Owner`s manual
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
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M+S—e “M+S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial
tires have these markings.
Speed Rating—e speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extend-
ed periods of time.
U.S. DOT Tire Identication Number—is begins with the letters “DOT” and indicated that the
tire meets all federal standards. e next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was man-
ufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the
numbers 1612 means the 16th week of 2012. e other numbers are marketing codes used at the man-
ufacturer’s discretion. is information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used—e number of plies indicates the number of layers of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can
support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating—is number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that
can be carried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Ination Pressure—is number is the greatest amount of air pressure that
should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
Vehicle Load Limits
Determining the load limits of a vehicle includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires
alone. On a motorhome, there is a federal certication label that is axed in the rear closet. e cer-
tication label will indicate the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). is is the most weight
the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the gross axle weight rating (GAWR).
is is the most a particular axle can weigh. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be
provided. For motorhomes, in the same location as the certication label described above, there is
a vehicle placard in the entry door frame. is placard provides tire and loading information. In
addition, this placard will show the vehicle’s seating capacity for people and a statement regarding
maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
For motorhomes, cargo can be added to the vehicle, up to the maximum weight specied on the
placard. For motorized vehicles, the combined weight of passengers and cargo is provided as a sin-
gle number. If fewer people are traveling, more cargo can be added. If more people are involved, the
weight of cargo must be reduced. In any case, remember: the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle,
including passengers, can not exceed the stated GVWR.