The only parts of your RV designed to touch the road are the tires, making them one of the most critical components of your rig. They affect performance, fuel economy, safety, and comfort, and can cause a real headache if you ignore them. That makes it vital to keep up with tire maintenance, including regular checks to ensure that the tread and structure are as they should be.
While ride quality and fuel economy are important, safety is the number one issue driving tire management. This is especially important for RVs because their size and weight make them extremely dangerous to others on the road during a crash. Faulty tires contribute to thousands of accidents each year and can cause problems with other parts of the RV in the process. Just one under-inflated tire can throw off the alignment or cause vibrations that damage interior fixtures and body components. Bald tires are more likely to induce hydroplaning, causing a loss of control and increasing the chances of a crash.
How to Maintain Your RV Tires
A visual inspection is the first and easiest thing you can do to prevent tire problems. Once a month, look at each tire, checking for issues like bubbles, punctures or cuts, cracks, and other damage. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure proper inflation, which includes over- and under-inflation. Look at the tread to make sure it’s at a safe level. You can use a quarter to judge the tread depth by inserting it head-first into the treads and looking to see if they cover George Washington’s head. If partially covered, your tires have at least 4/32 of an inch depth, which is considered safe. Some tire models have wear bars that become prominently visible when the tread is worn past the point of being safe.
Having the right equipment on board can also save you hours of headaches on the side of the road. A digital tire pressure gauge is an affordable purchase and can quickly give a readout on the pressures, but you can also opt for an old-school analog gauge if you prefer. A small air compressor can also save time, allowing you to quickly inflate a tire that is under pressure or reinflate a flat tire that has been patched. Finally, if your RV does not have a tire pressure monitoring system, aftermarket solutions are available. These systems constantly gauge tire pressure and will sound alerts or display a warning light if one or more tires experience a drop.
Tire Rotations and Alignment
Your RV needs tire rotations just like regular cars, though the process looks a bit different for dual-rear-wheel models. Depending on the RV and tire manufacturer, you can expect to travel between 3,000 and 10,000 miles before needing a rotation, though the cycle may go faster if you tow frequently or drive on harsh road surfaces. Wheel alignment is also important, as it determines how much of the tire connects with the road and in what direction, and a bad alignment can cause premature tire wear.
If you’ve got questions about your RV’s tires or have concerns that it might be time for a replacement, Valley RV is here to help. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to help inspect your tires, and our service department can have you back on the road safely in no time.
