Gulf Stream 8404 WFD, Owner'S Manual

9

Vehicle Towing 

   Prior to towing any vehicle behind your motor home, 
be sure to consult your chassis manufacturer owner’s 
manual.  Determine what type of special equipment is 
needed to be able to tow with your motor home. 
  Be sure that your vehicle’s GROSS COMBINED 
WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) has a rating capable of 
towing your vehicle while your motor home is loaded.   
 
   NOTE: IMPROPER USE OF YOUR UNIT AS A TOW 
VEHICLE MAY VOID YOUR CHASSIS WARRANTY 
AND MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE 
MECHANICAL PORTIONS OF THE CHASSIS. 
 
   NOTE: CHECK THE TOW RATING OF THE HITCH 
INSTALLED ON YOUR MOTOR HOME.  BE SURE 
THAT THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF YOUR TOW 
VEHICLE AND TOW DOLLY (if applicable) DOES 
NOT EXCEED THE HITCH RATING. 
 

Vehicle Weight Information Label 

All GULF STREAM vehicles have a weight 

information label posted inside the kitchen cupboard.  
Please refer to this label to see the shipping weight of 
your vehicle and the net carrying capacity of your water 
tank.  This label also contains the GULF STREAM 
designated GCWR.  Please note that the GULF 
STREAM GCWR may differ from the chassis 
designated GCWR, and that the lower of the two must 
be followed. 
   The vehicle weight information label also contains 
the net carrying capacity.  This is the maximum weight 
designated by GULF STREAM that can be utilized for 
cargo and passengers.  Any addition of accessories by 
you or the dealer reduces this amount proportionally 
with the weight of added accessories. 
 

Tires 

 
The tires installed on your vehicle have been pre-
selected as the proper size and weight for the type of 
coach built.  The Federal ID tag located inside the 
coach will show the proper tire size for your coach.  
When replacing tires, make sure that these guidelines 
are followed. 
 

Tire Markings 

Sample tire size:  LT225/75 R 16  E 

• 

LT reflects the “Light Truck” usage.  Light truck 
tires are used on anything from compact pickups to 
class A motor homes. 

• 

225 indicates the “contact patch” width.  The 
contact patch is the amount of tire surface that 

actually comes into contact with the pavement.  In 
this case the width is 225 millimeters wide. 

• 

75 indicates the height to width ratio of the tire. 

• 

R identifies the construction type of the tire.  R – 
Radial, B – Bias belted, D – Diagonal Bias. 
Some tires may have a speed designation label in 
front of the construction type.  Example – MR tires 
are rated for use up to 81 mph.  SR tires up to 112 
mph.  ZR tires carry the highest speed rating, and 
are safe for speeds over 150 mph.  However, ZR 
tires should never be installed on any motor home 
or travel trailer.  If no speed rating is listed on the 
sidewall, the maximum speed for light truck tires is 
87 mph, and for passenger cars 105 mph. 

• 

16 is the rim size.  This is the only measurement 
made in inches. 

• 

E is the load range.  

Tire load ratings 

Load ratings for tires go up as the corresponding letter 
changes.  For example, load range “E” tires have a 
heavier rating than load range “D” tires.  Load 
capabilities of tires change as the psi (air pressure) is 
lowered.  As much as 220 lbs. of load carrying capacity 
is lost per tire for each 5 psi below the recommended 
inflation.  This decreased load amount varies from one 
tire manufacturer to the next, therefore it is 
recommended that you contact your tire manufacturer 
for further information in this regard. 
 

Tire air pressure 

 
When checking air pressures, if the tire has been 
driven more than 6 miles, you can add 4 to 6 psi to the 
rated maximum “cold” inflation recommendations.  For 
example, if the tire has a maximum rating of 90 psi 
cold, you can inflate the tire to 96 psi after being driven 
on.   Under inflation generates excessive heat (a tire’s 
worst enemy!), increases tread wear in the shoulder 
area, and reduces your vehicle’s fuel economy. 
 
Never mix radial, bias belted or bias type tires.  Never 
mix brands.  This can adversely affect vehicle handling 
and stability.  Use only the tire size that is listed on the 
Safety Compliance Certification Label.  If you have a 
question about the label, please call Gulf Stream. 
 

Tire maintenance 

 
When cleaning tires, try to use a tire-cleaning agent.  
Never use any cleaner that contains solvents. 

Solvents will draw oil from tires and cause them to 
prematurely crack.  Inspect your tires prior to each trip, 
looking for bulges or cracks in the sidewalls.