Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
Page 7
TIRE SAFETY
The most common cause of trailer tire failure is under-inflation. It
is important, therefore, that you always maintain the specified air
pressure, as indicated by the tire manufacturer on the tire’s side
walls. This information can also be found on the tire label or the
manufacturers certification label. Most tire manufacturer’s have the
air pressure molded on the tire side wall.
Maintaining proper tire pressure, observing all tire and trailer maxi-
mum carrying capacities, avoiding road hazards, and inspecting
the tires for cuts, slashes and other irregularities are the most
important things you can do to avoid tire failure. These practices,
along with other care and maintenance, can improve handling, help
protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents,
improve fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires.
Make tire safety a regular part of your trailer maintenance routine.
The time you spend is minimal compared to the amount of time,
inconvenience, and potential safety hazards that can occur from a
flat tire or failure.
BASIC TIRE MAINTENANCE
Properly maintained tires improve the load-carrying capability of
your trailer. You can help avoid flat tires and tire failures by main-
taining proper tire pressure, observing tire and trailer capacity lim-
its, avoiding road hazards, and inspecting your tires regularly.
IDENTIFYING YOUR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE AND
MAXIMUM LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY FOR YOUR TRAILER
Both the tire placard and the VIN label are permanently attached
to the side frame of your trailer and have the required informa-
tion printed on them. They also list the maximum load that can be
placed on the trailer without exceeding the load limits of the tires or
the trailers other components. These labels indicate the manufac-
turers information including:
• Recommended tire size
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
• The maximum weight the trailer is designed to carry
• Gross vehicle weight rating of the trailer
• Gross axle weight rating of the trailer
UNDERSTANDING TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it
with the load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance
of the trailer. The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates
the amount of air pressure that is inside the tire. It is measured in
pounds per square inch (PSI). The tire must be inflated to the air
pressure as designated on the labels. Also listed on the labels is
the air pressure in kilopascals (kPa), which is a metric measure-
ment.
Tire manufacturers determine the air pressure to maximize the
amount of weight the tires can safely carry. The proper tire pressure
for your trailer tires is referred to as the “recommended cold infla-
tion pressure.” It is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pres-
sure if your tires are not cold when the reading is taken because
the air will expand when it is warmed by towing down the road, thus
increasing the air pressure inside. If air is added to a tire that is low
the air pressure should never exceed the recommended pressure.
It is important to check your trailer’s tire pressure at least once a
month for the following reasons:
• Most tires will naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if driven over an object that
punctures or cuts the tire. Sometimes a sharp blow from a
pothole or curb can knock the tire loose from the rim causing
immediate deflation.
• Radial tires have an appearance of being under-inflated
because of the design and a visual inspection will not always tell
you whether the air pressure inside is below its proper operating
range.
MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURE
Locate the recommended tire pressure on the trailer’s tire
information placard, certification label or else in the owner’s
manual.
Record the tire pressure of all tires.
If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release
air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of
your tire gauge until you get the correct pressure.
If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the
measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These
“missing” pounds of pressure are what you will need to add.
Add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is
under inflated.
Check all tires to make sure they have the same air pressure.
If you have been towing your trailer and think that a tire is under
inflated, fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated
on your trailer’s tire label placard or the VIN label. You can also
check the sidewall of the tire for a correct tire inflation pressure.
Your tire will have a slightly lower air pressure because the tire is
warm when you are inflating it, but it will be much better than to
continue to tow it with the under inflation it may have had. Once the
trailer has been parked long enough to allow the tires to cool down,
recheck the tire pressure and add additional air to return the tire
pressure to the recommended level.
TIRE SIZE
To maintain the trailer’s carrying capacity and safety, purchase only
the same size tires as what were originally supplied on the trailer.
The tires on the trailer are an ST rated tire. This means that they
are a Special Trailer service tire that has more load carrying capac-
ity than a comparable size tire automotive grade tire. The carrying
capacity molded on the side wall of an automotive tire must be
reduced by 10% if it is going to be used on a trailer.
Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the
side wall of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you
have any questions about the correct size to choose, consult your
ShoreLandr’s
®
dealer or local tire dealer for assistance.
TIRE TREAD
The tire tread provides a gripping action to the road to prevent it
from sliding on the road surface when cornering and also to help in
braking in the event that your trailer is equipped with brakes. Tires
are not as safe when the tire tread is worn down to less than 1/16
inch tread. This is easily identified because most tires are manu-
factured with tread, wear indicators that let you know when the tires
are worn to the point they should be replaced. These indicators are
raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the grooves.
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