Tires - Midland SIDE DUMP GRAVEL TRAILER Operator's Manual

5.2.7

TIRES

Tires are one of the most important components on
a trailer and must be maintained in top condition
to obtain their desired load carrying capacity and
durability. Tire wear rate can be used as an indicator
of the condition of the axle alignment or suspension
system. Poorly maintained tires will wear rapidly
or deteriorate and fail quickly and suddenly. A
poorly maintained tire can and will affect adjacent
components leading to their potential failure as well.
Proper tire maintenance includes but is not limited to:
1. Inflation Pressure:
Operating at an incorrect inflation pressure is the
most common maintenance problem with tires.
Tires should be checked frequently to be sure
they are at their specified pressure.
It is recommended that tire pressure be checked
at the start of each working day and at least
one other time during the day. Always use an
accurate hand gauge when checking the pressure
and check each tire. Carry it with your unit so
it is always available when needed. The most
accurate pressure is obtained when the tire
is cold. Every tire has its specified operating
pressure molded into the sidewall. Adjust the
pressure as required to obtain the specified
inflation pressure when the tire is cold.
Tire pressure will normally increase 10 to 15
psi during operation as the tire heats up. If
the pressure exceeds this normal increase,
it indicates the tire may be overloaded,
underinflated, driven too fast, improperly sized
or a combination of these factors. Identify
the cause of the problem and correct it before
resuming work.
a. Underinflation:
Operating at lower than the specified
pressure is a tire's worst enemy. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge to check the
pressure at the start of each working day,
every few hours during the day and/or
whenever the handling characteristics change
suddenly. Underinflation will increase tread
wear and cause a deterioration of the tire
body leading to a separation of the tread
from the body. An underinflated tire is soft
and deflects more than it should causing
fatigue cracks or breaks in the body cord
construction leading to sudden air loss.
Operation with a low or flat tire on a dual will
generate a lot of heat in the underinflated
tire from internal friction that it can and will
disintegrate or catch on fire. It also causes
overloading of the adjacent tire on the axle or
axles and could lead to their failure also.
b. Overinflation:
Inflating a tire over its specified pressure can
lead to serious problems also. Overinflation
creates a more rigid tire that does not
absorb road shocks as well as it should.
Shock loading from impacting bumps or pot
holes can break the fabric of the tire and/or
transmit the higher loads into the rim, wheel
and adjacent components causing them to
fail as well. Overinflated tires cut, snag or
puncture more easily than properly inflated
tires. Also overinflating tire will not increase
its load carrying capacity.
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