Here are some highlights from an interesting article I came across while cleaning out my office. It was originally written by General Tire in the Trouble Shooting series. I think it’s relevant since summer is coming and all the campers will be hitting the streets with their vehicles packed to capacity and beyond!

As I read this article the first thought came to mind was the overloaded truck (everything but the kitchen sink) on the Beverly Hillbillies Show back in the the late 60’s…before you guess how old I am, I only watched the re-runs!!

First, here are the sobering facts:

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Survey revealed that 59% of campers and travel trailers have tire inflation pressures below the minimum recommended levels. This survey also stressed that one of three (34%) of RV’s are overloaded beyond the safe vehicle load carrying capacity.

Service (lack of) is a major factor contributing to this potential problem. Because RV’s may be out of service for long periods of time and are most frequently used during the hot summer months, proper care and maintenance of tires is especially important. The most critical factors are proper inflation & observation of maximum load limits.

How to properly weigh motorhomes and truck campers:

1. Load RV with all supplies and equipment. All storage tanks should be filled. Now load your family.
2. Drive entire vehicle to a public scale. maximum weight must not exceed GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) listed on the certification label. If overloaded, equipment/cargo must be removed.
3. Next, weigh each of the axles on the scale separately to determine weight on each axle.
4. Divide each loaded axle weights by the number of tires on that axle. If actual per tire load exceeds the load carrying capacity (as marked on the tire sidewall) reduce the load to within the acceptable limit.
5. Avoid adding heavy items to the bumpers or roof of the trailer, camper or motorhome.
6. Load Distribution – How can you tell if you have loaded correctly? Try this. Before you start loading, measure the heights of the bumpers from the ground. When you are done, measure again. if both bumpers have sunk the same distance, you have got load distribution licked.

Hopefully this information helps make your trip a safer one!

Have a great week,

BRian