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Maintenance
Tire Care Tips
To reduce the risk of tire failure, we strongly
recommend the following:
1� Check the pressure in your tires, including your
spare, at least monthly when the tires are cool
(after the vehicle has been stopped for three
hours and then driven less than one mile). Do not
reduce pressure when tires are hot. Use a tire
gauge to check pressure and maintain it at the
recommended level.
2� Never overload your tires. Heed the maximum
load-carrying capability of your tires.
3� Check your tires frequently for scrapes, bulges,
separations, cuts, or snags resulting from use. See
your tire dealer immediately if any such condition is
discovered.
4� Never operate your vehicle in excess of lawful
speeds, the maximum speeds justified by driving
conditions, or in excess of speeds recommended
for the tires you are using.
5� Make every effort to avoid running over objects
that may damage the tire through impact or cutting,
such as chuck holes, glass, metal, etc.
6� Never drive on smooth tires. Tires should be
removed when 2/32 in. of tread depth remains. In
most states, it is illegal to drive with less than 2/32
in. remaining tread depth.
7� Park out of the sun whenever possible when in
warm climates. In desert regions, use tire covers to
prevent ultra violet light deterioration to tires.
Tire Inspection and Storage
Before taking your trailer on a trip or when removing
it from an extended storage period, make it a practice
to inspect the overall condition of your tires. Check for
any type of condition or damage that might result in
failure. A thorough check should include both inside
and outside sidewalls, tread area and the condition
of hardware such as valve stems, valve caps, and
wheels. The tread should be checked for any unusual
wear, cracking, penetrations, and/or cuts. An uneven
wear pattern can indicate misalignment or worn
suspension parts.
Since many RVs are used seasonally and sometimes
stored for extended times, it is possible that tires will
take many years to wear out. Tires, as any rubber
product, will age over time. If tires show cracking in
the sidewall or tread surfaces that are more than 2/32
in. deep, they should be replaced before your next
8-8
trip or vacation. Store your RV in a cool, dry area
away from major heat sources and extreme cold.
An enclosed storage area is best with no exposure
to electromagnetic sources such as generators or
transformers. If you must keep your trailer outside,
cover your tires from direct sunlight. Take your trailer
to your tire dealer for service to check or correct any of
these conditions.
Tire and Wheel Replacement
It is possible to replace your tires with a different size,
in some instances. If there is a reason to replace your
tires with a different size, make sure the following
checks are made before the purchase:
• Does the replacement tire have the load capacity that
is needed for my trailer and will it fit properly inside
the wheel well?
• Will the overall diameter difference affect the braking
system?
• Is the increase in air pressure compatible with the
maximum rated pressure stamped on the rim?
Most trailers are towed at or near maximum loads
during hot weather and then are left idle for months. In
normal use, oils in the tire come to the surface during
flexing and protect the rubber from ultraviolet light. But
when the trailer tires sit idle too long, natural aging may
cause the rubber to crack prematurely, especially in
the sidewall area. Trailer tires over 5 years old should
be inspected by a tire expert for cracking and replaced
even if it has no apparent tread wear.
Choosing a Tire
Every tire sold in the United States has a tire rating
stamped on the sidewall that shows a tire's maximum
load at a defined pressure. Use the example above
to help locate the max load rating in pounds (lbs) and
tire pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) on your
original equipment tires. Choose a tire with equal load
ratings. For tire size, inflation and load specifications,
see Specifications on page 4-3�
2024 Classic
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