Important Things to Know About RV Tires

While it is fun to plan your camping activities and make sure every detail is in place, many RVers fail to consider one of the most important factors that contribute to the overall success of their camping trips: the tires. You can be traveling in the most luxurious rig and have the most adventurous schedule, but if your RV tires fail on you, you won’t even reach your destination as planned. Let’s shed some light on RV tires as they are the ones who carry the load to take you to your favorite sites. Here are some things you should know about them.

Weight Distribution

The weight of your rig should be evenly distributed across your axles and each tire. When loading your camper, it is easy to stock luggage, appliances, furniture, and equipment on one side, not being aware that you are adding weight to the side that already had some heavy items such as batteries, generators, water tanks, etc. This automatically lets one or just a few tires carry most of the load, which can lead to a blowout. Also, pay attention to your RV’s layout. For example, if the kitchen is on one side of the rig, load cargo on the opposite side, making sure you evenly distribute the weight from front to back and side to side.

Tire Pressure

Always be aware of what the right amount of tire pressure is and stick to it. Never reduce your tire pressure below the required pressure under any circumstances, even if you think it will contribute to a softer and smoother ride. Tires are designed to carry a maximum amount of weight based on their inflation, and loading them over their capacity is a big no. Before getting your items inside your RV, refer to the owner’s manual to find out the ideal amount of tire pressure as well as the weight limit. In most cases, you can find weight ratings printed on the sidewalls. We recommend always having an accurate tire pressure gauge on hand to make frequent tire inspections when on the road.

Tire Replacement

A general rule of thumb is to inspect your tires every 90 days. However, no two campers are the same—some camp more often than others. Therefore, depending on how many times you are out on the road, how far you travel, what type of terrain you venture into, and the amount of weight you carry, develop a tire inspection routine suited for you. Another factor to consider is the age of the tires. If your tires are older than 5 years, they need to be swapped for new ones regardless of how many miles they have run or how they look.

For more helpful RV tire information, or other helpful maintenance tips, visit us here at Pete's RV - VA! We have two convenient locations in both Chesapeake and Salem, Virginia and we look forward to assisting you with all of your RVing needs.