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Tire Safety
R: The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
3.5.10.2
UTQGS Information
Next number: This two-digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Treadwear Number: This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. For example, a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200.
Next number: This two- or three-digit number is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can support. You may fi nd this information in your owner’s manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer. Note: You may not fi nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Traction Letter: This letter indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”,”A”, “B”, and “C”.
M+S: The “M+S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have these markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability.
Temperature Letter: This letter indicates a tire’s resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is infl ated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under infl ation or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”.
Speed Rating: The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time.
Note: You may not fi nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
U.S. DOT Tire Identifi cation Number: This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31st week of 1997.
The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
3.5.10.3
Additional Information On Light Truck
Tires
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used: The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
Maximum Load Rating: This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.
LT: The “LT” indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers.
ST: An “ST” is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Maximum Permissible Infl ation Pressure: This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
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Table of contents
- 5 1. Introduction
- 6 2. Safety
- 6 2.1 Safety Alert Symbols And Signal Words
- 6 2.2 Major Hazards
- 6 2.2.1 Improper Sizing Of Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 6 2.2.2 Driving Too Fast
- 7 2.2.3 Adjust Driving When Towing Trailer
- 7 2.2.4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled To Hitch
- 8 2.2.5 Proper Use Of Safety Chains
- 8 2.2.6 Proper Connection Of Breakaway Brake
- 8 2.2.7 Matching Trailer And Hitch
- 8 2.2.8 Worn Tires, Loose Wheels And Lug Nuts
- 9 2.2.9 Improper Loading
- 10 2.2.10 Unsafe Load Distribution
- 10 2.2.11 Shifting Cargo
- 10 2.2.12 Inappropriate Cargo
- 11 2.2.13 Hazards To Horses
- 11 2.2.14 Inoperable Brakes Or Lights
- 12 2.2.15 Trailer Modifications
- 12 2.2.16 Trailer Towing Guide
- 13 2.2.17 Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines
- 14 2.2.18 Safety Warning Labels On Your Trailer
- 17 2.2.19 Reporting Safety Defects
- 18 3. Tire Safety Information
- 18 3.1 Trailer Tire Information
- 19 3.2 Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit - Trailer
- 19 3.2.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR Or Less
- 19 3.2.2 Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR
- 20 3.3 Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit - Tow Vehicle
- 20 3.4 Glossary Of Tire Terminology
- 22 3.5 Tire Safety - Everything Rides On It
- 23 3.5.1 Safety First- Basic Tire Maintenance
- 23 3.5.2 Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure And Load Limits
- 23 3.5.3 Understanding Tire Pressure And Load Limits
- 23 3.5.4 Safety First- Basic Tire Maintenance
- 23 3.5.5 Steps For Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
- 24 3.5.6 Tire Size
- 24 3.5.7 Tire Tread
- 24 3.5.8 Tire Balance And Wheel Alignment
- 24 3.5.9 Tire Repair
- 24 3.5.10 Tire Fundamentals
- 24 3.5.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
- 25 UTQGS Information
- 25 Additional Information On Light Truck Tires
- 26 Tire Safety Tips
- 27 4. Coupling To Tow Vehicle
- 27 4.1 Tow Vehicle And Hitch
- 27 4.1.1 Trailer Information
- 27 4.1.2 Tow Vehicle
- 27 4.2 Coupling And Uncoupling The Trailer
- 28 4.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 28 4.3.1 Ball Hitch Coupler
- 29 4.3.1.1 Before Coupling Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 29 4.3.1.2 Prepare Coupler And Hitch
- 29 4.3.1.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 30 4.3.2 Trailer With Ring And Pintle Coupler
- 30 4.3.2.1 Before Coupling Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 30 4.3.2.2 Prepare Ring And Pintle
- 31 4.3.2.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle
- 31 4.3.3 Connect Safety Chains
- 32 4.3.4 Connect Electrical Cable
- 32 4.3.5 Attach Breakaway Brake Lanyard
- 32 4.3.5.1 Test Electric Brakes
- 32 4.3.5.2 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes
- 33 4.3.5.3 Test Surge Brakes (If Equipped)
- 34 4.3.5.4 Test Surge Breakaway System
- 34 4.4 Uncouple Trailer
- 34 4.5 Tongue Weight
- 35 4.5.1 Checking Tongue Weight
- 35 4.6 Adjust Hitch Height (If Equipped)
- 37 5. Loading And Unloading
- 37 5.1 Loading Trailer
- 37 5.1.1 Preparing Trailer For Loading
- 38 5.1.2 Loading A Horse Trailer
- 40 6. Pre-Tow Checklist
- 40 6.1 Pre-Tow Checklist
- 40 6.2 Make Regular Stops
- 41 7. Breaking In A New Trailer
- 41 7.1 Retighten Lugs At First 10, 25 & 50 Miles
- 41 7.2 Adjust Brake At First 200 Miles
- 41 7.3 Synchronizing Brake Systems
- 42 8. Accessories
- 42 8.1 Accessory Battery
- 43 9. Inspection, Service And Maintenance
- 43 9.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts
- 46 9.2 Inspection And Service Instructions
- 46 9.2.1 Trailer Structure
- 46 9.2.1.1 Fasteners And Frame Members
- 46 9.2.1.2 Welds
- 46 9.2.2 Trailer Brakes - Electric
- 46 9.2.2.1 Brake Shoes And Drums
- 47 9.2.2.2 Manually Adjusting Brake Shoes
- 47 9.2.2.3 Electric Brakes
- 47 9.2.2.4 Tow Vehicle Operated Electric Brakes
- 47 9.2.2.5 Electric Brake Magnets
- 47 9.2.3 Trailer Brakes - Surge (If Equipped)
- 47 9.2.3.1 Surge Brake Master Cylinder
- 48 9.2.3.2 Hydraulic Surge Brake
- 48 9.2.3.3 Master Cylinder Bleeding
- 48 9.2.4 Trailer Connection To Tow Vehicle
- 48 9.2.4.1 Coupler And Ball
- 49 9.2.4.2 Ring And Pintle
- 49 9.2.5 Landing Leg Or Jack
- 49 9.2.6 Lights And Signals
- 49 9.2.7 Wheel Rims
- 49 9.2.8 Tires
- 50 9.2.9 Wheel Bearings
- 50 9.2.10 Lubrication
- 50 9.2.11 Hydraulic Reservoir
- 50 9.2.12 Lug Nuts Or Bolts