Beaver Contessa - Importance of Air Pressure; Tire Pressure Inflation Guideline; Tire Charts

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20 08 CONTESSA
DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
Importance of Air Pressure
The most important factor in maximizing
the life of the tires is maintaining proper
ination. Driving on any tire that does not have
the correct ination pressure for the load of
the motorhome is dangerous and may cause
premature wear, tire damage and/or loss of
control of the motorhome.
An under-inated tire will build up excess
heat that may go beyond the design limits of the
rubber and radial cords and could result in sudden
failure. An under-inated tire will also cause poor
motorhome handling, rapid and/or irregular tire
wear and increase rolling resistance that results in
decreased fuel economy.
An over-inated tire will reduce the tire’s
footprint/contact patch with the road, thus
reducing traction, braking capacity and handling
of the motorhome. Over-ination of a tire for
the load will result in a harsh ride, uneven tire
wear and is susceptible to impact damage.
Maintaining correct tire ination pressure for
each loaded wheel position on the motorhome is
of the utmost importance and must be a part of
regular motorhome maintenance.
WARNING:
Driving on a tire that is under-inflated
can exceed the design limits of the tire
and may damage the sidewall and can
result in sudden tire failure. A damaged
sidewall can burst upon inflation
resulting in serious damage, injury or
death. Aged tires are also susceptible to
sidewall damage.
Tire Pressure Inflation Guideline
Federal law requires that the specications
for the tire’s maximum load rating be molded
into the sidewall of the tire. The amount of air
pressure to use is dependent on the weight of
the motorhome when fully loaded. The tire
chart indicates the weights that can be properly
supported by varying air pressures. Decreasing
air pressure decreases load carrying capacity.
Always comply with the tire manufacturer’s
recommended pressure ination guideline.
The actual weight of the motorhome can vary
signicantly depending on how it is loaded. For
optimum tire wear, ride and handling always
comply with the manufacturer’s guideline. A tire
ination chart listing proper ination pressure
for different loads can be found in this section.
The tires of the motorhome are inated to
pressure(s) appropriate for the actual weight on
each axle in the unloaded, shipped condition.
When the motorhome is loaded, check and
adjust the ination pressure on each tire as
needed.
Always inate tires to the pressure indicated
in the tire chart for the load carried by
the tire. DO NOT OVERINFLATE OR
UNDERINFLATE THE TIRES.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of
the axles listed on the federal certication label
attached to the motorhome is the maximum
allowable loaded weight on an axle.
When the actual loaded weight of the
motorhome and the weight on each axle is
unknown, follow the recommended tire ination
pressure(s) listed on the federal certication
label. When loading a motorhome never exceed
the motorhome’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the GAWR for each axle.
Contact the tire manufacturer for further
information concerning proper tire pressure
ination and other tire issues.
Tire Charts
Understanding the Ination Table:
The tire size on the left margin of the table
determines single ination reading or dual
ination reading denoted with a D or S. Single
is for the front axle and tag axle (if equipped).
Dual is for the drive axle. On the following
chart, nd the corresponding psi at the top
columns to see the corresponding maximum
weight capacity for that psi.
Rated load capacities are listed for individual
tires in a Dual or Single position.
NOTE:
Every load range has a maximum rating
as well as a minimum rating. DO NOT
exceed those ratings.
WARNING:
DO NOT exceed tire manufacturer’s
maximum speed rating.