MDC XT16HR Series User manual

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XT16HR Family
OFFROAD Travel Trailer
OWNER’S MANUAL
U.S.A. EDITION: 2023 - Version 1
www.mdcusa.com
* 2022 Model shown.
Phone: [phone]
Copyright © MDC Caravans and Campers INC 2021 All Rights
Reserved

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Copyright © MDC Campers and Caravans Inc. 2020 All Rights Reserved
All files and information contained in this Owner’s Manual are copyright protected by MDC Campers and
Caravans Inc. (collectively, “MDC”), and may not be duplicated, copied, modified, or adapted, in any way
without our written permission. This Owner’s Manual may contain MDC service marks or trademarks as
well as those of MDC affiliates or other companies, in the form of words, graphics, and logos. Your use of
this Owner’s Manual does not constitute any right or license for you to use MDC’s or any other party’s
service marks or trademarks, without the prior written permission of MDC or the applicable party. MDC’s
content, as found within this Owner’s Manual, is protected under US and foreign copyright laws. The
copying, redistribution, use or publication by you of any such content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of this
Owner’s Manual does not grant you any ownership rights to the content of this Owner’s Manual.
DISCLAIMER: This Owner’s Manual is provided in good faith, and MDC may amend or update this Owner’s
Manual from time to time at MDC’s discretion.
Use of Product
The intent and purpose of this Owner’s Manual is to assist owners in the correct use and operation of camper
trailers and caravans (the “Product”) and outline the servicing schedule to be followed in order to ensure the
correct maintenance of the Product.
Servicing
Servicing information contained in this Owner’s Manual is provided for those who have appropriate technical
skills in regard to maintenance and repairs. The servicing content of this Owner’s Manual assumes a satisfactory
technical knowledge,
as well as mechanical skills and experience, therefore, it is not suitable for people who are not trained or qualified
in the subject matter with which it deals.
If you do not have the appropriate skills and experience, or if you do not have access to appropriate tools
and equipment, you may injure yourself or others around you and/or you may cause damage to the
Product you are working on, including making it unsafe.
Users of this Owner’s Manual must:
a. Read all content thoroughly. It is especially important to have a good understanding of all of the contents shown
in the INTRODUCTION and SAFETY Sections of this Owner’s Manual.
b. Use only the correct tools and equipment for all repairs and servicing.
c. If part replacement is necessary, replace the part with the same part number or equivalent part.
DO NOT replace it with a part of inferior quality. If you have any questions, please contact us at: 1-833-632-
8721
d. Observe all ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ to reduce the risk of personal injury during service or repair, or improper
service or repair, that may damage the Product or render it unsafe.
e. Understand that the ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ in this Owner’s Manual are not exhaustive because it is
impossible to warn of all possible hazardous consequences that might result from failure to follow the
instructions in this Owner’s Manual.
f. You must carry out your own risk assessments as you work.
MDC does not warrant against and does not accept any or all liability (whether for personal injury, death,
illness, property damage or other losses or damages) which may arise because a user of this Owner’s Manual
failed to follow directions set forth in this Owner’s Manual or to follow other safe work methods associated
with use and maintenance of the Product. This Owner’s Manual is subject to the MDC Limited Warranty
found at: www.mdcusa.com
Those without the required skills, knowledge, tools, and experience to work on and maintain the Product should seek the
services of a suitably qualified person or business.
This Owner’s Manual is based on the latest Product information at the time of release. However, specifications and
procedures are subject to change without notice. Any updates to this Owner’s Manual may be found at:
www.mdcusa.com
www.mdcusa.com
Ph: 1-833-632-8721

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My XT16HR Island
DISCLAIMER: By receiving this handbook, you confirm there you have read and agree
to all the terms and conditions and understood the use and maintenance care of
MDC Campers and Caravans Inc.
NAME:
ADDRESS 1:
ADDRESS 2:
MODEL:
VIN:
BUILD DATE:
DRY WEIGHT:
GVWR:
TIRE SIZE:
DEALER PH:

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Table of Contents
General Safety Information............................................6
Safety Alert Symbols and Signal Words.................. 6
Reporting Safety Defects...........................................6
Tow vehicle and Trailer Compatibility.....................6
Terminology & Abbreviations..................................7
Secondary Escape........................................................8
Fire ......................................................................................9
Ventilation.....................................................................9
Precautions ...................................................................9
Combustible Materials................................................9
Fire Extinguisher ..........................................................9
In Case Of Fire .............................................................9
Achieving a Safe Towing Combination......................10
Trailer Tire Pressures ................................................11
Tow Vehicle Tire Pressures .....................................11
Ball (Coupling) Weight..............................................11
Load Placement..........................................................11
Trailer Level ................................................................11
Hitch Movement........................................................12
Vehicle Squat..............................................................12
Maximum Weight Limits ..........................................13
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)..............13
Vehicle GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ..13
Axle Load ................................................................13
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) ....14
Summary ..........................................................................14
Tire Safety Information.................................................15
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer
.......................................................................................15
Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less ............15
Steps for Determining Load Limit – TOW
VEHICLE ......................................................................15
Tire Safety – Everything Rides on it ......................16
Safety First – Basic Tire Maintenance ..............16
Finding Your Vehicles Recommended Tire
Pressure and Load Limit.......................................16
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits.16
Checking Tire Pressure ........................................17
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure.....17
Tire Size...................................................................17
Tire Tread................................................................17
Tire balance and wheel alignment .....................17
Tire repair................................................................18
Tire fundamentals .................................................18
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires...........18
Treadwear Number UTQGS Information.........19
Tire Pressures.............................................................19
Additional Information on Light Truck Tires....20
Tire Safety Tips......................................................20
Propane Safety ...............................................................21
Gas Certification ....................................................... 21
General Safety........................................................... 21
Propane Cylinder Safety.......................................... 22
Gas Appliance Safety ............................................... 23
Removing Door Vent Cover ................................... 23
Isolating Appliances.................................................. 23
Electrical Safety............................................................. 24
Shore Power .............................................................. 24
GFI Safety Switch ..................................................... 24
Battery Compartment.............................................. 24
Brake Controller ................................................... 25
Jacking Your Trailer.................................................. 25
Dangerous Gases...................................................... 26
MDC Contact Details and Stores .......................... 26
Using Your Trailer ......................................................... 27
Connecting to the Tow Vehicle ............................. 27
Towing with Trucks and Buses.......................... 27
Connecting the Hitch........................................... 28
Connecting Wiring ............................................... 33
Connecting the Safety Chains............................ 33
Connecting the Breakaway ................................ 34
Operating the Jockey Wheel ............................. 34
Loading Your Trailer................................................. 35
Pre-Trip Inspection................................................... 35
Operating Trailer Features...................................... 36
Stabilizer Legs........................................................ 36
Connecting Shore Power .................................... 36
Using the Slide Out Kitchen............................... 36
12 Volt Electrical System ........................................ 37
Control Panel......................................................... 37
Towing Your Trailer ...................................................... 38
Speed and Road Conditions.................................... 38
Trailer Sway ............................................................... 38
Fatigue ........................................................................ 38
Daily Checks .............................................................. 38
Correct Wiring of Tow Vehicle .............................. 39
Trail-Assure™ Electronic Stability Control System. 40
Choosing a Camp Site .............................................. 44
Inclement Weather .............................................. 44
Care and Maintenance of the Trailer ........................ 45
Protection of Finishes.............................................. 45
Corrosion Protection ........................................... 45
Solar Panels............................................................ 46
Sealants .................................................................. 46
Trailer Body Maintenance ........................................... 46
Winterizing the Trailer............................................. 46
Water Heater Bypass Installed.......................... 46
Water Heater Bypass Not Installed.................. 46
Post Winter................................................................ 46
Winter Storage.......................................................... 46
Mechanical Maintenance............................................. 47

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Wheels and Tires .......................................................47
Brakes ..........................................................................47
Brake Adjustment......................................................47
Brake Cleaning and Inspection ...............................47
Magnets.......................................................................48
Shoes and Linings ......................................................48
Bearings and Seals.................................................48
Suspension..............................................................49
Handbrake ..............................................................50
Hitch.........................................................................50
Ball Bearing Slides.................................................50
Plumbing and Toilet.......................................................51
Grey Water Tank...................................................51
Fresh Water Tanks................................................51
Selecting the Supply tank ....................................51
Connecting to City Water ...................................51
Toilet Care and Maintenance..............................51
Truma AquaGo Hot Water System........................52
Safety symbols and signal words............................52
Safety behavior and practices.................................52
Responsibilities of the operator..............................52
Safe operation.................................................................53
While driving ..............................................................53
Safe handling of malfunctions.................................54
Safe maintenance and repair...................................54
Safety features ...........................................................54
Operating Instructions ..................................................55
How the appliance works ........................................55
Pressure relief valve ......................................................56
Access door.................................................................57
Removing the access door.......................................58
Closing the access door............................................58
Starting The Appliance .............................................59
Inspections before each use....................................59
Operating Procedures...................................................60
Operating modes (control panel)............................62
Operation in frost conditions ......................................63
Winterizing......................................................................64
Winterizing the appliance.............................................64
Winterizing the RV with a winterizing fluid..............65
Draining the water and cleaning the water inlet
filter ..............................................................................66
Decalcification ................................................................68
Appendix A – Error Codes .......................................75
Troubleshooting.........................................................76
Water Pump................................................................78
Selecting Fresh Water Tank ....................................78
Furnace ............................................................................79
Introduction: ...............................................................79
General Safety............................................................79
Operation ....................................................................81
A. Turning On The Furnace .................................... 81
B. Turning Off The Furnace.................................... 82
Inspection And Monthly Maintenance................. 82
Schematics & Part Numbers ....................................... 83
Spare Part Numbers ................................................. 83
Electrical Diagram..................................................... 84
Lithium Battery System ........................................... 85
Battery Care............................................................... 85
Lithium (LiFePO4) Battery Reset........................... 85
Charging System – BM Pro ......................................... 86
Batteryplus Trouble Shooting ................................ 88
Hub Assembly............................................................ 89
Trailing Arms and Bushes........................................ 90
Service Record and Schedule ..................................... 91
Travel Record...........................................................113
Warranty Policy...........................................................115
Guide to Video Tutorials............................................ 119
Handover Video ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Setup Tutorial ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
External Ensuite Setup Tutorial ... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Annex Setup Tutorial .............. Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Pack Down Video Tutorial..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix.......................................................................120

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General Safety Information
Safety Alert Symbols and Signal Words
This owner manual provides general information only for the model depicted. You must read, follow, and
understand the instructions of all third party fitments, appliances, and accessories as well as the manufacturers
information contained in this manual.
MDC trailers are manufactured using many third party supplied products which have separate manuals. These
manual must be read in conjunction with this document and all instructions followed. If your trailer does not have
additional manuals included, contact Market Direct Group on 1-833-632-8721
Safety information in this manual is denoted by
Risk level is indicated by the following Signal Words.
- Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death if the warning is
ignored.
- Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe personal injury or death
if the warning is ignored
- Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor or moderate injury if the
warning is ignored
- Practices that could result in damage to the trailer or other property
INFORMATION- Helpful information and important points.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying MDC
Caravans and Campers INC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Market Direct Group.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
4249153), go to http://www.nhtsa.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street. SE., Washington,
DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.nhtsa.gov. Call 1-
833-632-8721 to reach MDC Caravans and Campers INC.
Tow vehicle and Trailer Compatibility
Your tow vehicle manufacturer has applied a maximum towing capacity to the vehicle which is the Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) and a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). These specifications MUST NOT be
exceeded. It is your responsibility to know, understand and follow these specifications. Vehicle manufacturers
may also specify or recommend “Weight Distribution Bars” when towing under certain conditions. You MUST
ensure this is compatible with the vehicle and trailer combination.
DANGER – Exceeding manufacturer weight and combination limits can result in loss of control leading to death
or serious injury. Your tow vehicle and hitch must be rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight of the trailer.

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Terminology & Abbreviations
Dry Weight: The total weight of the trailer (load on tires plus coupling load) with all options and fittings
as supplied by the manufacturer, with empty water tanks, excluding fluids not essential for operation on
public roads, and without luggage or personal effects.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Rating: The total permissible mass of the Trailer. This includes the coupling
mass and whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, luggage) up to the specified rating. The GVW Rating
must not be exceeded.
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight) Rating: The total permissible mass that can be supported by the wheels/
tires of the Tow Vehicle and Trailer Combination. This includes whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas,
equipment, and luggage), and total weight of the tow vehicle. The GCW Rating must not be exceeded.
*Illustration Purposes Only

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Terminology & Abbreviations Cont’d
Tongue Weight: The downward load exerted on the tow point of the vehicle by the trailer.
Dry Weight: The total weight of the trailer with no cargo, water, or propane.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): The total mass of the trailer and cargo.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight rating) Maximum rated total mass of trailer and cargo.
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating): This is the total allowable combined mass of tow vehicle and trailer
as determined by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Camber: Camber angle is the measure in degrees of the difference between the wheel’s vertical alignment
perpendicular to the surface. If a wheel is perfectly perpendicular to the surface, its camber would be 0 degrees.
Camber is described as negative when the top of the tire begins to tilt inward towards the chassis rail.
Your MDC trailer should be 0-0.5 degrees negative camber.
Toe In/out: Negative toe, or toe out, is the front of the wheel pointing away from the centreline of the vehicle.
Positive toe, or toe in, is the front of the wheel pointing towards the centreline of the vehicle. Toe can be
measured in linear units, at the front or rear of the tire, or as an angular deflection. In the case of MDC products,
the “toe in”
is measured in degrees or 64th’s of an inch at the front of the tire from the chassis rail.
Your MDC trailer should have toe in set at 3/64” to 5/64” over the diameter of the tire.
Secondary Escape
The secondary escape in your trailer is marked as “EXIT” and has red release handles as shown in the photo
below. This escape must be clear and unobstructed for emergency escape should the main entry/exit door
becomes inaccessible.
To use this escape:
1. Retract blinds/screen.
2. Turn red handles to open.
3. Escape through open window hatch.

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Fire
Ventilation
Do not obstruct any permanent ventilation in this camper/caravan including annex attachments.
Precautions
Do not leave children or pets alone in the camper/caravan.
Combustible Materials
Keep all combustible materials away from:
•Ovens and cooktops
•Hot water heater
•Diesel heater and outlet
Fire Extinguisher
Ensure fire extinguisher is free of obstruction and in operable condition.
Ensure you are familiar with its location and operation.
In Case Of Fire
•Evacuate everyone from the trailer and clear the immediate area.
•Turn off gas valve at the gas cylinder.
•Disconnect mains power supply.
•Call fire brigade on 911
•Only try and extinguish the fire if safe to do so.

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Achieving a Safe Towing Combination
Ensuring a camper or caravan is safe and easy to tow is generally an easy thing to achieve, this doesn’t mean it’s
always the case and sometimes, a vehicle and trailer combination may need some tweaking to make it ideal.
There are a number of aspects that need to be correct in order to maximise towing safety and handling. It is
important to use this information in conjunction with the maximum weight limits applied by your tow vehicle’s
manufacturer as well as ensuring you stay within the maximum specified ratings of your caravan or camper.
These can be found in the vehicle’s owner manual. This summary will address the main aspects, these aspects
include, but may not be limited to the items listed in the following diagram:

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Trailer Tire Pressures
Tire pressures have a large effect on the handling and performance of any vehicle, be it a towed vehicle or
motorized. The tire pressure on your camper or caravan will indeed be a major contribution to how well it tows
and resists instability. Due to how much a camper or caravan may vary in weight depending on the cargo (as
much as 3,500lbs to 7,700lbs in the MDC range) it is important to have your tires at the pressure recommended
by the trailer manufacturer, for the actual weight of the trailer when loaded. You should follow the tire pressure
guide in this manual for on road/highway tire pressures.
Tow Vehicle Tire Pressures
Equally as important as trailer tire pressure is the tire pressures in your tow vehicle. The added weight of the
trailer ball weight should be factored into calculating the tire pressures in the rear of the car. What should also be
factored in is the effect the distance of the hitch from the axles plays in leverage. A load on the tow bar of 250kg
may well have the effect of 300kg or more on the vehicles rear tires meaning additional pressure must be applied.
This will limit sidewall flex and sideways movement of the rear of the vehicle, limiting unwanted movement that
can cause instability in the trailer.
Ball (Coupling) Weight
The ratio of overall weight of the trailer to the weight exhibited on the tow ball or coupling
is an extremely important aspect of making a trailer handle correctly when towed.
Generally, the ball or tongue weight allowed by most vehicle manufacturers is 10% of the
maximum towing capacity. Given this ratio, the caravan industry builds campers and
caravans with this in mind. When loading your MDC caravan, you should have a target ball
or coupling weight of 10% or slightly higher to ensure the weight balance is at an ideal
starting point. This figure should not be a guess, you should weigh your caravan with its
normal load when travelling and use a ball weight scale to achieve the desires ball weight.
These are an inexpensive item that will help you get the weight balance right when you
load up for your trip.
Load Placement
Where you place the items in your trailer will affect how it behaves. Loading too much
weight in the extremities of the trailer can have a very bad effect. MDC owner manuals
have a loading guide to assist in this area. By following the guide and ball weight
recommendations you’ll achieve the best possible result. Use the load placement guide in this manual as a
reference for packing your caravan.
Trailer Level
The height of your hitch in respect to the level of the trailer will change the handling while being towed. The best
practice with your MDC trailer is when loaded and hitched to the vehicle, the drawbar is NO higher than level.
Ideally you should look to have the drawbar slightly lower than level between 0 and 50mm. Higher than level or
too low will have an adverse effect on how the trailer tows.

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Hitch Movement
Most modern tow bars have an adjustable screw fitted to the hitch receiver that can be used to stop the hitch
insert from rattling. Unfortunately this is not a sure fire way to limit sideways movement that can affect how well
your trailer tows. Hitch movement from side to side can cause sway and when combined with a tow vehicle that
has a greater distance between the rear axle centre and the hitch point, this affect can cause serious sway issues.
Combine this with poor tire pressures on the tow vehicle and you have a recipe for disaster.
If there is excess play in the hitch and hitch receiver, you may need to place shims either side of the insert to limit
the movement. Shims are commercially available such as the pack below.
Vehicle Squat
When the back of a vehicle squats due to cargo and/or ball weight of the trailer, the handling of the tow vehicle
can be changed to its detriment. Vagueness in steering, poor toe, camber, and caster settings due to reduced
front suspension load, reduced brake and tire grip are often the result. All this in turn can result in a poorly
handling towing combination. The best way to rectify this is upgrading the tow vehicle suspension to be suitable
for the weights being experienced. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH),
this will be outlined in the vehicle owner manual and should be considered. You should also consult with the
trailer manufacturer if this is an appropriate fitment to the trailer. The WDH should NOT be used in off road
operation as it will NOT meet the required articulation that will be experienced. To better setup your tow vehicle
suspension, it’s best to consult a suspension expert experienced with towing requirements.

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Maximum Weight Limits
The following is an outline of the ratings that will be specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle and the
camper/caravan manufacturer. These MUST be followed in conjunction with previously mentioned criteria for
safe handling. None of the maximum ratings may be exceeded.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This limit is specified by the trailer manufacturer and must NOT be exceeded under any circumstances. The ATM
is the full weight of the loaded trailer including ball (coupling) mass.
Vehicle GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the loaded weight including fuel, passengers, cargo, and ball (coupling) mass of the attached trailer on the
tow vehicle.
Axle Load
This is the maximum load on an axle specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer. It is possible to have your vehicle
and trailer within ATM, GVM and GCM load limits but above the axle load limit specified. Be sure that this is not
exceeded.

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GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
GCM is the maximum combined load of the tow vehicle and trailer, as specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Never exceed this maximum weight limit.
Summary
The above will assist in tuning or trouble shooting handling problems with your towing combination but are not
the sole influences. Other items for consideration are:
•Wheel alignment on both vehicle and trailer.
•Wear and tear on:
-Suspension bushes
-Shock absorbers
-Springs
-Tires
•Tow vehicle tire size (Oversize tires)
•Extended hitches
•Distance between axle centre and hitch point
•Tow vehicle accessories (Weight distribution)
•Real life tow vehicle capability (Not all vehicles are created equal)
The purpose of this information is to help you to do a self-assessment and achieve a sound towing combination. If
you are not confident you can achieve this, you should consult an expert to assist.
If you require assistance from MDC, call 833-632-8721 and speak to our customer service department.

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Tire Safety Information
This section of the User Manual contains tire safety information as required by 49 CFR 575.6.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer
Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less
1. Locate the statement “The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicles
placard. See figure 1-1
2. This figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
Tire and Loading Information Placard – Figure 1-1
3. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity.
The trailer’s placard refers to the Tire Information Placard attached adjacent to or near the trailer’s VIN
(Certification) label at the left front of the trailer.
Note: The following calculations in Sections 2.1.2 and 2.2 are not required by the government. For the purpose of
completeness, NATM has included these statements.
Steps for Determining Load Limit – TOW VEHICLE
1. Locate the statement, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage capacity calculated in Step # 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
the tow vehicle’s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage
capacity of your vehicle.

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Tire Safety – Everything Rides on it
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that
discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced in part below. It
can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free of charge, from the following web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not
carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and
inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid
tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires. These actions, along with other care and
maintenance activities, can also:
•Improve vehicle handling.
•Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents.
•Improve fuel economy.
•Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including information on the following topics:
•Basic tire maintenance
•Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
•Fundamental characteristics of tires
•Tire safety tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Recognize that
the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or
other tire failure.
Safety First – Basic Tire Maintenance
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicle.
Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above,
to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and
vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards, and regularly inspect your tires.
Finding Your Vehicles Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limit
Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and load limits. These
labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s information including:
•Recommended tire size
•Recommended tire inflation pressure
•Vehicle capacity weight (VCW–the maximum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is designed to
carry)
•Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR– the maximum weight the axle systems are designed
to carry).
Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the
overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air
pressure– measured in pounds per square inch (psi)–a tire requires to be properly inflated. (You will also find
this number on the vehicle information placard expressed in kilopascals (kPa), which is the metric measure
used internationally.) Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine this number based on
the vehicle’s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the
vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the “recommended cold inflation
pressure.” (As you will read below, it is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pressure if your tires are not
cold.) Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the
“maximum permissible inflation pressure” on the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

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Checking Tire Pressure
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons:
•Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
•Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when
parking.
•With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine underinflation by visual inspection.
For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle. Gauges can be purchased at tire
dealerships, auto supply stores, and other retail outlets.
The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper psi when a
tire is cold. The term cold does not relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one that has not
been driven on for at least three hours. When you drive, your tires get warmer, causing the air pressure
within them to increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you must measure tire pressure
when the tires are cold or compensate for the extra pressure in warm tires.
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
•Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle’s tire information placard, certification
label, or in the owner’s manual.
•Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.
•Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air by gently pressing on the
tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure.
•Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the
correct tire pressure. These “missing” pounds of pressure are what you will need to add.
•Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is underinflated.
•Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure (except in cases in which the
front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of pressure).
If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a tire is underinflated, fill it to the recommended cold
inflation pressure indicated on your vehicle’s tire information placard or certification label. While your tire
may still be slightly underinflated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire, it is safer to drive with
air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure than
to drive with a significantly underinflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix, don’t forget to recheck and adjust
the tire’s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s original tires, or another size
recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the sidewall
of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose,
consult with the tire dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding,
especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is
worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that let you know when it is time to
replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread
grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires. Another
method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing
you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are ready for new tires.
Tire balance and wheel alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced. This
balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire
assembly. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative to
the vehicle’s frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special
equipment and should be performed by a qualified technician.

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Tire repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that
surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but
punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly
inspected before being plugged and patched.
Tire fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire
identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
P
The “P” indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.
Next number
This three-digit number gives the width in millimetres of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general,
the larger the number, the wider the tire.
Next number
This two-digit number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Numbers of 70 or lower
indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
R
The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
Next number
This two-digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to
purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Next number
This two- or three-digit number is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can
support. You may find this information in your owner’s manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer. Note: You may
not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.

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M+S
The “M+S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have these
markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers
or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 mean the 31st week of 1997. The other numbers are
marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the
number of plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the
tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving
conditions.
Treadwear Number UTQGS Information
This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the
tread to wear down. For example, a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200.
Traction Letter
This letter indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your
car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as
“AA”, ”A”, “B”, and “C”.
Temperature Letter
This letter indicates a tire’s resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is inflated properly and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or
“C”.
Tire Pressures
Actual Weight
Pressure PSI
Single Axle
Pressure Kpa
Single Axle
5300 lb 55psi 379Kpa
5500 lb 58psi 400Kpa
5700 lb 60psi 414Kpa
5900 lb 63psi 434Kpa
6150 lb 65psi 448Kpa
6400 lb 68psi 469Kpa
6600 lb 70psi 483Kpa

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Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
Please refer to the following diagram.
Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
LT
The “LT” indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers.
ST
An “ST” is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Max. Load Dual kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold
This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four
tires are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).
Max. Load Single kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold
This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single.
Load Range
This information identifies the tire’s load-carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
•Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road.
•Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway and try not to strike the curb when
parking. Tire Safety Checklist
•Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), including the spare.
•Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or
trauma.
•Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in the tread.
•Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
•Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.
•Do not overload your vehicle. Check the Tire Information and Loading Placard or User’s Manual for the
maximum recommended load for the vehicle.