Tire Fundamentals; U.s. Dot Tire Identification Number; Recreation Vehicle Load Limits - FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL Chateau 2010 Owner's Manual

Tire Fundamentals

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also
provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number

This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards.
For example, the number may read MC3TPXAW1204. The first two letters (MC) are the
Manufacturer Plant Code, the next two (3T) are the Government Size and Ply Code. The following
four letters (PXAW) are the Manufacturer Construction Code. The last four numbers, referred to as
the Tire Build Date (1204) represent the week and year the tire was built. The Tire Build Date would
th
be read as the 12 week of 2004.

RECREATION VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS

CAUTION: Do not overload the recreation vehicle.
Determining the load limits of a recreation vehicle includes more than understanding the load
limits of the tires alone. On the recreation vehicle, there is a Federal Certification Label that is
affixed to the interior sidewall next to the driver's seat. The certification label will indicate the
recreation vehicles gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most weight the fully loaded
recreation vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the gross axle weight rating (GAWR). This is the
most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be
provided.
In the main bedroom closet there is a vehicle placard. This placard provides tire and loading
information. In addition, this placard will show the recreation vehicles seating capacity for people
and a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
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