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 (Certifi cation) label at the left front of the trailer
(See Figure I).
Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers who will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
The resulting fi gure equals the available amount of cargo
and luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be fi ve 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage
capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
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 fl at tires. These actions,
along with other care and maintenance activities, can
also:
Improve vehicle handling.
and accidents.
tire or other tire failure.
in case of a recall.
Figure I. Standard Tire Sidewall Information
In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
