Whether you’re driving a motorhome or a towable unit, your RV’s tires are an important part of your travels. After all, they’re the crucial piece of equipment that connects your RV to the road. Our RV service experts can help keep things running smoothly with regular maintenance and upkeep services, but there are also steps you can take to keep your tires in great shape. Explore our RV Tire Guide to learn more about your RV’s tires, their upkeep, and tips for maintaining them.
RV Tire Basics
There are some similarities between RV tires and passenger vehicle tires, but you should never use tires from your car, truck, or SUV on your RV. Make sure you’re using tires that are specifically made for your motorhome or towable. Our Service Department and RV parts store can help you find tires that meet your rig’s specifications.
RV tires are categorized by several components including axle qualities (single or double), inflation, load capacity, tire size, and speed ratings. This information is stamped on the sidewall of your tire and can help you determine the weight capacity of your tires, how fast these tires can safely run, and the proper pressure your tires need.
The exact tires that will fit your RV safely are ones that match the size, load capacity, and weight distribution needs of your RV. Motorhomes have unique tire needs while towable units have their own tire needs as well. If you have a double axle RV, such as on a Class A diesel motorhome, you may need unique tires for your setup.
If you’re new to the world of camping and you’re not sure which tires your RV needs, it’s always smart to take a look at your existing tires to see their ratings and specifications. We offer RV maintenance specials including tire rotations and replacement services.
When in doubt about which tires to purchase for your RV, contact experts who understand all of the components that go into choosing the right tires for your setup. The towing expectations, driving conditions, and overall load capacity of your RV will influence which tires are your best fit. Contact our RV experts to learn more about choosing tires for your RV!
RV Tire Pressure Guidelines
Many of today’s RVs for sale, including towable and motorized units, feature tire pressure monitoring systems that help owners keep track of each tire’s pressure. Properly inflated RV tires can increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reduce the risk of blowouts, and keep things safe on the road. Regularly checking your RV’s tire tread and pressure is an important part of camping that can help keep things inflated properly.
Follow these quick tips for your RV tire pressure:
- Check tire pressure and tread each time you park the RV
- Check tire pressure and tread when you’re about to hit the road
- Follow the tire pressure recommendations on your tire’s sidewall
- Never overinflate your tires
- Do not drive on underinflated tires
- Make sure the tires on both ends of your axle are at the same pressure
- Keep overall load weight in mind when evaluating your tire pressure
- Review your RV’s manual for additional tire pressure considerations on your RV
- If towing, make sure your towing vehicle or toad’s tires are also properly inflated
If your RV tire pressure recommendations rely on the overall load that will be applied to the tires, use the highest weights for your calculation. This means incorporating the weight of the RV, all passengers, equipment, and items you’ll be towing, along with axle needs, into the calculation for your tire pressure recommendation.
How to Maintain RV Tires
Keeping your RV’s tires in shape is an important part of RV ownership. Follow our tips on how to maintain your RV’s tires to keep things running smoothly:
- Ensure your tire pressure is correct, including any spares
- Check your tire pressure every time you hit the road
- Do not overinflate your tires
- Ensure your RV’s weight is properly balanced so the load is evenly distributed among all tires
- Protect your tires when you’re parked or when you’re storing your RV
- Check your tire tread every time you park your RV and look for signs of aging tires
- Bring your RV in for regular maintenance
- Cover your tires when the RV is in storage
Regular tire upkeep can maintain your tires and avoid blowouts. Review your RV’s manual to identify any additional recommended steps for keeping your RV’s tires in great shape.
RV Tire Protection Equipment
Many happy campers go the extra mile to keep their RV’s tires at their best with tire protection equipment. This includes UV-rated tire covers that are often used when the RV is in storage or parked for long periods of time. Additional RV tire protection equipment options include sprays that are applied to your tires for UV protection while the RV is in use. For added parking protection, RVers often choose leveling chocks and parking chocks that keep your tires from moving on uneven ground when you’re set up at camp.
Expert RV Tire Services
When it comes to RV tires, our Lazydays RV dealership locations are here to help! We offer maintenance services along with repairs, replacements, and additional tire-centric services. Contact us today to learn more!