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Trailer tires and wheels are more likely to fail than car tires
and wheels because they carry a heavier load. Therefore,
it is essential to inspect the trailer tires before each tow.
If a tire has a bald spot, bulge, cuts, is showing any cords,
or is cracked, replace the tire before towing. If a tire has
uneven tread wear, take the trailer to a dealer service
center for diagnosis.
Uneven tread wear can be caused by tire imbalance, axle
misalignment or incorrect infl ation.
Tires with too little tread will not provide adequate tracking
on wet roadways and can result in loss of control, leading
to death or serious injury.
Improper tire pressure causes an unstable trailer and
can result in a tire blowout and loss of control. Therefore,
before each tow you must also check the tire pressure. Tire
pressure must be checked when tires are cold.
Allow 3 hours cool-down after driving as much as 1 mile at
40 mph before checking tire pressure. Trailer tires will be
infl ated to higher pressures than passenger vehicle tires.
Since trailer wheels and lug nuts (or bolts) are subjected
to greater side loads than automobile wheels, they are
more prone to loosen. Before each tow, check to make
sure they are tight.
The proper tightness (torque) for lug nuts is listed in the
lug nut tightening section of this manual. Use a torque
wrench to tighten the lug nuts. If you do not have a torque
wrench, use a lug wrench (from your tow vehicle) and
tighten the nuts as much as you can. Then have a service
garage or trailer dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper
torque.
Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts will
cause rim to loosen and could result in a wheel coming
off, leading to death or serious injury.
Tighten lug nuts before each tow.
Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after first being
assembled. When driving a new trailer (or after wheels
have been remounted), check to make sure they are tight
after the fi rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before
each tow thereafter.
Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel parting
from the trailer and a crash, leading to death or serious
injury.
Determining the load limits of a trailer includes more than
understanding the load limits of the tires alone. On all
trailers there is a Federal certifi cation/VIN label that is
located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the unit.
This certifi cation/VIN label will indicate the trailer’s Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the most weight
the fully loaded trailer can weigh. It will also provide the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This is the most a the
axle can weigh.
Lug nuts are prone to loosen after initial installation,
which can lead to death or serious injury.
Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer or when
wheel(s) have been remounted after the fi rst 10, 25
and 50 miles of driving.
Improper lug nut torque can cause a wheel parting from
the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Be sure lug nuts are tight before each tow.
Improper tire pressure can result in a blowout and loss
of control, which can lead to death or serious injury.
Be sure tires are infl ated to pressure indicated on side
wall before towing trailer.
TRAILER GUIDELINES