum load-carrying capability of your tires is moulded
on the sidewall of the tire.
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