Tire Safety Information
Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer on your trailer’s
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VIN (Certification) label.
Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR stated on the VIN
label. That weight is the maximum available cargo capacity of the trailer and
may not be safely exceeded.
3.3 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT – TOW
VEHICLE
Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be
riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX pounds.
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
capacity calculated in previous step.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the tow vehicle’s manual to determine how this weight
transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle.
3.4 GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which
may be replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).
Bead The part of the tire that is made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply
cords and that is shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the
bead.
Bias ply tire A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the
tread.
Carcass The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated,
bears the load.
Chunking The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.