SECTION 2 — DRIVING & SAFETY
36
CAMELOT 2007
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation can increase the useful life of the
tires by achieving uniform wear on all of the
tires. Have the tire manufacturer determine the
rotation pattern. The rst tire rotation is the most
important in determining which rotation pattern
to use. Any unusual or unique wear patterns,
or indications of uneven wear that may have
developed, should be evaluated for possible
tire rotation. Misalignment, imbalance or other
mechanical problems may exist and will need to
be corrected prior to rotation.
Tread
To prevent skidding and hydroplaning, replace
tires when the tread is worn down to 4/32 of
an inch on the front, and 2/32 of an inch on the
rear. Questions regarding tread wear should be
directed to the tire manufacturer.
Built in tread wear indicators, or “wear bars”
which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber
across the tread, will appear on the tire when the
tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch.
When “wear bars” are noticed, the tire should be
replaced.
Visually check the tires for signs of uneven
wear. Signs of irregular tread wear are usually
exhibited by low or unusually smooth areas on
the tire surface. Consult the tire manufacturer as
soon as possible.
WARNING
In many instances the life of the tires
on the motorhome is not determined by
mileage but by age. Tires are subject to
weathering. Weathering cracks run in
circumference with the tire. Though the
sidewall of the tire may look structurally
sound, weathering can occur inside
the well of the tread. Have the tire
manufacturer inspect the tires for age
weathering.
Storage of Tires - Long Term
A cool, dry garage with a sealed cement oor
is the preferred method of storage. Tires stored
outside may prematurely age.
Prior to Storage:
Thoroughly clean the tires.
Unload the motorhome to reduce weight
on the tires.
Ensure the surface is reasonably level,
rm, clean and has good drainage.
Inate the tires to the maximum ination
pressure as indicated on the Federal
Identication Tag.
During Storage:
Cover the tires to block direct sunlight.
Periodically ensure tires are at proper
pressure.
Move the motorhome every three months
to prevent cracking in bulge areas, as
well as at spotting from prolonged
sidewall strain and tread deection.
Removal from Storage:
Before removing the motorhome from long-
term storage thoroughly
inspect each tire’s
tread area and air pressure. If the tires have lost
air during storage, inate them to the correct
pressure.
WHEEL MOUNTING
Hub Piloted Mounting:
Flange nuts generate higher
clamping force. Always use
grade eight studs with hub
mount wheels.
Before installing the wheels,
lubricate the hub pilot pads
with a drop of oil to prevent
galling. DO NOT lubricate
any other wheel or hub
surface.
For a hub with intermittent
pilot pads, position a pad at
the twelve o’clock position
to center the wheel and
reduce runout.
NOTE
Loosen and tighten lug nuts in sequence
(see illustration above). Sequence
tighten to 50 ft. lbs. first, then sequence
tighten to 500 ft lbs. Over-tightening can
cause distortion.
WARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different
than the original equipment as this
could damage the wheel or the mounting
system. Damage to the wheel or
mounting system could cause a wheel
to come off while the motorhome is in
motion.
Flange Nut:
Front & Side
View.
090268c
For used nuts add
two drops of oil
between ange and
hex.