Category Archives: RV Information

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

20 Wednesday May 2015

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TPMSWhen I owned a large diesel motorhome I wanted to tow my family vehicle behind it. Since I did not own a car that was flat-towable, it was cost-prohibitive and a potentially logistical nightmare to do so.  I ultimately purchased a high-quality and relatively inexpensive tow dolly. It was a luxury for us to finally have our car with us on our travels and a treat not to have to tear down the RV every morning.

5-11-2015 7-04-20 PMMy Prius and tow dolly together weighed only around 2,000 pounds, and therefore I literally did not notice the small amount of added weight behind the RV. The only way I could tell my car was still there was to look in my backup camera. If a tire blowout occurred on the dolly or toad it would be difficult, if not impossible, for me to recognize it from the driver’s seat or feel it in the handling. Even before I hooked up my dolly for the first time I recognized the importance of installing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A tire failure was a highly possible and even likely scenario, since my dolly utilized ten inch wheels, which is very small by towing standards. Aftermarket TPMS systems incorporate small pressure transducers that thread onto the tire valve stems, as well as a receiving unit that is programmed for each transducer. This allows the receiver, mounted near the driver, to communicate tire pressure and temperature data in real time for each sensor location. In my case, I purchased extra sensors and installed one on each tire on the RV and dolly, as well as the rear wheels of the toad. I did not need them on the front tires of my Prius, since they were off the ground on the dolly.

5-11-2015 7-09-14 PMA few years ago we were climbing the grapevine out of Los Angeles, heading north on Interstate 5. If you are not familiar with this stretch of road, it’s very long and steep. It’s one of those passes where there is a sign advising drivers to turn off their air-conditioners to avoid overheating. As we were climbing, my TPMS started to buzz. It was indicating that my right dolly tire was quickly losing pressure. Fortunately there was a pull-out there, so I was able to react quickly and stop the vehicle. Upon inspecting the dolly, it was obvious that there had been a blowout, as the tire was almost flat and had an audible leak. We carried a spare for the dolly, so were quickly on the road again. Had I not had the TPMS, it is unlikely I would have noticed the blowout in time to avoid serious damage and possible injury. It is not likely another driver would have noticed and signaled me, since the blowout occurred on the curb-side.

I highly recommend a TPMS system regardless of whether you are towing or not. TPMS systems provide great peace-of-mind and I can certainly attest to the fact that they work well and potentially prevent serious damage, and even injury, in the case of a blowout.

About the Author:

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and  Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Tire Pressure 101

20 Wednesday May 2015

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Tire-Pressure-101Most RV owners find out when they’re stranded that their RV doesn’t have a spare tire, and it’s estimated that 40% of RV owners have never checked their tire’s air pressure. On most trips over 200 miles, you will come across the carcass of a tire that failed usually due to incorrect tire pressure.

In addition to preventing tire failure there are other reasons to ensure correct tire pressure, including:

  • Wear on wheel wells, tire flaps, wiring and fluid lines
  • Poor handling
  • Decreased fuel economy

So, when should you check your RV or trailer tire pressure?

  • When tires are cold. If you have driven your RV one mile or more, let the tires cool for 3-4 hours prior to checking the air pressure
  • Before or after storing your vehicle
  • On long trips, every morning
  • On short trips, before you leave and when you return
  • At least once per month while the vehicle is in storage

Tires will lose 1-2 pounds per month. They are not perfectly sealed and it is natural for air loss to occur.

tire placardDo not exceed the tire pressure or weight capacity listed on the sidewall of the tire. RV manufacturers will list a recommended tire pressure on the door of the unit, but keep in mind this is their recommended tire inflation based on the vehicles weight when new. If you add extra tanks, accessories, racks, motorcycles, towing equipment or anything that adds weight to the RV, tire inflation will be affected.

A small amount of tire maintenance will go a long way.  To help bring awareness to the importance of tire safety, Coach-Net is reminding RV owners to follow tire safety best practices.  Proper care and maintenance of your vehicle’s tires can improve vehicle handling, fuel economy, increase the life of your tires and help protect you from avoidable breakdowns and accidents.

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Proper RV Weight Distribution

15 Friday May 2015

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Weight-DistributionDriving an RV is like driving a semi-truck when it comes to weight and handling. You’re dealing with a wide and heavy load whose weight alone makes it handle differently than other vehicles you’re used to driving. Motorhomes, as well as travel and fifth-wheel trailers, are very top heavy in nature and very susceptible to side wind forces which can create a unique problem for RVers.

The Balancing Act

Motorhomes are already designed with the proper placement of cabinetry and facilities to effectively balance your rig. When loading your RV, it is very important to keep in mind that proper weight distribution is critical to ensure safe handling. Be sure to evenly space out the weight and cargo within your coach. From fuel, water and propane to towed items, supplies and passengers…everything counts. You’ll appreciate this proper balancing when you try to turn or maneuver your rig in traffic.

overloaded rvWhen you’re pulling your travel trailer behind you, it’s essential (depending on weight/length of your trailer) to use a weight distribution or equalizer hitch that will balance out your ride. Otherwise, too much weight in the front of the trailer will place excessive weight on the back of the towing vehicle, raising the front of your tow vehicle and causing loss of steering control, hitch dragging and braking difficulties. The key is to balance the weight over the axles and the hitch.

Don’t Overload Your Coach

Know your RV’s load rating, otherwise known as GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the amount your vehicle is designed to carry. This includes the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, all fluids and accessories, driver and passengers. It is also important to know your GCVWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating), which is the amount your coach can carry (GVWR) + how much weight you can tow behind you coach. You can find this information either on your door edge or on the manufacturer’s placard near the driver’s seat. You’ll also find load ratings on pickups, campers, travel trailers and tow vehicles. Overloading your RV or tow vehicle can be serious, and it has major effects on tires, wheels, springs and axles.

weigh station signYou can easily get your RV weighed for a fee at a truck stop; they’ll even give you a weight slip that shows the front axle and total weight. (For motorized RVs, it is recommended that the front axle account for approximately 33-35% of total weight.) Ultimately, you should take your RV to a professional weighing agency to make sure it isn’t overweight on the corners or axles.

Weight Distribution Tips to Remember

  • Keep the center of gravity low and set tire pressure appropriately
  • Keep cargo and weight evenly spaced out
  • Keep your cargo secure to prevent shifting and sliding around
  • Use a weight distribution hitch system (for trailers over 5000 pounds)

Before your next trip, remember that proper weight distribution is a must! It will help avoid unwelcome problems in ride quality, handling and braking…and ultimately help provide for a safe and enjoyable RV experience.

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Staying Safe Whatever The Weather

01 Friday May 2015

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Sever-WeatherWhen you love RVing as much as we do, you might find yourself in emergency weather conditions from time to time. And what two things don’t go together? Severe weather and RVs. The weather is always changing, so the best thing you can do is to be prepared before you travel, but there will be times when the bad weather hits once you’re at the campsite. Here are some helpful tips you can use both on or off-road:

Be in the know

Do your part to get informed about where you are traveling and what the weather forecast will be. It’s easy to stay alert at home with weather reports on TV, but it’s a little trickier on the road. Back in the day, we just had the good ‘ole CB radio on the road, but now we have so much more. One of our favorite resources is a weather radio receiver. This is a great investment that you can even use at home when you’re not on the road.

If you have a smartphone with internet access, you can easily see the developments, radar and warnings on a variety of weather apps or websites. Check out these websites:

Download these apps from your favorite App Store. Both are available for iOS and Android.

  • Weatherbug
  • Accuweather

Get a plan, man

tornado shelter signMost campgrounds will be able to guide you on their emergency plan for severe weather. Many parks have designated storm shelters for their campers; just check with the park ranger when you arrive. You’ll need to be in a safe building away from windows and doors. Bottom line, when a storm is coming, make sure you put away the lawn furniture and secure your awning and anything else that may blow away or get damaged in severe weather. Then, find a spot for you that provides more safety, stability and shelter than your motorhome.

If you’re on the road during a storm or other challenging driving conditions, it’s best to reduce your speed to at least 10 mph slower and increase the following distance between you and other road users. Whenever possible, just pull over and call it a day. It’s not worth the risk.

  • Icy/Wet Roads – require much slower speeds and longer braking/stopping distance.
  • High Winds – can cause you or other drivers to lose control of their high profile vehicles.
  • Heavy Rain – reduces visibility, causes slippery roads and requires slower speeds.

Prepare for the unexpected

Review your insurance coverage annually to make sure you have adequate coverage for all of life’s events. Coach-Net partners with National Interstate Insurance (NIIC) to help members save on insurance costs. Get your free review and quote today. Visit online or call 1-888-774-6778 and identify yourself as a Coach-Net Member.

Keep an emergency kit

Regardless of the weather, it’s always a good idea to stock an emergency kit with things you may need. Include things like: flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone and charger, first aid kit, road flares, duct tape, work gloves, shop rags, extra fuses, jumper cables, water, ice scraper, shovel, candles, matches, traction aid (kitty litter or sand), blankets, and a basic toolkit.

At Coach-Net, your safety is always our first concern. When you’re prepared for the road ahead (and weather), you’ll not only be a happy camper, you’ll be a safe one too!

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Warranties and Service Contracts – O My!

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

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Service-ContractEverything you wanted to know about warranties and service contracts but were afraid to ask.

As consumers, we’ve all purchased items like cell phones, TVs or some other electronic device and big ticket items like automobiles and RVs. During this purchase process, your salesperson likely introduced terms to you such as ‘warranty’ and ‘service contract’.  If you are like most people, you think you know what those are but you’re not entirely certain what a warranty really is versus a service contract. The sales person may compound your uncertainty by iterating terms like “extended warranty” and “extended service contract”.  Let’s demystify and simplify this confusion.

Forget about the word “extended” for a moment and concentrate instead on warranty and service contract. These terms are used as if they are interchangeable when, in fact, they are distinctly different. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines the terms quite simply: “A warranty comes with the original price of the product, whereas a service contract costs extra. It is mainly this separate and additional cost that distinguishes a service contract from a warranty.”

What is a Warranty?

A warranty is, generally speaking, protection against any potential manufacturing defects or other forms of original defects in the product. Warranties typically have shorter terms and greater restrictions than Service Contracts.  A service contract, often called a service agreement, is generally broader in scope and allows for regular service on the product. Typically, “extended warranties” and service contracts exclude routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire replacement on your vehicle.

What is a Service Contract?

Service contracts are designed to protect you against unexpected, costly repairs. They are purchased separately from the product and can be purchased at any time. However, the earlier you purchase a service contract in the life of a product, the better coverage (and purchase price) you may obtain.

Why Do I Need a Service Contract?

A vehicle service contract can offer peace of mind and other benefits to owners. Knowing that your repair costs are covered can ease not only your mind but your wallet as well. Your vehicle is a big investment and the longer it stays in great condition, the more value you are likely to retain. Service Contracts are designed to help protect your investment by keeping your vehicle in good working order without you having to incur unexpected repair costs that you might otherwise have difficulty in paying.

Why Do I Need a Service Contract Now When I Still Have a Manufacturer’s Warranty?

The better shape your vehicle is in when you first obtain coverage, the better your rates, or cost to purchase, will be. It actually costs less to purchase a vehicle service contract on a new vehicle than on an older vehicle that has fallen into disrepair. By buying when your vehicle is in the newer condition, you can lock in the cost of the service plan at the best price possible.

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Solar RVing – Part 2

10 Friday Apr 2015

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Solar-RVing-part-2Welcome back to Solar RVing!  Part 1 discussed the benefits of using solar panels on your RV travels.  Part 2 will focus on what it will take to transition into using solar panels in order to harness the free energy shining down from above.

Not all RV solar panels are alike, so it’s important that you get one that can address your energy needs. Here are a few items to consider when choosing the right solar panels:

1.  Know how much power you actually need

You can buy a recording meter/battery monitor to help determine this or you can calculate it yourself.

2.  Calculate the battery bank capacity you’ll need

Your RV batteries should have a total capacity that is four times the amount of your daily power consumption.  And remember that in order to keep your RV batteries running smoothly, you need to make sure that their discharge never goes beyond 25% of their total capacity.

3.  Compute your RV solar panel wattage

Your RV’s solar panel wattage will determine just how much output in watts you will need from your solar panels to keep your RV batteries charging continuously. Take into consideration that your required RV solar panel wattage depends on your location. The sunnier it is, the lower wattage you will need. The cloudier it is, the more wattage you will need. For example, the south typically gets plenty of sunshine; therefore, 1 watt of solar panel output for every 1 amp-hour of battery capacity is recommended. For cloudy areas, 1.5 watts of solar panel output for every 1 amp-hour of battery capacity is recommended.  The amount of sunlight you can harvest using your solar panels will be greatly reduced on cloudy and rainy days.

4.  Check the RV solar panel’s specifications before you buy it

Make sure you pay extra attention to the solar panel’s watt rating, peak power in amps and in volts, and tolerance.

    • The solar panel’s watt rating should correspond to your daily power consumption
    • The peak power in amps measures the total amount of power in amps that your solar panel will produce when there is full sunlight. This specification will come in handy when you are buying a solar charge controller.
    • The peak power in volts gives you the total amount of power in volts that your solar panel will produce when there is full sunlight. This specification is important when determining the efficiency of your solar panel. The higher the number, the more efficient the solar panel is.
    • Tolerance refers to power loss in the solar panel. The lower the percentage of tolerance that panel has, the better its performance is.

There are custom systems that can be professionally installed and less expensive, do-it-yourself solar kits if you’re savvy in this sort of thing. You can increase the efficiency of your RV solar panels by giving thought to the layout of your RV’s interior before you put up your solar panels. When you have a solar panel on your RV, you need to park your rig so that your solar panel tilts to the south. So you won’t waste your harnessed solar energy, it will help if your appliances are situated on the cooler side of your RV where they won’t get a lot of direct sunlight.

Once you install a solar panel on the roof of your rig, the amount of solar energy available for your RV solar panels to harness depends on a number of factors, including whether it’s full sunshine, or if your RV is parked on a shady spot. You’ll need to be able to regulate the voltage output using a solar charge controller. A solar charge controller will help ensure that your solar panels will produce enough power for your needs and also prevent your solar panels from mooching power from your batteries at night when there is no sunlight.

In a few years, solar will be everywhere.  There is emotional satisfaction in having a high degree of energy independence and of knowing we have helped to pave the way to clean, sustainable solar power that can ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

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Solar RVing – Part 1

03 Friday Apr 2015

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Solar-RVing-part-1Every time you turn around, there’s more in the news about going green. You have probably even met some fellow RVers out there finding ways to conserve energy and save a few bucks along the way. But what does it really mean? In Part 1 we will explore the many benefits of solar RVing.  And stay tuned for Part 2 as we’ll dive into what it will take to transition into using solar panels on your adventures.

So what are the benefits of solar RVing?

  1. You don’t have to be completely dependent on electric hookups

    Seasoned RVers have probably experienced the frustration of getting a site with an electric hookup that is either faulty, prone to surges, or is not appropriate for your RV. With a solar panel system installed on your RV, you don’t have to worry about electric hookups anymore.  You have the freedom to camp wherever you want, for extended periods, and still be able to enjoy using your electrical appliances.

  2. You don’t have to rely on gas-powered generators

    Generators are potential fire hazards and extremely noisy.  The fumes emitted are very smelly and can be dangerous to inhale. Solar panels are safe, clean and have no moving parts. They work silently and you don’t have to buy expensive fuel to get them running.

  3. Your power supply is free and limitless

    You’ll have to invest in your RV’s solar panel equipment first; however, you can definitely recover your investment within a couple of years, and you can enjoy free energy for years to come.

  4. You don’t have to worry about doing maintenance work on your solar panels

    Solar panels generally require very little maintenance since there are no moving parts. A few times a year, the panels should be inspected for any dirt or debris that may collect on them.

  5. You can earn a 30% tax credit

    Under the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, you can qualify to claim a 30% solar investment tax credit if you have solar panels installed on your RV anytime between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016.

  6. You can extend the life of your RV’s batteries

    Batteries need to be recharged gradually and must not be allowed to discharge beyond 25% of its capacity. Solar panel systems can provide this gradual recharge.  (Note: After batteries are charged, you may need to convert to a 110 VAC through an inverter to ensure there is enough power to run large appliances.

One of the top reasons we love to RV is the ability to appreciate the beauty of nature in our RV road trips. Using safe and sustainable energy to power our way while traveling is one of the best ways to keep this beauty alive and it gives a bit of self-satisfaction that we have done our share in preserving the environment. Your pocketbook will thank you too!

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RV Spring Cleaning

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Spring-cleaning-headerThe sun is beginning to shine and weather is beginning to get warmer.  And, we all know what that means…it’s time for some spring cleaning.  This is the perfect time to make your home on wheels spotless, inside and out.  Spring cleaning your RV is all about a fresh start and looking forward to the next adventure.

Here’s an RV spring cleaning checklist to help get you started:

 Inspect Your RV

  • Before you clean, inspect your RV. Check for holes and deterioration that may need to be fixed by a professional repair service.
  • Inspect the roof for leaks. Most minor problems can be fixed using the right sealant.
  • Look under the vehicle for gas or fluid leaks. If there is a leak, note the location and color and ask a certified technician to inspect your vehicle.

 Exterior Wash

  • 200121599-001Wash your RV with a good quality RV-specified cleaner to keep your RV shiny and protected. Do not use dish soap or detergent as it is too harsh and could damage the finish of your unit.
  • Using a pressure washer is one of the most effective ways to wash down the outside of your RV
  • Spray your unit before applying suds. Be sure the sponge and towels are free of abrasive dirt before scrubbing.
  • Use specialized cleaner for your tires and trim

 Interior Inspection and Cleaning

  • Wash interior of unit with mild soap and lukewarm water
  • vacuum upholsteryVacuum carpet, upholstery and door panels
  • Wash all removable cushions and window treatments
  • Polish and protect the dashboard and other vinyl areas
  • Turn on all lights and replace bulbs as necessary
  • Check the operation of all appliances
  • Check for insects
  • Open all windows/roof vents to air out inside – clean and wipe with warm water and liquid dishwashing soap
  • Open windows and shades
  • Lubricate hinges, locks, and moving parts
  • Change batteries in clocks and smoke detectors
  • Remove moth balls and rodent bait from interior and exterior compartments

 Get Organized

  • Start with one area at a time and don’t move on until it’s completed. Hopping around from one area to another only adds to the disorganization.
  • donation boxPlace 4 bins in the area; 1 for items to keep, 1 for recycling, 1 for items to donate and 1 for trash/shredding.
  • Don’t hesitate. Look at each item and determine its worth. If you don’t use it, you don’t need it.
  • Go through each drawer, cabinet, shelf, and closet sorting items into bins as you go.
  • Look around. If the area seems cluttered, consider moving out non-essential items such as an extra lamp, chair or table.
  • Once an area is complete, replace items from the “to keep” bin in an organized manner.
  • Repeat steps for each room.
  • Take the items in the “to donate” bin, such as clothes, blankets, linens, and children’s toys, and put them into a sturdy garbage bag and take to a local community center, church, homeless shelter, or abuse center, as soon as possible.
  • Other donated items such as old grills, dishware, glassware, cookware, electronics, and any other item that may be used can be dropped off at collection centers.
  • The “to recycle” bin speaks for itself. Drop items off at a local collection center.
  • Toss items from the “trash/shredding” bin that are no longer usable, and shred any paperwork containing identifying information.

Spring cleaning your RV takes some time but will definitely be worth it.  And remember, if you spring clean every year, it will be that much easier the next year.  Happy Trails!

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A Whole New Level

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

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A Whole New LevelMany readers are probably familiar with the process of manual coach leveling; find the most level spot on the pad, use bubble levels to monitor which corners need to go up and by how much, lay down the ramps (these days, plastic ramps of adjustable heights are available), drive the coach onto the blocks to the appropriate height, and move the coach if the height is not correct.   It can be a painstaking process, especially when a travel trailer or fifth-wheel is involved. Three- or four-point hydraulic leveling systems make the task of leveling your motorhome a walk in the park, with some systems even performing the task automatically.

RV LevelingWhether your RV has hydraulic levellers or manual jacks, carrying jack pads, with dimensions slightly larger than the jack foot is recommended. Center a pad under each jack foot prior to lowering it all the way to the ground. This will help protect the ground surface, whether it’s dirt, grass, or concrete. This is especially important with blacktop, as it is very easy for RV jacks to damage blacktop, especially in the case of hydraulic jacks. Using blocks will also further distribute the weight being exerted on each jack foot, minimizing the possibility of the jack(s) sinking into the ground. Hydraulic levelling jacks are generally single-acting, which means that, although hydraulic pressure is used to lower the jack, spring force is used to retract it. Once in a while a jack will get stuck in the mud or soft soil because the spring force is not enough to pull it out. Jack pads help prevent this from happening. Also remember that if you use stabilizing jacks like those shown at the right with a travel or pop-up trailer, be sure to use them for stabilizing only and do not try to level a trailer with them, as they are not strong enough.

Leveling Your RVBut why do we go to the trouble of making sure our recreational vehicles are absolutely level? Aside from the obvious fact that we want to be comfortable while living in the RV, some believe it is also important for the fridge to be totally level. This last point is actually not strictly true. In the early days of absorption refrigeration, the burner and gravity process utilized by the technology was much less mature than it is today. Back then, if the fridge wasn’t extremely level, it tended not to work very well. Now, absorption technology has evolved to the point where the vehicle doesn’t have to be as level as it used to be. Simply stated, these days, it is a generally held view that if you are comfortable in your RV, your fridge will be as well. Given the popularity of hydraulic levelling systems (even available in Class B vans), as well as the increasing occurrence of level RV sites across all park types, the requirement for painstaking levelling of an RV is not as prevalent as it used to be. This is not to say that general levelling is not important, just make sure you sleep with your head higher than your feet.

About the Author:

Coach-Net is pleased to welcome Steve Froese to our team of writers. Steve, an avid RV owner, traveler, and  Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Proper RV Tire Inflation

13 Friday Mar 2015

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Inflation-headerThe most important factor in maintaining the life of your RV tires is making sure they are always properly inflated. There’s a reason why the tires you bought came with specific recommendations for proper inflation, so it’s important to get to know your tires and your owner’s manual.

Seven Basic Tire Inflation Tips

  1. Check your tire pressure at least once a month
  2. Check tire inflation before a trip, while your tires are cold
  3. Check tires before and after storage
  4. On short trips of a day or less driving each way, check before you leave and before you return home
  5. Use a truck tire gauge with a dual-angled head to check inner and outer wheels together
  6. Under inflation causes poor handling, excessive wear, poor gas mileage, and structural damage
  7. Over inflation reduces traction and makes your rig harder to handle

max tire pressureMaximum Load Limit and Air Pressure

The amount of pressure required in each tire depends on the weight of the fully loaded vehicle. So you cannot determine the tire’s correct pressure unless you know your vehicle’s actual weight. The maximum load capacity allowed for the tire’s size and load rating and the minimum cold inflation pressure needed to carry that maximum load are located on the tire’s sidewall. (For example: “635 kg [1400 lbs] at 300 kPa [44 psi]). The lower the pressure, the lighter the load that tire can carry. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended inflation and proper air pressure of your vehicle’s tires.

Weigh Your Coach

tire placardKnow your RV’s load rating, otherwise known as GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating = the amount your unit is designed to carry), which also affects the pressure you put in your tires. You can find this information either on your door edge or near the driver’s seat. You can easily get your RV weighed for a fee at a truck stop; they’ll even give you a weight slip that shows the front axle and total weight. Ultimately, you should take your RV to a professional weighing agency to make sure it isn’t overweight on the corners or axles. Overloading your RV can be disastrous, and it has major affects on tires, wheels, springs and axles.

Remember:

  • Weigh your RV fully loaded (with passengers, food, water, propane, and any vehicles being towed by your RV)
  • Get axle-end specific weights when you weigh your RV
  • You won’t get equal loads at both ends of the same axle — just get the best possible balance
  • Find the heaviest end of each axle and use that load to select inflation for all tires on that axle
  • Use a weight distribution system for trailers over 5000 lbs

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