Tires - Midland SIDE DUMP GRAVEL TRAILER Operator's Manual

4.8.3

TIRES

When operating the trailer, it is the responsibility
of the driver to check the tires frequently. Inflation
pressures, wear patterns and matching are critical
parameters that must be monitored. The following
factors affect tire care:
1. Inspection frequency: Tires should always
be checked before the start of a run and twice
during the day or every 4 operating hours,
whichever comes first. It is also a good practice
to check the tires at each rest period during
the day. When a driver hears unusual noise or
experiences unusual handling characteristics,
the first item to check is the tires. Problems
found early, during frequent tire checks, can save
more serious problems later on. A sampling of
typical abnormal wear patterns are shown in the
Maintenance section along with their causes.
Always correct the cause of the tire wear problem
before proceeding.
2. Inflation pressure: Tires should always be
operated at their specified pressures. At their
specified pressures, the tire is designed to run
with the full width of the tread flat on the contact
surface. Operating at other than specified
pressures will change the tread
contact patterns and can dramatically shorten tire
life. In addition, the tires will run hotter and can
lead to blow-outs.
Check tire pressure when the tire is cold. A hot
tire can read as much as 20 psi higher than a cold
tire. If tires are over-inflated, check for poor load
distribution, uneven surface contact, over-loading
or poor operating conditions.
3. Tire matching: Do not mix ply types on the
same axle. Their operating characteristics are
different and will lead to uneven tire loading, rapid
tire wear and adverse handling characteristics.
Matching also includes combining tires that have
the same amount of tread remaining. A tire with
more tread has a larger rolling radius and will
have to carry a higher load. The best performance
will be obtained when the rolling radius is within
1/8" for all tires on an axle.
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