I received this comment/message/question about tire sidewall info:
A material list on the tire sidewall? I’ve never seen this. It sounds like FDA package list of: flour, corn syrup. Reading black bumps on black might work in ideal lighting, but I have trouble finding the max PSI.
I replied with this:
The list of materials and the max load numbers are easily seen molded on the sidewall of all tires per Federal Regulation for the last 40+ years. The US-DOT specified letter size, location, and content are as seen in the below examples. The best lighting for taking pictures of tires is in direct sunlight.
To read letters molded on your tire sidewall, you might find it easier if you get out your phone aka camera and snap a couple of pictures of this important information.
I suggest you wash your tire sidewall with soap (the same soap you would use to wash the side of your RV is a good choice) and water. Then snap pictures of three areas with the tire in full sunlight. Here are examples from three different tires:
1. The complete DOT serial
NOTE: You should confirm all your tires have the same serial number. If not, get a picture of each serial number.
In case you are wondering, the “6VJB11” is a code used by tire companies and DOT if or when there is a recall. The “6V” part is a code for the actual plant where the tire was made. This tire was manufactured the seventh week of 2020. You can look up the plant code info here.
2. The tire “max load” information
Please take note of the “AT” after the Max Load info and before the PSI number.
Yes, this is a P-Type Passenger tire. Your ST or LT or Class-A “Truck” tire will have different numbers, but ALL tires are required to have Load and Inflation information on the sidewall.
Note on “Max psi”: You should focus on the “Max Load” and understand that the tire is only rated for that load when the tire is inflated to the stated PSI, and the inflation is checked at ambient temperature—NOT when hot from running or in direct sunlight for the previous 2 to 3 hours. The “Max psi” IS NOT the highest level of inflation a tire can tolerate. Undamaged tires can tolerate much higher PSI when warm from running.
3. The tire material list
Keep in mind, if you have the tire sidewall info handy in a photo or on your phone, it will be much easier for you. Then, if you have tire problems in the middle of the night and don’t know what tire you need for a replacement, you have the information and don’t have to get out in the dark or wet or cold to try and read the important information.
If you ever have a tire question, the information, as seen in the above pictures, will be needed if you want complete information about your tires.
It will also be helpful if you have the scale reading from a truck scale for the total load on that axle, even if you do not have the scale reading for each individual tire.
Roger Marble
MORE HELPFUL POSTS FROM ROGER
- How close to ‘Max Load’ is OK for RV tire inflation?
- What is the proper inflation for my tow vehicle and RV trailer tires?
- How to avoid tire failure
- RV Tire Types 101: Selecting the correct tire for your RV or other vehicle
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If you have tire questions, check out Roger’s posts on RVtravel.com. There are hundreds of posts covering everything to do with tires.
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