Tips for Preventing Tire Blowouts on Your RV
Author: Guest
Since your RV is heavier than a normal vehicle, and because RVs are used less, tire blowouts are particularly common in RV tires.
Having said that, you can easily prevent tire blowouts on your RV by performing proper tire maintenance before setting off on your trip.
Keep scrolling to learn some helpful tips for preventing tire blowouts when traveling with your RV:
Properly Inflate Tires Before Traveling
Proper tire inflation is a must before taking to the highway. Older RVs typically don’t have TPMS (tire pressure sensors), so it’s up to you to keep the tires inflated to the correct PSI.
Underinflated tires can cause blowouts because they put excess weight on the sidewalls (the part with the lettering on it), and this extra weight can cause the seal to break between the tire and wheel causing the tire to lose all of its air.
Overinflated tires are equally as dangerous because they reduce the amount of control you have when towing the RV. Overinflated tires will also puncture easily when you run over sharp rocks and other debris.
You will usually find the inflation specs on the sidewalls of the tire, and your RV may also have tire inflation recommendations printed somewhere inside.
Most gas stations have a station where you can inflate your tires, and you should be constantly checking your tire pressures with a tire gauge while traveling.
Pick up a tire pressure gauge for about $5 at any auto parts store if you don’t already have one. The general recommendation by most mechanics is that you should check tire pressures about every 30 days, however if you are travelling long distances each day in your RV then you should check tire pressure every fortnight.
Do Not Overload The RV With Excess Weight
Overloading your RV is dangerous because it can cause the vehicle to lose control. It can also result in a tire blowout or even worse a broken axle. Avoid loading too much weight into your RV.
So how do you know if your RV is overloaded? Look for the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) associated with your specific vehicle.
One way you can ensure that you aren’t overloading your RV is by stopping at a local trucking weigh-in station on the highway the day before you leave on your trip. This gives you time to remove extra weight if you happen to be over the GCWR limit.
Know The Terrain You Will Be Traveling On, And Use The Correct Tires
Know where you’re going when traveling with an RV. Tire blowouts are much more common if the tires are being used on the wrong terrain, and they can be prevented by using the correct tires that coincide with the correct road conditions. For example:- Use low rolling resistance tires on your RV if you use them mainly on highways and smoother roads at higher speeds. Tires with low rolling resistance typically ride smoother, and they don’t generate as much heat as off-roading tires do(hot tires cause blowouts)
- Use tires with a 10-ply rating if you are constantly driving with your RV on rugged gravel and dirt roads, and remember to deflate them to a few PSI lower than spec for maximum performance and traction. Tires with a 10-ply rating are thicker than normal tires, so this means they will hold up better when it comes to punctures from sharp rocks, hard bumps, etc. Be careful, however, with off-roading tires when driving at higher speeds as they heat up faster.
- If you drive constantly both on the road and in the off-road territory, you may want to consider all-terrain tires for your RV. All-terrain tires are a versatile pick because they handle higher speeds but also stay strong on the gravel.
We offer an RV trip planner that can help you in identifying suitable roads.
Properly Store Your RV To Prevent Dry Rotting And Flat Spots
Properly storing your RV will prevent tires from deteriorating over time. One of the main reasons why tire blowouts are so common on RVs is that they are used so infrequently. So, it’s important to be conscientious of both how you store your RV and proper inspection once you do remove it from storage.
Storing your RV in a cool, dry area will help keep the tires in top shape. Indoors is always ideal, and if you store your RV outside you may want to consider buying a large opaque cover for it as UV rays and the elements will cause dry rotting on your tires.
When pulling your RV from storage, look for signs of dry rot, including:- Cracks forming in the sidewalls
- Grey discolored areas in the tires
- Brittle and dry tires
Even just taking your RV out once a month will help prevent dry rot.
If you do happen to notice your tires in bad shape after storing your RV, you should take your car to the nearest tire shop for a professional inspection and possibly replace the tires for a safer driving experience.
You should also avoid using purpose tire cleaners on an RV that will be stored for extended periods because they can dry out and damage the tires. Instead, clean your RV tires with dishwashing detergent and some warm water for the best results.
Replace Tires If They Are More Than Six Years Old
Tires typically don’t last more than six years, so if you still have those old and cracked tires, it’s time to purchase a new set.
The year your tires were manufactured is always in the last two digits of the numbering on the sidewall. For example, if the last two numbers are 17, then that means the tires were manufactured in 2017.
You should always try to replace your tires with the original OEM recommended size that came with the RV.
Talk to a tire specialist to help you select the perfect tire match for your RV.
This article was contributed by Mike Skoropad. Mike is the co-founder and CEO of tire retailer United Tires
Very good info. One addition, nitrogen keeps tires from rotting from the inside.
Related Blogs