ShoreLand'r Powersports Trailer 2008 - Manual (Page 13)

Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com
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Page 13 REV B 4/11/2008
in braking in the event that your trailer is equipped with brakes.
Tires are not as safe when the tire tread is worn down to less than
1/16 inch tread. This is easily identified because most tires are
manufactured with tread, wear indicators that let you know when
the tires are worn to the point they should be replaced. These indi-
cators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the
grooves. When the tread has worn down to the point that they ap-
pear to be even with the outside of the tread it is time to replace the
tire. 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.
TIRE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT
To avoid vibration or shaking of the trailer when it is towed, the
tires must be properly balanced. Unbalanced tires, when rotate,
will cause vibration. The more they are out of balance, the more
the vibration will be. This vibration can be eliminated by positioning
weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel
and tire assembly. Most any tire store or service station that deals
with tires has the capability of balancing tires.
The wheels must be aligned so they are rotating in the same plane
as what the trailer is being towed. They must be positioned so that
they rotate in the same line as the trailer rather than at some slight
angle either inward or outward from this line. If they are not aligned
correctly, they will have a tendency to skid down the road caus-
ing the tread to wear off quickly and crooked. Correct alignment
maximizes the life of your tires and are preset when the axles are
welded during manufacturing. This alignment is correct and will
remain correct when towed under most towing conditions. Hitting
curbs and large pot holes with the trailer tires may distort the axle
and cause the spindle position to be knocked out of alignment.
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 side wall should not be repaired.
Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before
being plugged and patched.
TIRE FUNDAMENTALS
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized in-
formation on the side wall 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.
sure if your tires are not cold when the reading is taken because
the air will expand when it is warmed by towing down the road, thus
increasing the air pressure inside. If air is added to a tire that is low
the air pressure should never exceed the recommended pressure.
It is important to check your trailer’s tire pressure at least once a
month for the following reasons:
• Most tires will naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if driven over an object that
punctures or cuts the tire. Sometimes a sharp blow from a
pothole or curb can knock the tire loose from the rim causing
immediate deflation.
• Radial tires have an appearance of being under-inflated
because of the design and a visual inspection will not always tell
you whether the air pressure inside is below its proper operating
range.
MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURE
Locate the recommended tire pressure on the trailer’s tire 1.
information placard, certification label or else in the owner’s
manual.
Record the tire pressure of all tires.
2.
If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release 3.
air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of
your tire gauge until you get the correct pressure.
If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the
4.
measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These
“missing” pounds of pressure are what you will need to add.
Add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is
5.
under inflated.
Check all tires to make sure they have the same air pressure.
6.
If you have been towing your trailer and think that a tire is under
inflated, fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated
on your trailer’s tire label placard or the VIN label. You can also
check the sidewall of the tire for a correct tire inflation pressure.
Your tire will have a slightly lower air pressure because the tire is
warm when you are inflating it, but it will be much better than to
continue to tow it with the under inflation it may have had. Once the
trailer has been parked long enough to allow the tires to cool down,
recheck the tire pressure and add additional air to return the tire
pressure to the recommended level.
TIRE SIZE
To maintain the trailer’s carrying capacity and safety, purchase only
the same size tires as what were originally supplied on the trailer.
The tires on the trailer are an ST rated tire. This means that they
are a Special Trailer service tire that has more load carrying capac-
ity than a comparable size tire automotive grade tire. The carrying
capacity molded on the side wall of an automotive tire must be
reduced by 10% if it is going to be used on a trailer.
Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the
side wall of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you
have any questions about the correct size to choose, consult your
ShoreLandr’s ® dealer or local tire dealer for assistance.
TIRE TREAD
The tire tread provides a gripping action to the road to prevent it
from sliding on the road surface when cornering and also to help