Proper tire maintenance is imperative for any RVer. But, for the RVer enjoying the full-time RV living lifestyle, regular tire maintenance is even more critical.
Some people who live in their RVs tend to move them even less than those who don't. They may park in areas where less consideration is given to the surface on which those tires are parked. When tires are not used regularly, and no thought is given to their care due to lack of knowledge, those tires can deteriorate quickly, thereby shortening their life span.
This could become a life safety issue when traveling in the RV.
So what do you need to know?
While traveling, your RV is riding on the air in your tires. If the tire fails because it is unable to contain that air, problems will occur. So tire inflation is a major issue for ensuring that tire treads wear properly and the overall performance of the tire is maximized.
Under-inflated tires can reduce traction, increase fuel consumption, reduce the load-carrying capacity of the RV, create premature tread wear and cause permanent damage to the structural integrity of the tire. Just a few simple procedures at the start of each trip, and once per month, can help you to get the most from your RV's tires.
RV tires have a cold pressure value located on the sidewall of the tire that shows the tire's maximum inflation pressure. In other words, the pressure of the tire when it has not been driven on and has not been sitting out in the sunlight. A hot tire can read 5-15 psi higher than a cold tire. Checking inflation pressure when a tire is warm will lead to under-inflated tires.
A good time to check RV tire pressure is at least once per month either when the RV has been sitting in static full-time RV living mode or because the RV is in storage. RV tires should also be checked each morning before road trips. Checking air pressure on a regular basis will help to spot any slow leaks that might create an issue while on a long road trip.
Inflate the RV's tires to the recommended pressure listed by the RV manufacturer. Those numbers should be on a label inside the RV. The inflation pressure suggested by the RV manufacturer may be the maximum cold pressure of the tire, or it may be a lesser value. It depends on the load that is expected for each tire.
When beginning an RV trip, I always check my tire's pressure early in the morning the day of travel. I do that each day we are on the road. I never check them in the evening as they are warm, and that would give me an incorrect cold pressure reading. I have an air compressor, so I am always able to keep my tires at their proper pressure. I also use an air dryer on my compressor so that I am not adding moisture to the inside of the tires.
A few more things about tire pressure:
- Be sure not to exceed your RV's gross vehicle weight
- Don't overload one side of the RV past the axle's weight ratings, even though the gross vehicle weight may be OK
- Be sure to use a high-quality tire gauge
- Be sure the inner and outer tire pressure on duals is the same
- Adjust RV tire pressure on all tires to match the tire that is carrying the most load
- Be sure all the tires on the same axle have the same inflation pressure
One thing you won't want to do with your RV tires is to reduce tire pressure to create a smoother ride. This could damage the tire, creating a possible blowout due to overheating as well as difficulties with the RV's handling capabilities.
For every psi a tire is under-inflated, that tire can lose twenty to thirty pounds of carrying capacity. That can put significant stress on the tire sidewalls!
Inspect your RV tires
Performing a visual check on your RV's tires on a regular basis is critical. Checking to see that no items are lodged in the tread of the tire is a good thing to look for before each travel day. If something is found, do not drive on the tire. It is best to have a mobile service come to you if you can't bring the tire to a service center.
Here are some other items you can check for:
- Check every tire for sidewall cracking
- Avoid putting tire dressings on that will accelerate the aging process
- Look for unevenly wearing tires
- Replace tires when the tread has reached the tread depth indicators (the little triangles located between the tread grooves on the sidewall of the tire)
Addressing these issues could save you from a tire-related breakdown when traveling in your RV.
RV tires have different considerations than automobile tires do. Therefore, they are made with materials that best allow them to function for the purpose for which they are designed. The materials in these tires change over time.
How that happens depends on factors related to weather, how they are stored and how they are used. The load at which they are subjected to, the speed at which they are driven, the pressure the tires are inflated to and how they are maintained all play a vital role in the overall life of an RV tire.
The question I am often asked is when should I replace my RV tires? The answer I give is first to tell me how you have taken care of them and how have you driven on them. Recently, major manufacturers have recommended that tires that are six years old should be replaced. When it comes to RV tires, and those that are older than five years by the DOT date stamped on the tire, they should be checked by a certified tire specialist once a year for road worthiness.
What about those products that can be applied to the tire for additional UV protection? Is that something that should or should not be used? Check out that and other issues in Part 2 of this article.
