RV Tire Maintenance

When driving an RV, make sure the tires are properly inflated. Driving on any tire that does not have the correct inflation pressure for the load of the vehicle is dangerous and may cause premature wear, tire damage, and/or loss of control of the vehicle.

A tire that is underinflated will build up excessive heat that may go beyond the prescribed limits of endurance of the rubber and the radial cords. This could result in sudden tire failure. A tire that is underinflated will also cause poor vehicle handling, rapid and/or irregular tire wear, and a decrease in its fuel economy.

Overinflation will reduce the tire's footprint or contact patch with the road, thus reducing the traction, braking capacity, and handling of the vehicle. A tire that is overinflated for the load that it is carrying will also contribute to a harsh ride, uneven tire wear, and will be susceptible to impact damage.

Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure for each loaded wheel position on your vehicle is of the utmost importance and must be a part of regular vehicle maintenance.

How Much Air Should I Carry in My Tires?

Federal law requires that the tire's maximum load rating be molded into the sidewall of the tire. On the tire's sidewall you can see the maximum load allowed for the size tire and load rating, and the minimum cold air inflation pressure needed to carry that stated maximum load. Utilizing less air pressure means a lesser load can be carried by the tire.

The amount of air pressure you need to use is dependent on the weight of your fully loaded vehicle.

It is important to note that the cold inflation pressure for the tire must never exceed the maximum inflation rating stamped on the wheel.

When Should I Check my RV's Tires' Air Pressure?

On short trips of a day or less driving each way, your tires should be checked before you leave on your trip and again before you start your trip home. If your vehicle is stored for any length of time, air pressure should be checked prior to storage, but more importantly, when it comes out of storage.

Check your tires when they are "cold" and have not been driven for more than one mile. The stated load capacity for a given cold inflation pressure is based on ambient outside temperature. If you must check your tires when they are warm or hot, do allow for a slight increase in air pressure and make sure they are within a couple of pounds of each other on the same axle. Never let air out of a hot tire.

It is recommended you purchase a quality truck tire air gauge which has an angled dual head. This type of gauge allows you to check inflations on the inner dual wheel which has the valve stem pointing toward you, and on the outer wheel which has the valve stem pointing away from you. Nothing should restrict your ability to check a tire's air pressure daily when you are driving your RV. Pressure sealing valve caps should always be used to prevent air from escaping from the valve stem. If you use valve stem extension hoses, make sure they are good quality stainless steel braid reinforced and are securely anchored to the outer wheel. If your RV has wheel covers which must be removed to check the inflation, then consider removing them on a long trip, as the extra time and effort required may lead you to avoid checking your air pressure.

What if You Don't Check Your Air Pressure?

If a tire picks up a nail or screw that creates a slow leak and causes some air pressure loss, you might eventually spot it visually if it's a front tire. If it is an outside rear dual, you might also spot it with a visual inspection. However, if it is an inside rear dual, the chances of spotting it without an air pressure check are very slim. If you begin driving without finding it, very quickly (in most cases a few miles) your outside rear tire next to the low air pressure tire is going to heat up from carrying double its load, which will cause both tires to fail. Then you'll have two tires down on the same side and on the same axle, and a five ton or more vehicle at any speed is difficult to bring under control.