Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 24

On the Road
How Overloading Affects Your Tires
The results of overloading can have serious consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much
weight for your vehicles suspension system can cause spring, shock absorber or brake failure, handling
or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure, or other damage. In cases of serious overloading,
brakes can fail completely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination
of the size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure. Excessive load and/or under
inflation can cause tire overloading. As a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs, which can generate an
excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may exceed the tires capabilities, which may
lead to tire failure. It is the air pressure which enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is
critical. Never exceed the tire limitation for load or air pressure. If you discover that your tires cannot
support the actual weights, you must lighten the load.
Installing tires with a higher carrying capacity only solves the problem of tire overload. It has no
effect on the over-loading of other components (i.e., wheels, axles, shocks, or bearings). Wheels may
not be capable of withstanding the higher pressures necessary to support the load.
If you decide to install a tire size other than that originally provided on your RV, care must be taken to
ensure adequate load carrying capacity and compatibility between tire and wheel size.
 Tire load ratings are dependent on the tire inflation pressures. Please
refer to the Tire and Loading Information label on your RV for
specific tire pressures. Under inflated tires can be damaged and
result in loss of inflation pressures.
 Remember that your tow vehicle is an integral part or your total
towing combination. Weigh and load it with the same considerations
as your RV. Gross weight and axle weight ratings will be found on
labels on the drivers' door pillar or inside the glove compartment
door. Consult your tow vehicle owner's manual or towing guide for
more information. If you do not have a towing guide, you can
request one from your tow vehicle manufacturer.
 Please check with your tow vehicle manufacturer for your towing
specifications.
 Your RV contains a label listing the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC).
Please note that the stated CCC may be limited by the tow rating of
your tow vehicle. Ask your tow vehicle manufacturer for more
information about tow ratings.
 There is a danger of serious injury or death if a tire of one bead
diameter is installed on a wheel of a different diameter. Always
replace a tire with another tire of exactly the same size.
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