[Cortés]

Schu's News - Article

Dave Schumann
General Manager, Customer Relations Group
Airstream, Inc.

I am writing this article as the snow is flying in Ohio and the
memory of the beautiful weather at the Florida State Rally
is becoming a distant memory. Airstream Service and Parts
Departments wants to thank everyone (approx. 538 units) who
helped make it a huge success! It was great to see so many familiar
faces; I hope everyone who attended enjoyed it also.

This month I thought I would try to address a subject that
came up during the Motorhome Seminar at the Florida State
Rally. A gentleman asked how we arrive at the tire pressure
listed on the unit weight sticker; he stated this was confusing
when he was having his unit weighed at the Rally. The sticker
said 120 lbs., but he only puts 110lbs of air in his tires. The
people doing the weighing used the 120 lb. figure to establish
his carrying capacity.

The tire pressure information, which Airstream uses on
VIN and other documents are taken from the Incomplete
Vehicle Document, which comes with each chassis shipped
to Airstream from the various chassis suppliers. The Incomplete
Vehicle Document gives final stage manufacturers
directions on complying with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards and other information regarding the incomplete
chassis. On the front of Incomplete Vehicle Document is a
label giving the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), tire, rim and other
information. It also gives the maximum tire pressure to
achieve the Gross Axle Weight Ratings. This assumes that
the final customer could load the completed motor home to
maximum capacity. We use this tire pressure on our labels as
due diligence to protect our customers. If a customer does not
load his/her motor home to maximum capacity, it is possible
that the tire pressure could be reduced to give a smoother ride
etc. This must only be done however, after careful analysis
and weighing of the motor home and after contacting the tire
manufacturer for the tire carrying capacity at the lower
pressure. I do not recommend that our customers lower the
tire pressure below the values specified. It is the customer’s
responsibility to frequently check their tire pressure (including
inside duals) for the proper pressure.

Published trailer tire pressure is taken from the tire itself
and is the pressure the tire manufacturer specifies to achieve
the tire’s maximum carrying capacity.

How important is Air Pressure and what can I do to
maintain it?

The most common way of damaging tires is improper
inflation. As tires lose pressure over time it causes them to
experience irregular tread wear, poor vehicle handling and
traction, and decreased gas mileage. Under inflated tires can
build up excessive heat and blow out without warning. Under
inflated tires can also reduce fuel economy by 2% for every
pound of air pressure below recommended inflation. Pressure
should be checked at least once a month using a good
quality tire pressure gauge. Pressure should be checked when
the tires are cold.

Cold Inflation Pressure

The measure of air pressure
of a tire that is not warm from driving (less than 1 mile
or standing for at least 3 hours).

You can find out what the proper inflation numbers on
your tires are by checking the owner’s manual of your
vehicle. Even if the tires have been changed since the vehicle
was new, the car manufacturers recommended pressures still
apply. Also remember to check your spare tire for loss of air.

How Often?

Michelin recommends checking air pressure once a month,
and before a long trip. Whether you have a full-sized or minispare,
make sure that it is properly inflated as well.

The Best Time to Inflate

Air expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. For
accurate pressure, always check the pressure when the tires
are “cold” — at least three hours after the vehicle has been
stopped and before it has been driven one mile. It’s best to
inflate your tires in the morning before the day’s heat.
For example, it is possible for a passenger tire initially
inflated to 35 psi to lose 1/2 psi per month. A substantial,
seasonal temperature change can also affect inflation pressure,
with cold ambient temperatures causing effectively
lower air pressure.

Valves and Valve Caps

The tire’s valve is a very important maintenance item in
terms of keeping the inflation air in your tires. These valves
are ordinarily rubber, can deteriorate over time, and should
be replaced when you buy new tires. At high speeds, a
cracked, deteriorated rubber valve stem can bend from
centrifugal force and allow air loss.
The valve cap is likewise an important item. Buy some
good quality valve caps that can contain the inflation air
should the core of the valve fail for any reason. Valve caps
also keep out moisture, which could freeze and in turn
depress the valve core, causing loss of air. The cap also keeps
out dust and dirt particles, which could also interfere with the
proper operation of the valve core and cause loss of air.

Inflation Tips

Purchase a good pressure gauge and check it for accuracy
with your tire dealer.

Beware of public gauges at the gas station. They are often
abused and unreliable.

I believe the majority of RVers are well aware of how
important tire care is to traveling safely, but this continues to
be a frequently asked about subject.

Key Fobs

A very nice lady (Henny Koopman) at the Rally brought
to my attention a problem she was having with the Touchtronic
Key Fobs that came with her motorhome .
She indicated she found a place in Sarasota that not only
repaired them but sold replacement key fobs as well:

Autotronics Phone: 941-366-0775
1507 N.Washington Blvd. Fax: 941-366-0594
Sarasota , Florida 34236 Email:
autotronic2000@aol.com

Have a great month and we’ll see you on down the road.