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Proper Inspection and Storage of Tires
Before taking your trailer on a trip or following an extended storage period, make it a practice to
inspect the overall condition of your tires. Check for any type of condition or damage that might
result in failure. A thorough check should include both inside and outside sidewalls, tread area
and the condition of hardware such as valve stems, valve caps, and wheels. The tread should be
checked for any unusual wear, cracking, penetrations and/or cuts. An uneven wear pattern can
indicate misalignment or worn suspension parts.
Since many trailers are used seasonally and sometimes stored for extended times, it is possible
that tires will take many years to wear out. Tires, as any rubber product, will age over time. If tires
show cracking in the sidewall or tread surfaces that are more than 2/32” deep, they should be
replaced before your next trip or vacation. Store your trailer in a cool dry area away from major
heat sources and extreme cold. An enclosed area is best with no exposure to electromagnetic
sources such as generators or transformers. If you must keep your trailer outside, cover your tires
from direct sunlight. Take your trailer to your tire dealer for service to check or correct any of
these conditions.
NOTE: When ALTO is not under way, it is wise to protect the tires from the sun’s rays with tire
covers.
Wheel Change
To change a wheel, place a jack under the frame rail. Protect aluminum frame rail by inserting a
piece of wood between the jack and the frame.
Be sure to rebalance the wheel assemblies each time tire pressure is changed.
WARNING:
ALWAYS SECURE TRAILER TO TOW VEHICLE AND SET HAND BRAKE BEFORE
JACKING TRAILER. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHANGE ANY TIRE WITHOUT SECURELY CHOCKING
REMAINING WHEEL. NEVER POSITION YOURSELF IN A MANNER WHERE A RAISED TRAILER
CAN COME DOWN ON YOU IF IT SHOULD BECOME DISLODGED FROM A JACK OR RAMP.
WARNING:
WHEN REMOVING ALUMINUM-FORGED WHEELS FROM SPINDLE, IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT TO MARK THEM TO ASSURE THE WHEEL IS PLACED IN THE SAME POSITION ON
THE DRUM WHEN REINSTALLING. IF THE ALUMINUM-FORGED WHEEL IS TO BE MOUNTED
ON A DIFFERENT DRUM, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN ALL LOOSE CORROSION FROM THE
MATING SURFACES.
Tire Replacement
Tires used on most trailers are driven with maximum loads during hot weather and then are left
idle for months. In normal use oils in the tire come to the surface during flexing and protect the
rubber from ultraviolet light. But when left idle, natural aging may cause the rubber to crack
prematurely, especially in the sidewall area.
Any tire on a trailer that is over five years old should be inspected by a competent tire professional
for cracking and replaced, even if it has no apparent tread wear. This is because a tire on a car or
truck might last 80,000 to 120,000 km before it needs to be replaced, but a trailer tire that only
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