Ditch Witch FX20 - Manual (Page 99)

1.5.5. TIRE SIZE
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the trailer's original tires or
another size recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner's
manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt
about the correct size to choose, consult with your dealer.
1.5.6. TIRE TREAD
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your trailer from slipping or
sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be
replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators
that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections
spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear "even" with the
outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires. Another method for checking tread depth is to
place a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top
of Lincoln's head, you are ready for new tires.
1.5.7. TIRE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT
To avoid vibration or shaking of the trailer when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced.
This balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on
the wheel-and-tire assembly. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are
positioned correctly relative to the trailer's frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires.
These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualified technician.
1.5.8. TIRE REPAIR
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside
the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are
not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from
the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.
1.5.9. TIRE FUNDAMENTALS
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. 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.
1.5.9.1. UTQGS Information
Treadwear 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.
Traction 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".
Temperature Letter - indicates a tire's resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that
is inflated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation 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".