The Importance Of Air Pressure; How Much Air Should I Carry In My Tires; Tires - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

Driving & Safety
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TIRES

The Importance
of Air Pressure
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How Much Air
Should I Carry
in My Tires?
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A tire designed for a motorhome is a very technical and precisely engineered
product. To obtain maximum wear and the best service out of the tires, it is
helpful to understand their function. A tire is a "container" that holds air. A
combination of air and the tire casing support the motorhome and its contents.
The following information concerning tires, weighing the motorhome
and subsequent tire information are set in the order in which the process is
performed or experienced. The motorhome must be weighed fully loaded
before the proper tire inflation pressure can be obtained. Since the tire is the
only contact the motorhome has with the road surface, it is critical that proper
tire pressure be maintained so that it will properly support the weight of the
motorhome. Improper tire pressure will lead to abnormal wear or sudden tire failure.
The tire performs other functions, such as traction for moving, stopping,
steering and providing a cushion for the motorhome.
The most important factor in maximizing the life of the tires is maintaining
proper inflation. Driving on any tire that does not have the correct inflation
pressure for the load of the motorhome is dangerous and may cause premature
wear, tire damage and/or loss of control of the motorhome.
An under-inflated tire will build up excessive heat that may go beyond the
design limits of the rubber and radial cords, which could result in sudden
failure. An under-inflated tire will also cause poor motorhome handling,
rapid and/or irregular tire wear and an increase in rolling resistance that
results in a decreased fuel economy.
An over-inflated tire will reduce the tire's footprint/contact patch with the
road, thus reducing traction, braking capacity and handling of the
motorhome. Over-inflation of a tire for the load will result in a harsh ride,
uneven tire wear and is susceptible to impact damage.
Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure for each loaded wheel position
on the motorhome is of the utmost importance and must be a part of regular
motorhome maintenance.
WARNING: Driving on a tire that is under-inflated can exceed the
design limits of the tire and may damage the sidewall. A damaged
sidewall can burst upon inflation resulting in serious damage, injury
or death. Aged tires are also susceptible to sidewall damage. For
safety purposes clear the area of people and pets during tire inflation.
Inflate the tires using a remote inflation device.
Federal law requires that the specifications for the tire's maximum load rating
be molded into the sidewall of the tire. The amount of air pressure to use is
dependent on the weight of the motorhome when it is fully loaded. The chart
within this section indicates the weights that can be properly supported by varying
air pressures. Decreasing air pressure decreases load carrying capacity.
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