SUN COUNTRY Gooseneck SERIES, Owner'S Manual

20 

individual tire that is determined by distributing to each 

axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, 

and normal occupant weight (distributed in accordance 

with Table I of CRF 49 571.110) and dividing by 2.

Weather side:

 The surface area of the rim not covered 

by the inflated tire.

Wheel center member:

 In the case of a non-pneumatic 

tire assembly incorporating a wheel, a mechanical 

device which attaches, either integrally or separably, 

to the non-pneumatic rim and provides the connection 

between the nonpneumatic rim and the vehicle; or, 

in the case of a non-pneumatic tire assembly not 

incorporating a wheel, a mechanical device which 

attaches, either integrally or separably, to the non-

pneumatic tire and provides the connection between 

tire and the vehicle.

Wheel-holding  fixture:

 The  fixture  used  to  hold  the 

wheel and tire assembly securely during testing.

3.5  t

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 S

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The  National  Traffic  Safety  Administration  (NHTSA) 

has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that 

discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by 

CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced in part below. 

It can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free 

of charge, from the following web site:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/

ridesonit/tires_index.html

Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire 

pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not 

carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires 

or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, 

and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other 

irregularities are the most important things you can do 

to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout 

and flat tires. These actions, along with other care and 

maintenance activities, can also:

• 

Improve vehicle handling

• 

Help protect you and others from avoidable 

breakdowns and accidents

• 

Improve fuel economy

• 

Increase the life of your tires.

This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire 

safety, including information on the following topics:

• 

Basic tire maintenance

Rim diameter:

 This means the nominal diameter of 

the bead seat.

Rim size designation:

 This means the rim diameter 

and width.

Rim type designation:

 This means the industry of 

manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code. 

Rim width:

 This means the nominal distance between 

rim flanges.

Section width:

 The linear distance between the 

exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding 

elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective 

bands.

Sidewal

l: That portion of a tire between the tread and 

bead. 

Sidewall separation:

 The parting of the rubber 

compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Special Trailer (ST) tire: 

The “ST” is an indication the 

tire is for trailer use only.

Test rim: 

The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, 

and may be any rim listed as appropriate for use with 

that tire.

Tread:

 That portion of a tire that comes into contact 

with the road.

Tread rib:

 A tread section running circumferentially 

around a tire.

Tread separation:

 Pulling away of the tread from the 

tire carcass.

Treadwear indicators (TWI):

 The projections within the 

principal grooves designed to give a visual indication 

of the degrees of wear of the tread.

Vehicle capacity weight: 

The rated cargo and luggage 

load plus 68 kilograms (150 lbs.) times the vehicle’s 

designated seating capacity.

Vehicle maximum load on the tire:

 The load on an 

individual tire that is determined by distributing to each 

axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight 

and dividing by two.

Vehicle normal load on the tire:

 The load on an 

Tire Safety