2017 OWNERS MANUAL / 422
handling and safety. MasterCraft dealers oer replacement tires; if
the owner chooses to purchase tires elsewhere, be certain that the
replacement tires meet the manufacturer’s requirements and that
they properly integrate with any tires remaining on the trailer.
Reading Tire Wear
The way your tires wear is a good indicator of how your trailer’s
various systems are integrating. Abnormal wear patterns are often
caused by the need for simple tire maintenance or alignment. Tires
should be inspected at every opportunity. Learning to read the early
warning signs of trouble can prevent wear that shortens tire life or
indicates the need for having other parts of the trailer serviced.
Tire Inspection Elements
• Visually inspect the tires
• Feel the tread by hand to detect tire wear such as feathering
• Check all tires with a tire pressure gauge
Samples Of Abnormal Wear
Tires
The most common cause of trailer tire trouble is under-inflation.
It is important, to always maintain correct air pressure as indicat-
ed by the tire manufacturer on the tire’s sidewalls. (Tire pressure
information may be listed on stickers elsewhere as a convenience,
but because tires may be replaced, the air pressure should always
be verified on the tire’s sidewall. If there is a dierence between
air pressure listings on labels, warning stickers and tire sidewalls,
always defer to the tire sidewall air pressure listing.)
Always check the air pressure when the tires are cold. Tires heat up
and the air pressure increases after traveling short distances. For
safety and convenience, inflate tires to the air pressure indicated
on the sidewall of the tire, but always carry a spare wheel and tire in
case of unexpected or sudden issues with a tire.
When trailer tires become worn or damaged, replace them with new
tires. An authorized MasterCraft dealer can help you.
During times of storage, maintain the proper tire inflation, shield
tires from UV rays (direct sunlight), and relieve the load on the tires
by supporting the trailer frame with concrete blocks or jack stands.
Keep tires properly inflated. Inspect each tire’s pressure before
each use. Refer to the tire sidewall for proper inflation. Failure to
maintain the correct tire pressure may result in tire failure and
loss of control. This may result in serious injury or death and/or
property damage.
The tires that come equipped on the MasterCraft trailer were
selected for durability as well as comfort and are matched to the
trailer’s specifications. Over time, as with all tires, there will be wear
and eventually replacement will be necessary. At that time, do not
mix radial and bias tires because it may aect the trailer/tow vehicle
Overinflation
Excessive wear at the center of the tread
indicates that the air pressure in the tire is
consistently too high. The tire is riding on the
center of the tread and wearing it prema-
turely. Many times, the “eyeball” method of
inflation (pumping the tires up until there
is no bulge at the bottom) is at fault. Tire
inflation pressure should always be checked
with a reliable tire gauge. Occasionally, this
wear pattern can result from extremely wide
tires on narrow rims. In such situations, tires
or wheels will have to be replaced.
Underinflation
This is the most common problem in trailer
tires. This type of wear usually results from
consistent underinflation. When a tire is
under inflated, there is too much contact
with the road by the outer treads, which
wear prematurely. Tire pressure should be
checked with a reliable pressure gauge.
Feathering
Feathering is a condition when the edge of
each tread rib develops a slightly rounded
edge on one side and a sharp edge on the
other. By running your hand over the tire, you
can usually feel the sharper edges before
you’ll be able to see them. The most common
cause of feathering is incorrect toe-in setting.
If this is occurring, have the toe-in adjusted to
a proper setting.
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