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1. Tire Safety Information
This portion of the user’s manual contain tire safety information as required by 49 CFR 575.6.
Section 2.0 contains “Steps for determining correct load limit-trailer”
Section 2.2 contains “ Steps for determining correct load limit-tow vehicle”
Section 2.3 contains a Glossary of Tire Terminology, including “cold” inflation pressure,”
“ maximum inflation pressure” , recommended inflation pressure”, and other non-technical terms.
Section 2.4 contains information from NHTSA brochure entitled “ Tire Safety-Everything Rides On It”.
This brochure as well as the preceding subsections, describes the following items:
Tire labeling, including a description and explanation of each marking on the tires, and information
about the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Recommended tire inflation pressure, including description and explanation of :
A. Cold Inflation Pressure
B. Vehicle Placard and location of vehicle
C. Adverse safety consequences of under inflation (including tire failure)
D. Measuring and adjusting air pressure for proper inflation
Tire Care, including maintenance and safety practices
Vehicle load limits, including a description and explanation of the following items:
A. Locating and understanding the load limit information, total load capacity, and cargo capacity
B. Calculating total and cargo capacities with varying seating configurations including Quantitative
Examples showing/ illustrating how the vehicles cargo and luggage capacity decreases as
combined number and size of occupant increases. This item is also discussed in section 3
C. Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capabilities
D. Adverse Safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping tires
1.1 Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-Trailer
Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires alone. On all
trailers there is a Federal Certification/ VIN label that is located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the
unit. This certification/ VIN label will indicate the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GBWR). This is the
most particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided.
If your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, there is a vehicle placard located in the same location as the
Certification label described above. This placard provides tire and loading information. In addition, this placard
will show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity. Cargo can be added to the trailer, up to the maximum
weigh specified on the placard. The combined weigh of the cargo is provided as a single number. In any case,
remember: the total weight of a fully loaded trailer can not exceed the stated GVWR.
For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight of water and propane also need to be considered. The weight
of fully filled propane containers is considered part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with cargo, and
is not considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water however, is a disposable cargo weight about 800
pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo added to the
vehicle with the limits of the GVWR so as not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility will allow
you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side to side.
Heavy items should be placed low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side
may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual weigh of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk to
our dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed toe capture the various weights related to the trailer. This
would include the weight empty or unloaded, weights per axle, wheel, hitch or king-pin, and total weight.
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