{"id":2874,"date":"2019-11-10T00:52:56","date_gmt":"2019-11-10T08:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/?p=2874"},"modified":"2021-01-13T19:19:38","modified_gmt":"2021-01-14T03:19:38","slug":"why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Why RV Tires Blow Out and How to Prevent It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There is nothing more wonderful than driving down the road in an RV and looking for adventure with the family. You&#8217;ve loaded up your rig with food and gear and have the route all planned out. It&#8217;s a smooth ride down the scenic highways then comes the dreaded pop of your RV&#8217;s tire!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185-1024x481.jpg\" alt=\"RV flat tire\" class=\"wp-image-3061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185-1024x481.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185.jpg 1035w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>ID 1141862 \u00a9 Joseph Mercier | Dreamstime.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>So why do RV tires blow out and how can you prevent it? <strong> RV tires blow out because of four crucial factors, including:<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Wear and tear causing tire damage <\/strong> <\/li><li><strong>Incorrect tire pressures <\/strong> <\/li><li><strong>Too much weight in and on the RV<\/strong> <\/li><li><strong>The tires were not replaced on schedule<\/strong> <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Tire blowouts can be prevented by performing a few basic checks and some regular maintenance.<\/strong> Let&#8217;s go over all the details, a few may even surprise you!<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-680154d608f28\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #5d7772;color:#5d7772\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #5d7772;color:#5d7772\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-680154d608f28\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Wear_and_Tear_Causing_Tire_Damage\" title=\"Wear\nand Tear Causing Tire Damage\">Wear\nand Tear Causing Tire Damage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Inappropriate_Tire_Pressures\" title=\"Inappropriate\nTire Pressures\">Inappropriate\nTire Pressures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Overloading_Your_RV\" title=\"Overloading Your RV\">Overloading Your RV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#When_to_Replace_RV_Tires\" title=\"When\nto Replace RV Tires\">When\nto Replace RV Tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#The_Importance_of_Realigning_the_Tires_on_an_RV\" title=\"The\nImportance of Realigning the Tires on an RV\">The\nImportance of Realigning the Tires on an RV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Tire_Rotation_is_Crucial\" title=\"Tire\nRotation is Crucial\">Tire\nRotation is Crucial<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Load_Distribution_Safety_for_an_RV\" title=\"Load\nDistribution Safety for an RV\">Load\nDistribution Safety for an RV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Finding_and_Buying_Tires_for_an_RV\" title=\"Finding\nand Buying Tires for an RV\">Finding\nand Buying Tires for an RV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#Tires_Determine_The_Quality_and_Safety_of_the_Ride\" title=\"Tires\nDetermine The Quality and Safety of the Ride\">Tires\nDetermine The Quality and Safety of the Ride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#How_to_Change_a_Flat_on_an_RV\" title=\"How\nto Change a Flat on an RV\">How\nto Change a Flat on an RV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/why-rv-tires-blow-out-and-how-to-prevent-it\/#In_Closing\" title=\"In Closing\">In Closing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wear_and_Tear_Causing_Tire_Damage\"><\/span>Wear\nand Tear Causing Tire Damage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>While tire safety isn&#8217;t the most exciting topic relating to traveling in an RV, it is an essential topic to ensure you have the safest adventure possible. Following a quality checklist before and during travel will help guarantee you make it to your destination without any problems.<\/p><p>One vital step on every RV owner\u2019s checklist must be a thorough inspection of the tires. A basic walk around of the RV that includes examining the condition of the tires will give you a heads up on whether the tires are up for another adventure or require some attention first.<\/p><p>Here is a list of the issues that can be spotted with a visual inspection and an explanation of each. They include:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Checking\n\tthe tire tread\n\t<\/li><li>Looking\n\tfor stress cracks and tread separation \n\t\n\t<\/li><li>Checking\n\tfor bubbling of the sidewalls\n\t<\/li><li>Examining\n\tfor Sun degradation\n<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checking the\nTire Tread<\/h3><p>Many\ntires have tread wear indicators or wear bars to let the owner of the\nRV know when it is time to get new tires. \n<\/p><p>A quick and easy way to check your tire tread depth is to take a penny and place it upside down into the tread. If the top of Abraham Lincoln\u2019s head is totally visible you are below 2\/32\u201d of tread and new tires are required.<\/p><p>Of course, doing a quick check with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07GRX7LWS?tag=lifeonroute02-20,aps,215&amp;sr=8-18&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;linkId=e8dfe110ce8b211f201e97d52e0c39eb&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">inexpensive digital tire tread depth gauge<\/a> like this one from Amazon is much more effective.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07GRX7LWS?tag=lifeonroute02-20,aps,215&amp;sr=8-18&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;linkId=4d44e2fa902c67e9e316dbdedafc0e8c&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B07GRX7LWS&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><p>Be sure to perform the check in a couple of different locations around the tire and in each groove from inside to out. Uneven wear can cause the tread depth to differ from one side to another. <\/p><p>If you suspect your tread is worn down too low to be safe, it is best to get a second opinion from a specialist. They will be able to answer any question regarding the condition of the tire treads.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Look for\nStress Cracks and Tread Separation<\/h3><p>Small hairline surface cracks will normally develop on the tire and are fine, but significant cracking along the edge of the tread on the outside of the tire is not. <\/p><p>It is common for tires to incur stress cracks from the everyday wear and tear they are put through. The cracks form as the bonding agent in the tire weakens over time. Exposure to gasoline, oil, and UV rays from the sun causes cracks to form along the sidewall.<\/p><p>The\ndanger of these cracks is that they can suddenly expand, causing a\ntire blow out while driving down the road. \n<\/p><p>To protect RV tires from dangerous cracks, avoid using petroleum-based tire cleaning products when washing the tires. Instead, use plain soap and water which will not dry out the rubber material.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check for\nBubbling of the Sidewalls<\/h3><p>The sidewall of a tire is the smooth face of the tire that connects the wheel rim to the tread. Tire bubbles are bulbous bulges that protrude from the sidewall of the tire. Flat tires from a bubble on the sidewall are far more serious than those caused by worn tread.<\/p><p>I had to learn this one the hard way. My RV sat in the Florida sun for far too long on very old tires before I bought it. The tread was good but I never noticed the bubbling sidewalls until it was too late. I ended up sitting on the side of the road for 6 hours waiting for a service truck to arrive.<\/p><p>Of course, my blowout happened in an area without cell phone service but I was lucky that I ended up right beside one of the few houses in the countryside. Lesson learned! Always check your tires before hitting the road!!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0787-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"RV Tire Blowout\" class=\"wp-image-3059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0787-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0787-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0787-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0787.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>An RV tire, like most other tires, is manufactured with several different layers that can trap in tiny pockets of water. The accumulated water will eventually become a visible bubble. Air leaks from inside the tire to the outer layers can also cause bubbles to form on the sidewall of an RV tire.<\/p><p>If too much pressure builds up inside the bubble, it will burst, and a dangerous tire blowout occurs. The popping of a sidewall bubble can be caused by:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Rubbing the tire sidewall against a curb <\/li><li>Hitting potholes <\/li><li>Driving too fast over speed bumps <\/li><li>Rough railroad crossings <\/li><li>Hitting debris on the road <\/li><li>Tire overheating causing expansion<\/li><\/ul><p>When damage occurs and causes a bubble to form, it is vital to replace the tire at once. Bubbled tires are not repairable but are an accident waiting to happen.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checking for\nSun Degradation<\/h3><p>Many tire manufacturers claim that RV tires can last a maximum of ten years, however, if the tire is subjected to rubber degradation riding on them is dangerous. Most RV tire degradation comes in the form of dry rot.<\/p><p>Dry\nrot happens from lack of use and exposure to the sun and other\nenvironmental stressors while the RV is setting in the driveway.\nOther causes of dry rot are tire pressures below that suggested by\nthe manufacturer of the tire. \n<\/p><p>To prevent dry rot, keep the tires covered from direct sunlight while the RV is sitting for any length of time. Also, be sure to check they are at the appropriate tire pressure at all times. You can get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0748LCXT8?tag=lifeonroute02-20,aps,218&amp;sr=8-11&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;linkId=9fefda3be0cf093165f9367081965cf1&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">set of 4 for less than $30<\/a> on Amazon which will save you from having to spend thousands on new tires.<\/p><p>Learn more about why covering your RV tires is important in our article  <a href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/cover-your-rv-tires\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why You Should Cover Your RV Tires. (opens in a new tab)\">Why You Should Cover Your RV Tires.<\/a><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0748LCXT8?tag=lifeonroute02-20,aps,218&amp;sr=8-11&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;linkId=ff538f1b41e7b8f69a39d9b7553cd014&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0748LCXT8&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><p>If you don&#8217;t use your RV on a regular basis and it does a lot of sitting around, you should at least roll it forward or back a half tire turn every month or two. This will help to distribute the load to different sides of the tire. Better yet, take it for a short drive to exercise the tires and prevent dry rot from occurring.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inappropriate_Tire_Pressures\"><\/span>Inappropriate\nTire Pressures \n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Whether your RV is driving around or sitting having low tire pressure has bad consequences. In fact, low tire pressure is more dangerous than high pressure because low inflation pressure causes your tires to overheat which leads to dangerous blowouts. However, both too high or too low of a tire pressure is not a good situation. You should always aim to maintain optimum tire pressures at all times.<\/p><p>To find the appropriate tire pressure for your tires check the owner&#8217;s manual of your RV. The tire pressure values are normally near the back but scanning the table of contents will point you to them. <\/p><p>Also, look at the sidewall of the tire to see what the maximum allowable pressure is so that you don&#8217;t exceed it. The max pressure written on the tire&#8217;s sidewall is usually for a cold tire so be sure to take that into account when you are measuring or filling them. <\/p><p>Visiting the website of the tire manufacturer will help determine the proper inflation pressure of the tire if you&#8217;ve lost the manual and the sidewall is unreadable.   <\/p><p>If the pressure isn\u2019t correct, air can be added by using an air compressor or some can be removed by carefully releasing the access air by pressing the needle in the valve stem.<\/p><p>I found these awesome <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00XCOQ6A4?tag=lifeonroute02-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">tire pressure monitoring valve caps<\/a> on amazon that change color if the pressure in my RV tire is too low. They are calibrated for my specific tire pressure and give me a quick visual indication during my morning walk around. They are super simple and save a lot of time.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00XCOQ6A4?tag=lifeonroute02-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00XCOQ6A4&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=lifeonroute02-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><p>Tip: Only inflate RV tires when they are cold, (not being used), to reach the correct air pressure as the air in a warm tire expands and can cause an incorrect reading.  Learn my tips for easily <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/inflate-dual-rv-tires\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4406\" >inflating dual RV tires<\/a> in my article.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overloading_Your_RV\"><\/span>Overloading Your RV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Knowing the weight limits of an RV is important to prevent damage to the tires as overloaded tires will squat, making them vulnerable to bulges, bubbles, and blowouts. While RVs are large, they still have a max weight limit. <\/p><p>The maximum allowable weight that your RV can handle will be specified in your owners manual as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You can also get the information online or by contacting the manufacturer of your RV.<\/p><p>Once you know the maximum allowable weight you can load up your rig with the gear you would normally bring along on your trip and head to a scale. Heavy duty truck scales are sometimes available at highway truck stops but it&#8217;s likely there are other locations in your town that have a scale.<\/p><p>Weighing your rig will cost you a little money but ensuring you&#8217;re not overloaded will save you on wear and tear in the long run. It will also create a much safer driving experience for you and your family.<\/p><p>Some scales will show you a total weight while others are able to show the weight distributed across each individual tire separately. Knowing your weight distribution across your 4 tires will help you rebalance for smoother handling and more even tire wear.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GAW And GAWR &#8211; Gross Axle Weight and Rating<\/h3><p>The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight that your RV axles can handle over each axle. It is usually divided into front and rear GAWR and is carried directly by your tires. <\/p><p>The GAW is a measure of the actual weight being supported by each axle. This is usually written as a dry weight in your owner&#8217;s manual which is the weight of the RV without any oil, water, coolant cargo, passengers, or fuel.<\/p><p>The &#8220;curb&#8221; GAW is the weight of the RV with everything inside the RV, including all the things taken out for dry weight. The curb GAW is the measurement that you will get by visiting a truck scale that measures the axle loads independently.<\/p><p>Too much weight improperly distributed over a single axle puts a lot of stress on your tires and can cause them to blowout.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Tongue\nWeight  \n<\/h3><p>Pulling a trailer that is too heavy will cause excess wear on your RV&#8217;s tires. Always ensure that the tongue weight of anything you are towing does not exceed the maximum tongue weight rating of your vehicle. Serious tire damage can occur if it does.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Gross\nVehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) \n<\/h3><p>The gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum combined GAW&#8217;s. The GVWR is typically displayed on a placard inside the RV.<\/p><p>Exceeding the vehicle&#8217;s gross vehicle weight is a recipe for RV tire damage.     <\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Replace_RV_Tires\"><\/span>When\nto Replace RV Tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>RV tires are quite expensive due to their size and weight carrying capacity. This cost is a major investment but replacing them proactively is much better than spending your vacation on the side of the road.<\/p><p>For help on replacing your RV tires, head over to our buyer&#8217;s guide, <a href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/choose-rv-tires\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Choose RV Tires (opens in a new tab)\">How to Choose RV Tires<\/a>.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_131594195-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"Old tires\" class=\"wp-image-3063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_131594195-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_131594195-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_131594195-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_131594195.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>ID 131594195 \u00a9 Olena Belevantseva | Dreamstime.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>When tires are found to be unfit, it is important to exchange them for new ones. We\u2019ve already discussed some of the warning signs such as bubbling and bulges but there are other reasons to think about buying new RV tires including:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The overall age of the tires <\/li><li>The tire wear pattern <\/li><li>The Length of the Trip Being Planned <\/li><\/ul><p>All\nthree reasons taken together should give you an indication of whether\nthe tires on an RV are safe for the next trip.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Age Of Your RV Tires<\/h3><p>The age of your RV tires is an important thing to know. The common rule is that RV tires need replacing every three to six years, depending on the usage the RV has seen.  <\/p><p>However, if the RV has seen a lot of miles, the six-year mark will not be the rule because heavy usage shortens the life of the tire. The same is true of tires on an RV that has sat idle for a prolonged period of time.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Way the\nTires Have Worn<\/h3><p>Always\ntake into consideration how the tires on an RV look regardless of how\nlong they have been in use. If they have worn unevenly or have little\ntread left, change those tires before hitting the road for a\nvacation.<\/p><p>No\nmatter how old the tires are if they show wear that seems to indicate\nthey are on their last mile, change them immediately.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0789-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"flat tire\" class=\"wp-image-3066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0789-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0789-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0789-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0789-1.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Length of\nthe Trip Being Planned<\/h3><p>An important consideration is the distance you plan of traveling during your upcoming trip. If planning an extended vacation, then remember the tires on the RV will wear more while on the road. However, if the trip is a short weekend trip, changing the tires upon arrival back at home may be acceptable.    <\/p><p>Most blowouts occur because the RV owner hasn\u2019t paid close enough attention to the condition of their tires. To prevent blowouts follow the safety instructions in this article as well as those suggested by the RV and tire manufacturers.  <\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_Realigning_the_Tires_on_an_RV\"><\/span>The\nImportance of Realigning the Tires on an RV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Realigning the tires on the RV is critical for optimum position and maximum tire performance. Keeping tires aligned helps them track the road surface better and causes them to have longer lives and have better traction.  <\/p><p>Realignment works by adjusting the toe-in, which is described as the front of your tires pointing slightly inward while toe-out is when the wheels are pointing slightly outward.       <\/p><p>Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes scrubbing of the tires making the tires smooth on one side. A proper toe adjustment will give a driver better control behind the wheel and prevent uneven wear of your tire treads.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tire_Rotation_is_Crucial\"><\/span>Tire\nRotation is Crucial \n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Tires rotate all the time as they spin going down the highway, but rotating tires means something different entirely. Rotating the tires on an RV means moving them from inner to outer, from left to right, back to front or diagonally.<\/p><p>The reason rotating RV tires is so important is that the high vehicle weight causes the front tires to wear on the outside edges when turning corners. The rear tires usually wear more evenly, but because they are the drive tires it is wise to have them rotated as well.<\/p><p>If the tires are left in place, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the others, and they will need replacing sooner. Rotating the tires on an RV also makes the handling of the RV safer and the ride smoother.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Load_Distribution_Safety_for_an_RV\"><\/span>Load\nDistribution Safety for an RV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Proper load distribution makes handling the RV much better. However, the cargo has a tendency to shift which can cause the tires to blow out or go flat due to the uneven load.  <\/p><p>There\nare four vital weight tips to remember:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep cargo and weight evenly spaced <\/li><li>Keep the cargo secured to prevent shifting and sliding <\/li><li>Keep the center of gravity low and set the tire pressure properly <\/li><\/ul><p>Following\nthese tips and the others listed below will assist in avoiding\nproblems with handling, braking, and bursting of tires.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Not Overload the Coach   <\/h3><p>RVs are rated for maximum loads that the vehicle was designed to carry. To find the load limit, check the manufacturer\u2019s placard near the driver\u2019s seat or the owner&#8217;s manual. This will tell you how much weight the RV can safely haul.   <\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_111856699-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"CAT truck scale\" class=\"wp-image-3062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_111856699-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_111856699-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_111856699-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_111856699.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>ID 111856699 \u00a9 Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>To\nmeasure how much weight the RV is carrying, go to a truck stop, and\nthey\u2019ll give you a weight slip for a small fee telling the total\nweight per axle. Alternately, an RV can go to a professional weighing\nagency to make sure it is not overweight on the corners or axles.  \n<\/p><p>For\nmotorized RVs, it is recommended that the front axle measure at\n33-35% of the total weight being hauled.  \n<\/p><p>The\ndanger of an overweight load is that it affects the handling of the\nRV as it travels down the road, especially during windy conditions.\nIf the wind blows on an RV that is not evenly loaded, it could cause\nthe vehicle to sway or even leave the roadway.  \n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balancing the\nLoad<\/h3><p>Not only is the weight of the load vital but also the balance. By evenly spacing and balancing the load inside an RV, the maneuverability of the RV in traffic will be greatly enhanced. Unbalanced lightweight on the front of the RV places excessive weight on the back of the vehicle and raises the front of it making steering control and braking difficult.   <\/p><p>Proper weight balance of a travel trailer is also important.  An unlevel trailer can lead to uneven tire wear. Learn more in our article <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Should a Trailer Be Level When Towing? (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/should-a-trailer-be-level-when-towing\/\" >Should a Trailer Be Level When Towing?<\/a><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_and_Buying_Tires_for_an_RV\"><\/span>Finding\nand Buying Tires for an RV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Although finding the correct tires for an RV can be very frustrating, a little research can save a lot of money.  <\/p><p>The\nbest place to begin is to read the manual that came with the RV as it\nwill give vital information about what tires are right for that\nparticular model. The manual should contain the recommended size,\nweight ratings, sidewall strength, and load rating for the RV.<\/p><p>Other\nconsiderations when buying RV tires are:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Maximum\n\tweight limits of each\n\t<\/li><li>The\n\tterrain that will be traveled \n\t\n\t<\/li><li>The\n\tweight of the load that will be hauled\n\t<\/li><li>The\n\tclimate (hot or cold) the RV will travel through\n<\/li><\/ul><p>Each tire manufacturer has a chart that reveals the sizes and variations of RV tires they make. Buying an RV tire that is too small or too large is dangerous as it will not carry the weight of the load well.<\/p><p>Do not use generic tire brand charts as they may be inaccurate. When in doubt, contact your local tire shop and ask for recommendations.    <\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tires_Determine_The_Quality_and_Safety_of_the_Ride\"><\/span>Tires\nDetermine The Quality and Safety of the Ride<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Some tires can handle the rough terrain of a back road in the wild better than others. There will be a trade off between road noise and tread styles between highway and offroad tires.<\/p><p>If the tires are too small for the RV in question, the ride will become rough even on the open highway and are extremely dangerous because of the possibility of a blowout. If the tires are too large, they tend to wear unevenly which can also cause a blowout.<\/p><p>Cheaper, discounted tires may seem good from the perspective of the pocketbook of an RV owner but they are fraught with danger. That being said, sometimes well-known tire manufacturers such as Goodyear perform recalls for tires that are defective as well.<\/p><p>The\nbottom line is that the tires under the RV are the most important\nequipment on the vehicle and need constant and vigilant care to make\nsure a trip or vacation remains safe and happy.   \n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Change_a_Flat_on_an_RV\"><\/span>How\nto Change a Flat on an RV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Should\nthe unthinkable happen and a tire blows while traveling down the\nroad, it is critical to understand how to safely change it. \n<\/p><p>The following discussion on how to change an RV tire is specific to those of a trailer, not for motorhomes. Motorhomes are much heavier and require specialized equipment to change tires. This should be reserved for a professional.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0804-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"RV tire change\" class=\"wp-image-3065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0804-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0804-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0804-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_0804.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>The\nfirst step in changing a tire happens before it goes flat or blows.\nMake sure there is a spare tire and some other equipment including:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A jack to lift the trailer<\/li><li>A tire wrench <\/li><li>A small portable air compressor <\/li><li>Work gloves <\/li><\/ul><p>Before beginning any tire change on any vehicle, please, make sure the area you are working is safe. Try to avoid changing the tire on the RV on the side of an interstate or highway. It is not good to ride on the rim of a tire as the axle of the wheel can become bent, but attempting to change a tire on a busy interstate can become deadly.  <\/p><p>Step\n1: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel slightly and raise the trailer up\non the jack.<\/p><p>Step 2: Remove the lug nuts on the flat tire and replace it with the spare<\/p><p>Step\n3: Replace the lug nuts and tighten until snug. \n<\/p><p>Step\n4: Lower the jack and tighten the lug nuts again<\/p><p>Step\n5: Inflate the new tire to the correct PSI using a tire gauge<\/p><p>Step 6: Replace the spare with a new or repaired regular tire as soon as possible<\/p><p>Note: Jacks are designed to be used for changing tires on a single axle trailer Trailers should only be jacked up from the points specified by the manufacturer.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Closing\"><\/span>In Closing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>The tires on your RV are your connection to the road and the difference between a vacation and a disaster. Always pay close attention to the condition of your tires by inspecting them regularly.<\/p><p>Taking a proactive approach to avoiding the situations that cause most RV tire damage will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Happy and safe travels!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There is nothing more wonderful than driving down the road in an RV and looking for adventure with the family. You&#8217;ve loaded up your rig with food and gear and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rv-maintenance"],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Beau","author_link":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/author\/mcmanus_beau\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dreamstime_m_1141862-e1573374644185-300x141.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/category\/rvs\/rv-maintenance\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">RV Maintenance<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">RV Maintenance<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":"0","relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 5 years ago","modified":"Updated 4 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on November 10, 2019","modified":"Updated on January 13, 2021"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on November 10, 2019 12:52 am","modified":"Updated on January 13, 2021 7:19 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"ID 1141862 \u00a9 Joseph Mercier | Dreamstime.com","series_order":"","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2874"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4737,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2874\/revisions\/4737"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeonroute.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}