manufacturer’s information including:
• Recommended tire size
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR – the maximum occupant and
cargo weight a vehicle is designed to carry)
• The gross axle weight rating (GAWR – the maximum weight each
axle is designed to carry).
Both placards and certification labels are affixed to the trailer.
The recommended tire pressure is on the tire, and the tire pressure,
and load limit appear on the trailer label.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it
with load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the
trailer. The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount
of air pressure—measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)—a tire
requires to be properly inflated.
The proper tire pressure for the trailer is referred to as the
“recommended cold inflation pressure.” As you will read below, it is
difficult to obtain the recommended tire pressure if your tires are not cold.
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of
vehicle, tire manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation
pressure” on the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving
conditions.
Checking Tire Pressure
It is important to check your trailer’s tire pressure at least once
a month or every 50 miles, whichever comes first, for the following
reasons:
• Most tires may naturally lose air over time
• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other
object or if you strike the curb when parking
• With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under-
inflation by visual inspection.
For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in
your tow vehicle. Gauges can be purchased at tire dealerships, auto
supply stores, and other retail outlets.
The recommended tire inflation pressure that manufacturers
provide reflects the proper psi when a tire is cold. The term cold
does not relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is
one that has not been driven on for at least three hours. When you
drive, your tires get warmer, causing the air pressure within them
to increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you
must measure tire pressure when the tires are cold or compensate
for the extra pressure in warm ties.
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the trailer label.
Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.
Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly
release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with
the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct
pressure.
Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between
the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure.
These “missing” pounds of pressure are what you will need
to add.
Step 5: Add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is
under-inflated.
Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air
pressure.
If you have been towing your trailer and think that a tire is under-
inflated, fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated
on your trailer label. While your tire may still be slightly under-
inflated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire, it is
safer to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure than to drive
with a significantly under-inflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix,
don’t forget to recheck and adjust the tire’s pressure when you can
obtain a cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same
size as the trailer’s original tires or another size recommended
by the manufacturer. At present, the trailer manufacturer is not
recommending any size differential than was originally equipped. If
you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult your
authorized Malibu dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that
prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the
road is wet or icy in general. Tires are not safe and should be replaced
when the tread is worn down to 1/16”. Tires have built-in tread wear
indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires.
These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the
bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear even with the outside
of the tread, it is time to replace your tires. Another method for
checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s
head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s
head, you are ready for new tires.
Tire Balance
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates,
the tire must be properly balanced. This balance is achieved by
positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on
the wheel and tire assembly.
Tire Repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole
and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture
hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too
large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires
must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being
plugged and patched.
Tire Rotation
Rotating tires from front to back and from side to side can reduce
irregular wear (for vehicles that have tires that are all the same
size). The generally recommended rotation period is every 5,000
miles.
Trailers—121
