safety guidelines — TRAILERS
There is a vehicle placard (Figure I) located in the same location as the certifi cation label described above. This placard provides tire and loading information. In addition, this placard will show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX kg. Or XXX lbs.
TIRE | SIZE COLD TIRE PRESSURE | SEE OWNER’S |
FRONT |
| MANUAL FOR |
REAR |
| ADDITIONAL |
SPARE |
| INFORMATION |
|
| |
|
|
|
Figure I. Trailer Tire Placard
If additional work items (hoses, tools, clamps etc.) are going to be added to the trailer, be sure they are distributed evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side to side. Heavy items should be placed low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side may overload a tire.
Excessive loads and/or underinfl ation cause tire overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire fl exing occurs.This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure. It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load, so proper infl ation is critical. The proper air pressure may be found on the certifi cation/VIN label and/or on the Tire and Loading Information placard. This value should never exceed the maximum cold infl ation pressure stamped on the tire.
Perform the following steps to determine the load limit of your trailer.
step 1.
Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard (Figure I). This value equals the available amount of equipment load capacity.
step 2.
Determine the weight of the equipment being loaded on the tow vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available equipment load capacity. The trailer’s Tire Information Placard is attached adjacent to or near the trailer’s VIN (Certifi cation) label at the left front of the trailer (See Figure I).
Determining Load Limit of Tow vehicle step 1.
Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard.
step 2.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle.
step 3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
step 4.
The resulting fi gure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be fi ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs.
step 5.
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 Step 4.
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.
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and fl at tires. These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also:
Improve vehicle handling.
Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents.
Improve fuel economy.
Increase the tire life.
MLT25 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • operation manual — rev. #0 (11/28/12) — page 37