Whether you have a brand new RV or one with several years and miles on it, one thing is true for RVs of all shapes, sizes, styles and model years – if you don’t have good tires you won’t get far. When you care for your RV tires properly, not only do you extend the life of your tires, but you are ensuring you’ll have the best chance of safe traveling, parking and camping without lost time by the side of the road with tire troubles.
Keep Tires Filled to the Appropriate Level
One of the simplest yet most important things you can do for your RV tires is maintaining the proper level of air. When you have improper tire pressure – either too high or too low – your tires are the most vulnerable to blowouts and other issues. According to your RV’s manual, keeping tire pressure at the proper level isn’t something that can be skipped. RV manufacturers also recommend specific pressure levels for your RV tires, so be sure to get to know your manual and the recommendations for your specific RV tires!
An investment in a quality tire pressure gauge is easy. Taking the time to check your RV tire pressure, especially before departing for an extended trip, is also easy and only takes a few minutes. The dramatic temperature changes that occur here in Ohio during the transition between seasons can significantly impact your RV tire pressure. A quick check before departure can catch big changes in pressure that may happen when temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees or more in a few hours’ time!
Pay Attention to Weight & Distribution
While tire pressure may be the most basic thing to keep in mind when it comes to RV tires, your RV weight plays a major part in the safety of your RV tires as well. If your RV is overloaded, too much weight is put on your tires which can result in a blowout. Besides just the weight itself, how the weight is distributed impacts the tires. If you’re traveling with uneven weight distribution, some tires will be under more stress than others. This will lead to uneven RV tire wear and, eventually, unexpected issues.
Do Pre-Trip Tire Inspections
Whether you’re going on a quick weekend trip or an extended vacation, a pre-trip inspection is something you should do every time you plan to hit the road. The inspection doesn’t need to be extensive, but a walk-around where you look at each tire to check for signs of damage or low pressure is important. This is also the perfect opportunity to check your RV tire tread and to look for signs of uneven or excessive wear. A quick way to check the tread is with the penny test. Stick a penny upside down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your RV tire.
Pre-trip inspections are a good time to inspect parts other than just your RV tires. It can provide the opportunity to catch a small issue before it develops into a big problem. Overall, you’ll have a safer and longer lasting RV.
Change Your RV Tires When Needed
No tire, not even an RV tire, lasts forever. RV tires have a lifespan just like any other tire. So, even with meticulous care, every tire will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of an RV tire is approximately 3-6 years depending on the use and wear of your tires. If you put a lot of miles on your RV, your tires may need to be replaced sooner. But even if you only use your RV occasionally or don’t put many miles on your tires because you regularly camp close to home, you should still plan on replacing your RV tires every 6 years which is considered the “high end” lifespan of an RV tire.
So remember, proper care of your RV tires will extend their life, give you better gas mileage when traveling, cut down on lost time by the side of the road with tire troubles, and give you the best chance of safe traveling and camping.
Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126
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