Allegro RED Owner's Manual - Tiffin Motorhomes

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –ALLEGRO RED® Chapter 13 ROUTINE MAINTENANCEFrequency of Checking Tire Inflation PressuresWhen one has determined the “correct” tire inflation pressures for each of the motor-home tires (as a function of the“fully loaded” condition, of course) and inflated the tires under “cold” (i.e., tires haven’t been driven for more than onemile) conditions; then the air pressures in the tires should be periodically checked tomake sure that they retain their proper pressures. It is recommended that tire pressuresbe checked at least once a month (every two weeks would be better) and before anymajor trip. On long trips, the tires should be checked every “drive” morning. On shorttrips (a day or less), the tires should be checked before one departs on the trip andagain before one returns home.Check tire pressures when they are “cold”; that is, the tires haven’t been driven at all or,at most, less than one mile before being measured. In this manner, the tire pressure hasnot been increased by the heating associated with both tire sidewall and tread flexureassociated with traveling. If one must check tires that are warm or hot, remember thatthey will necessarily read higher than normal. Do not “bleed” these tires down to the“cold pressure” readings, as they will probably then be underinflated when they areactually cool. Don’t make any adjustments to tire pressures when the tires are warm orhot, if such can be avoided.Figure 13-10. Rear TireTo make these tire-pressure measurements, it is recommended that one purchase aquality, truck-tire air gauge which has an angled dual head. This type of gauge allowsone to check inflation pressures of both the inner dual wheel which has the valve stempointing towards one and of the outer wheel which has the valve stem pointing awayfrom one. Pressure-sealing valve caps should always be used to protect the valve stemsand prevent air from escaping from the valve stems.Tire Wear, Balance, and Wheel AlignmentFigure 13-10. Front TireIn addition to tire inflation considerations, the tires should also be periodically examined for other types of normal “wearand tear.” If installed and maintained properly, all tires mounted on the motor home should wear in a smooth, evenpattern. If the tires begin to show irregular wear patterns and the motorhome alignment is still correct, then sometimesjust rotating the tires by changing wheel position and rotation of the tires will allow the tires to wear evenly. Check withthe chassis manufacturer (Freightliner) and its literature (in the Owner’s Information Package) for particulars onmaintaining proper wheel alignment. Tire rotation should include the spare tire in the rotation pattern and changing thedirection of rotation of the tires. Tires can be rotated front-to-rear and side-to-side.13-27