Multiquip LT12P, LT12D Determining Load Limit of Tow Vehicle Step, Tire Fundamentals

TRAILER GUIDELINES

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 (Certification) 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 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.).

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 flat 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.

Use the information contained in this section to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or other tire failure.

TIRE FUNDAMENTALS

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires (Figure I). This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

Figure I. Standard Tire Sidewall Information

P: The “P” indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.

Next number: This three-digit number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.

Next number: This two-digit number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.

P: The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.

LT12 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #12 (01/20/09) — PAGE 63