Your tire health is so important when you are talking about your RV, whether your RV is a motor home, travel trailer or fifth wheel. In fact, if your RV tires are in poor condition, a blow out could cause you to lose control of your RV and may result in a major accident. There are many different things you need to take into account when dealing with your tires such as weather, overall condition and age of your tires.
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with tire problems.I have heard so many horror stories about tires and decided to share a few helpful hints that may make yoru RV travles more fun and enjoyable.
- Tire pressure is so important. Use a qualified inflation pressure gauge to check pressure.
- Make sure you always check pressure when the tires are cold, before traveling because hot air expands and may give a false reading if measured after use.
- Always follow the tire manufacturer’s pressure recommendations or the information on the Federal data plate on your RV. The maximum pressure allowed for a tire is also embossed on the side wall.
- Many RV owners recommend having RV valve extenders installed on their dual wheels for ease of use. It is also recommended that you have the rubber valves replaced with steel valves.
- Take time to check your tires for uneven wear and cracking on the side walls. Tire wear should be the same all the way around the vehicle. If one tire shows much different wear than the others there could be a more serious problem. Have the tires inspected by a professional before using yoru RV.
- RV wheel covers will protect your tires from serious damage caused by Ozone and UV rays. When not in use, tires should be covered to prevent dry rot and deterioration of the tire.
- Just like your car, the RV needs to hae the tires rotated on a regular basis. Rotation helps to equalize tread wear and can save you money by extending the life of your tires. Generally a rotation interval of 6,000 miles is recommended.
- It is a good rule of thumb to replace tires after 6 or 7 years. Regardless of how many miles a tire has on it, the age of the tire is important. You can determine the age of the tire by looking for the in use date embossed on the side wall.
Hopefully these tips will help save a trip or save a life. We all know the heat in south Texas can wreak havoc on your tires.
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