Obviously, staying safe while driving your RV down the road is of the utmost importance. Keeping your roadside assistance is one great way to go about this, and knowing how to properly load and tow your rig is also imperative.
Another super key part of towing or driving your RV safely? RV tire safety.
Clearly, nobody wants to have a tire blowout in any vehicle. That said, having one of your RV tires blow could be a disaster. Therefore, it’s definitely a good idea to buy the best tires possible for your rig and keep those RV tires in tip-top shape.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to RV tire safety? We’re here to help. Using the tips below will help you stay safe during travel so you can fully enjoy your destinations.
Purchase the Right Tire Type
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you know the type of tire you require. First, check the tire size stamped on the sidewall of your current tires. Knowing the difference between LT and ST tires is also a good idea, and having a good understanding of the weight of your rig and what certain tires can handle will be helpful in choosing the right set of tires.
If you feel unsure, discuss options with a knowledgeable tire salesperson before making a final decision.
Buy a Spare
When purchasing a new set of RV tires, be sure to replace the spare too. It can be tempting to skip out on buying a new spare tire, but one day in the future when you need your spare, you will definitely be thankful to have one you know you can rely on.
Check the Date of Manufacture
Before purchasing tires, check the sidewalls for the date stamp to learn when the tires were made. Generally, tires should be replaced six years after the date of manufacture, regardless of how much they have been used. If the tires being sold to you are more than a year old, insist on having newer tires put on. Additionally, it’s important to make a note of when your tires will expire so you can have them replaced before then.
Inflate Properly
Proper tire inflation can make all the difference in the world. It can completely change how your RV drives, and it can change how your tires wear and how long they last. Keep an eye on your tire inflation and adjust it before every trip in the RV.
Get an Alignment
Poor alignment on a motorhome can wreak havoc on your RV tires. Be sure your motorhome is properly aligned before putting on a new set of tires in order to avoid uneven wear. This will also help ensure your tires last as long as possible.
Cover Tires in Storage
Believe it or not, sitting still can also damage your tires. If you store your RV outside, be sure to cover the tires to protect them from the intense rays of the sun. After pulling your RV out of storage, check your tires for damage before heading out on a trip.
Inspect Tires During Walkarounds
A walk around the outside of your rig before every RV trip is essential to ensure you’re safe on the road. These walkarounds should always include a look at each of your RV tires. Be sure to check for chipping, uneven wear, splitting, or other signs of damage.
Invest in a TPMS
Last but not least, we highly recommend investing in a good tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). An RV TPMS will warn you if a tire is losing air so you can pull over before a bigger problem arises. Just be sure the system you purchase is compatible with your rig.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to ensure your RV tires are as safe as possible. Of course, there is no guaranteed way to prevent all issues. Therefore, RV roadside assistance remains incredibly important to have.
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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.
You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.
Ken H. ~ “We’ve been with Coach-Net for over 9 years, and every time we have needed them, they have come through for us! Everyone from the call agents to the tow provider is always friendly, quick, and professional!”
