One of the most expensive components on the RV will be tires. The tires are precious because they carry out the entire weight of the RV to travel long distances. So, we should take care of them carefully to enjoy happy campings without unexpected problems.
The most asked question from campers is how long do the RV tires last? This interrogatory isn’t hard to answer since it just needs an elaborate observation from users. However, a more difficult question that the campers should equip a good answer is How to maintain their tires. In this article, I’m glad to introduce some beneficial tips from my experiences to you on how to take care of the RV tires.
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How Long Do the RV Tires Last?
The intermediate number to answer this question is from five to seven years. However, the tires can be used longer if you have a proper process of taking care of them.
You can check the date code on the RV to know exactly how old your tires are. It is the series of digits that stand behind DOT. They are often shown as on the outside of the tire so you can see it immediately. Otherwise, you should check them inside the tire.
The last four numbers express the week and year that the RV tire was produced. (An example for you is: DOT MC6Y 2CEW 0313. The digits you should care about are 0313).
Instead of checking the numbers on the tires, you need to observe the status of them to replace new ones in time.
When the tire appears dry rot status with the cracks are more than 1/16 inch deep, or the treads are pressed down to less than 1/8 inch, that is the right time to replace it.
The Elements that Affect the Lifespan of Tires
The manufacturers have recommended that users should replace their RV tires after every 8000 or 10000 miles. Although the lifespan of the tire can last until seven years, it could be cut short as a result of these elements are:
Frequency of Use
The lifespan of tires can be affected by usage frequency and poor upkeep repair. The RV tires will wear off at least one year earlier than others traveled once or twice a month.
Conditions of Weather
Weather plays an important role in the status of tires, the engine, etc. The harsh weather can wear off the tires at a much quicker rate, and it affects the exterior rubber and sidewall parts as well.
Overloading
If the RV is overloading more than the weight limit, it can press down both the tires and the engine. In that case, your RV tires could be exploded effortlessly.
How to Maintain the RV Tires?
Beside replacing the RV tires in time, you should regularly take care of them to maintain their lifespan. These are some beneficial tips for you on how to safely use the tires.
Appropriate Inflation
Entire RV tires are stamped a PSI value on their sides. The value expresses recommended pressure for the tire when the RV is at maximum load weight. Many campers often overlook this number and inflate the tires to this worth. It can lead to a serious problem that they are over inflating their RV tires.
The problem here is poor braking and control. So, it would be best if you weighed your RV rig before inflating the tires. To find out this current value, you could use Cat Scales at vehicle stops.
When you have finished setting the right pressure for your tires, you should check them constantly during your trip; otherwise, your RV can face issues of decreasing load capacity and has a tendency to blow out.
You need to equip a tire pressure system or a gauge to perform observation for your tires. You should not use casual methods because a difference of just 10 PSI can lead to those problems above. Moreover, 10 PSI is difficult to be recognized by using other methods. Also, you can use this RV air compressor to pump up your tire or restore your tire’s regular pressure in the most accurate way.
Inspect the Sidewall of the Tire
In harsh weather conditions or after a long sitting in the garage, the softening materials inside the tire are driven to the sidewall by the pressure. So it will face dry rot status, which can crack the tire surface.
Hence, to prevent this problem, you should protect the RV tires with covers in case the RV needs to sit in storage for more than a week. Remember that you shouldn’t use sprays concluded alcohol in their formulas, as alcohol will increase drying status.
Long-term Storage
If you don’t have any plans to travel with your RV and you have to keep it in storage for some time, follow these tips to maintain your RV tires in good condition.
- Use soap and water to remove oils on the tires that accumulate on the surfaces after traveling.
- Remove the luggage from the RV to reduce the load capacity on the tires.
- Keep the tire pressures at recommended rates before storage.
- Do not let the tires contact sunlight directly for a long time.
Conclusion
Because the new tires are costly to replace, you need to look out for them with some tips above. However, if your RV tires are too old, they need to be replaced to ensure your safety during your traveling. Check this guide to find the most affordable tire for your RV now!
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Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.