Phaeton Owner's Manual - Tiffin Motorhomes | Wherever You

ROUTINE MAINTENANCEchange in the loading regimen of the motor home, it would be wise to re-calculate the load weights of thetires to assure optimal use of the motor home.Frequency of Checking Tire Inflation PressuresWhen one has determined the “correct” tire inflation pressures for each of the motor-home tires (as afunction of the “fully loaded” condition, of course) and inflated the tires under “cold” (i.e., tires haven’tbeen driven for more than one mile) conditions; then the air pressures in the tires should be periodicallychecked to make sure that they retain their proper pressures. It is recommended that tire pressures bechecked at least once a month (every two weeks would be better) and before any major trip. On longtrips, the tires (Figures 13-10, 11) should be checked every “drive” morning. On short trips (a day or less),the tires should be checked before one departs on the trip and again 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 thanone mile before being measured. In this manner, the tire pressure has not been increased by the heatingassociated with tire sidewall and tread flexureassociated with traveling. If one must check tiresthat are warm or hot, remember that they willnecessarily read higher than normal. Do not“bleed” these tires down to the “cold pressure”readings, as they will probably then beFigure 13-10. Rear Tireunderinflated when they are actually cool. Don’tmake any adjustments to tire pressures when thetires are warm or hot, if such can be avoided.Figure 13-11. Front TireTo make these tire-pressure measurements, it is recommended that one purchase a high-quality, truck-tireair gauge which has an angled dual head. This type of gauge allows one to check inflation pressures ofboth the inner dual wheel which has the valve stem pointing towards one and on the outer wheel whichhas the valve stem pointing away from one. Pressure-sealing valve caps should always be used to protectthe valve stems and prevent air from escaping from the valve stems.Tire Wear, Balance, and Wheel AlignmentIn addition to tire inflation considerations, the tires should also be periodically examined for other types ofnormal “wear and tear.” If installed and maintained properly, all tires mounted on the motor homeshould wear in a smooth, even pattern. If the tires begin to show irregular wear patterns and the motorhomealignment is still correct, then sometimes just rotating the tires by changing wheel position androtation of the tires will allow the tires to wear evenly.Check with the chassis manufacturer (Freightliner) and its literature (in the Owner’s Information Package)for particulars on maintaining proper wheel alignment. Tire rotation should include the spare tire in therotation pattern and changing the direction of rotation of the tires. Tires can be rotated front-to-rear andside-to-side.13-28