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Old 12-19-2017, 07:29 PM   #1
CWtheMan
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Taylors, SC
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RV Trailer Tires

A synopsis: My version of RV trailer weights, tire & axle fitments simplified.

Although automotive vehicles and RV trailers are governed by the same building regulations and standards the weights may differ. The one undisputed weight is the vehicle’s GVWR. It is the maximum acceptable operating weight specified by it’s manufacturer.

Because axle manufacturers do not manufacturer axles in weight increments that will coincide with a vehicle manufacturer’s needs, the vehicle manufacturer has the authority to set GAWR weights that differ from the axle manufacturer’s certified GAWR. Example; Your trailer’s axles may have a tag on them from their manufacturer certifying their maximum load as 4000#. The trailer manufacturer can derate them to 3700#. It’s commonly done to allow the fitment of tires. In this case it could be they want to use ST215/75R14C tires because of their load capacity and diameter. Bottom line; The vehicle manufacturer’s GAWR values supersedes the axle manufacturers values and are the official certified values for that fitment.

Tires fitted to RV trailer axles must provide a load capacity equal to or greater than the certified GAWR of the axle (s). RV trailer manufacturer’s are required to set a recommended inflation pressure for those tires that is appropriate for their fitment.

Tire and axle fitments for RV trailers differ from automotive vehicle fitments because of the way the regulations and standards are written. Load capacity reserves are not a requirement for RV trailer tires or the axles they are fitted to. Their only requirement is to have load capacities equal to the tasks they are required to perform.

In the automotive industry axles and tires must provide a percentage of load capacity reserves. Their builders can do that with the axles/tire fitments or both. Look on your tow vehicle’s certification label and you will find that when the GAWRs are added together, they exceed GVWR. GVWR is the limiting factor so the axel overage is load capacity reserves. The tires may also have some load capacity reserves but not always. Rear tires may be maxed-out (inflation wise) but the axle’s load capacity reserves prevents the tires from being overloaded.

Tire industry standards for RV trailer tire replacements pretty much supports 100% of the building regulations that are certified. Because the building regulations are providing a minimum safety factor the tire industry standards will not do less. So, replacement tires must have a load capacity equal to or greater than the Original Equipment tires. That’s the way it’s written, but, there are other factors. Tire design. There are antiquated DOT regulations that are still active and are or can be applied at any time. They set a precedent that disallows changing tire designs from the trailer manufacturer’s OE tire design. It’s why it’s called a misapplication and also why almost any reputable tire retailer will refuse to make the swap. There are exceptions, LT tires designated RST (Regional Service Trailer). Any tire designed for low platform trailer service. Those are mostly 17.5” tires. Some European/Asian commercial tires designed for trailer service.

Because a trailer manufacturer uses something other than ST tires on a specific model or series of models does not imply that design can be used on some other model (s). The vehicle manufacturer has the sole responsibility in tire fitments and the tire design for such fitments. If a trailer manufacturer’s normal fitments are ST tires, with an optional design offering, that offering ends when the trailer is certified. Final certification ends before the vehicle is signed over to a consumer/owner. (Under some circumstances an authorized dealer is allowed to change the certification label prior to first sale, but only with the consent of the trailer manufacturer).

Today’s RV trailers, from the smallest to the largest, have more storage space than ever before. They can easily be overloaded long before all the storage spaces are used-up. It takes a wise and dedicated owner to be diligent enough to manage their trailer’s loads and how they are balanced.

Going back to those ST215/75R14C tires. They provide 3740# of load capacity for a 3700# axle. RV trailer axles hardly ever have a balanced load, so it’s very possible that one of those tires is going to be overloaded all the time. Only a savvy owner that often goes to a set of scales for load balancing can come close to being successful at keeping those tires from failing, early. (Early being a couple of years).

Remember, brochures are not official documents. They may have accurate information but not 100% of the time. Information in the vehicle owner’s manual is official. It was mandated by NHTSA. It should always be your guide over and above what is said in writings such as this.

I know all about what so and so said. “What is good for the goose is not always good for the gander.”

Reference material:
FMVSS
CFR 49 part 567
US Tire Manufacturing Association
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