Tag Archives: tire care

8 Important Tire Safety Tips Every RVer Should Know

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in RV Newbie, RV Safety, Tech Tips

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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!”

Keeping your Rig Rolling: RV Tires Part 1

01 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by in Tech Tips

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RV Tire SafetyMotorists often neglect to think about the objects that keep their vehicles rolling down the road in comfort and safety. RV owners are no exception to this rule, and in some cases are less likely to pay attention to the tires on their rigs. Even though tires are definitely not “out of sight”, they do tend to be “out of mind” for many people. Yet, the importance of keeping your RV tires in top shape cannot be overstated.

Tire Considerations

There are three main factors to consider when thinking about tires on any vehicle. These are age, condition, and inflation pressure. For passenger vehicles, tires usually wear out before they age out. In other words, most drivers wear out the tread on their tires before the tires wear out due to age. However, for RVs, the reverse is generally true. Because RV owners, even full-timers, generally put far fewer miles on their rigs than passenger vehicles are subject to, tires on RVs usually get old before the tread wears down. This is a significant point, because even when RV owners have the wherewithal to inspect their tires, they often only pay attention to tread depth and condition, rather than also being aware of the age of the tire.

Tire Life

Depending on the manufacturer, the average recommended life for motorhome tires is seven to ten years, and five years for trailer tires. However, it is important to consult your tire manufacturers website or visit your local tire retailer for specific information. All tires have a date code stamp on the sidewall. The DOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires that Tire Identification Numbers (TIN) be a combination of the letters “DOT”, followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify the manufacturing location, tire size, and manufacturers code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured.Tire manufacturer date

Since 2000, the week and year the tire was manufactured has been identified as the last four digits of the TIN, with the first two of those digits being the week of manufacture, and the last two being the year of manufacture. In the example above, the tire was manufactured in week 51 of 2007.

For tires manufactured prior to 2000, it should be noted that there should not be any tires of this vintage running on RVs today. For these tires, it was assumed at the time that they would not be in service for ten years. While they were required to have the same information as the tires produced today, the week and year the tire was manufactured was contained in the last three digits. The first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last digit was the year.Tire manufacturer date

In the example above, the tire was manufactured in week 40 of the 8th year of the decade. In this case, that would be 1998, but unfortunately there is no indicator of which decade the tire was manufactured in. Fortunately, as indicated earlier, there should be no tires of this vintage rolling on RVs today.

Tire Inspection

Experiencing a tire blowout can be a terrifying event, especially on an RV. To minimize the risk of this happening, it is important to regularly inspect your tires, and know the exact manufacture date as indicated by the TIN. During your inspection, check for tire damage, especially to the sidewalls. Look for cuts, gouges, severe scuffing, abrasions, foreign objects embedded in them, etc. Based on information from the manufacturer and/or tire retailer, determine the recommended tire life and replace your tires based on that information.

Next month, I will continue the subject of tires and discuss proper inflation pressure and trailer tires.

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.

RV Tire Discounts

Aww Shucks!

Karl P. UT~ “Kurt from Quality Tire was exceptional. He came and pulled both sets of back tires. The inside tires on both sides of our motor home had 0 pressure. Both Valve stems had been damaged for some reason. He replaced the valve stems on both tires, checked and filled all 6 tires to correct pressure. He was a pleasant and pleasurable person to work with. We were called by Coach-Net several times to make sure everything went as it was supposed to. Thank you to all the Coach-Net Representatives and to Kurt from Quality tire. It took something that was a pain and made it a pleasure.”

Tips For A Better Driving Experience – Part 2

18 Thursday May 2017

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety, Tech Tips

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Better Driving Experience - Part 2In Part 1 of this discussion, we outlined getting started, getting acquainted with your rig and making a practice run in a parking lot prior to hitting the road.  One of the most essential maintenance items you can conduct for a safe and enjoyable road trip is checking your weight ratings and know proper tire inflation and maintenance.

Weight Ratings

Understanding weight ratings and knowing what your rig, tow vehicle, and towed vehicle actually weigh is essential to prevent excess brake wear, axle problems and tire blowouts!

  1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

This is the maximum weight your rig can weigh with everything inside going down the road including personal items, propane, water, and people the case of a motorhome.  Today’s new RVs have a weight sticker that tells what the rig weighs “dry”, and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) meaning how much you can put inside before hitting GVWR.  Most owners have no idea how much weight they are carrying. They see all the huge compartments and think they can fill them up!  Not so.  Once you get your rig loaded, take it to a CAT Scale and get it weighed.

CAT scalesCAT Scales are available at most major truck stops like Pilot or Flying J, or visit www.catscale.com and find one near you.  For $10 you can use the platforms to put the front wheel on the first platform, back wheels on the second, and towed vehicle on the third.  This will not only tell us the GVWR when we add the two axles, it will tell us GAWR as well.

2.  Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GVWR is the weight the entire rig can weigh, however, each axle has a weight rating that must not be exceeded as well.  Usually, the front axle is the lightest and most abused by RV owners.  You should have a data plate inside the vehicle or on the tongue of a trailer with the GVWR and GAWR posted.  Trucks, cars and trailers should put the front wheels of the tow vehicle on the first platform, the drive or back axle on the second, and the trailer or 5th wheel on the third.  This will give you axle weights on individual axles and tell you if you might have too much weight on the back end of the tow vehicle.  This is a common mistake with 5th wheel trailers as owners tend to fill the large compartment under the bedroom and put items in the bed of the truck as well.

It is also recommended to have your rig weighed by individual wheel position as some rigs will have over 1000 extra pounds of “accessories” on one side or another.  The only way to accomplish this is to have individual platforms such as those provided by The Recreational Vehicle Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF).  Visit their site at: www.rvsafety.com to find weighing locations in your area.RV weighing

Tire Maintenance and Proper Inflation

Tires are the most vulnerable component on our rigs and the most neglected.  A small percentage of owners actually know how to determine proper inflation.  It’s not the marking on the side of the tire – that’s maximum inflation at maximum weight.  If you are not fully loaded to GVWR, your tires will be overinflated and have less tread on the road.  The only way to find proper inflation is to weigh the coach which we just talked about and refer to the tire manufacturer’s tire chart.

Once you find the weight on the individual tire, refer to the chart, find the tire size, dual or single application, and the weight.  That is the proper tire pressure for your tire!  My truck tires are a good example which recommend 61 psi at maximum load.  During normal driving I don’t have a truck bed full of dirt or drywall so 61 psi would be overinflated and my truck would ride like Fred Flintstone’s car with rock wheels!  I drive with about 35 psi.

Another issue is underinflated tires.  If your tires are just 10 psi lower than proper inflation, it reduces carrying capacity by 25%!  Your tires should be checked every day you hit the road, not just glanced at or hit with a “trucker’s bat”!  Make it part of your pre-trip inspection list or get a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Weather Checking

Check the sidewall of the tire periodically for signs of cracking known as weather checking.  Exposure to UV rays will dry out the material and make it crack.  If you are letting your rig sit for more than a day exposed to the elements, cover the tires.cover tires

Finally, as you are driving, check the temperature of the tires, the axle, and the brakes.  I carry an Infra-red laser temperature tester and when I stop for fuel I test the temperature.  It typically will run about 20-30 degrees hotter than ambient temperatures which is normal.  However, if I see a spike, then I know something is wrong!  Could it be starting to lose pressure and it’s working harder?  If the hub is hot, do the bearings on my trailer need to be repacked?  If the brake rotor or drum is hotter than normal, are the brakes set too high?  Once you get a few readings, you’ll know what is normal and what is excessive.  Also, if one side of the rig runs consistently hotter than the other…it’s time to get the coach weighed by individual wheel position as it might be too heavy on that side and everything is working harder.  You might need to move some items to the other side.Infra-red laser temperature tester

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Aww Shucks!

Karl P. UT~ “Kurt from Quality Tire was exceptional. He came and pulled both sets of back tires. The inside tires on both sides of our motor home had 0 pressure. Both Valve stems had been damaged for some reason. He replaced the valve stems on both tires, checked and filled all 6 tires to correct pressure. He was a pleasant and pleasurable person to work with. We were called by Coach-Net several times to make sure everything went as it was supposed to. Thank you to all the Coach-Net Representatives and to Kurt from Quality tire. It took something that was a pain and made it a pleasure.”

 

Why Matching Tires and Proper Load Range Matters

08 Tuesday Nov 2016

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

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Matching RV tiresWearing mismatched clothing is a big no-no for most of us. But when we let our RVs wear mismatched tires, most of us don’t think twice – until something like a tire blowout happens. Don’t let a roadside emergency teach you the importance of having a matching set of RV tires with correct load range. That’s what happened to me. Several months and almost a thousand dollars later, here’s what I learned about buying the right RV trailer tires for my 2010 Arctic Fox fifth wheel.

mismatched tiresAfter two trailer tire blowouts in less than a year, we knew we had a problem. Our first strategy to determine the cause was to get our RV weighed at the Escapees Smart Weigh station in Livingston, Texas. When we mentioned the two blowouts to the weighmaster, she quickly pointed out the potential cause: we had three different load ranges on four trailer tires. Other than knowing we had “trailer tires”, we didn’t know if we had the right RV trailer tires.

Why Load Range Matters for the Right RV Trailer Tires

When you need answers, it’s wise to turn to people who know more than you do. To get to the bottom of this we had a chat with RV trailer tire expert Ron Russell of PerformanceTrailerBraking. Here’s what we learned about finding the right RV trailer tires.

Tires aren’t as much of an issue for passenger cars as they are for RVs. Why? Because according to Russell, our typical daily commute vehicles are being operated with a 20%-30% reserve load capacity. We just don’t carry that much in everyday life. But when we hit the road in our trailers, they’re almost fully-loaded to the vehicle’s maximum GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio). Blowouts are often a consequence of it.

If you’re unsure what GVWR means, don’t let the letters scare you. All that “GVWR” represents is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, fuel and the vehicle itself. Your RV’s GVWR is in your owner’s manual and probably on a small metal plate mounted to the outside of your RV. Once you know your trailer’s GVWR, you can shop for the right RV trailer tires. Your goal is to locate a tire and wheel combination that exceeds your trailer’s GVWR by at least 20%.  This is your reserve load capacity.

trailer tire loads

For our own fifth wheel, Russell recommended a set of 10-ply ST225/75R15 tires with a load range E (recommended for trailers and ¾ and 1-ton trucks). The $800 price tag for a full set was shocking. However, I calmed down once I realized they offer more protection against blowouts and any resulting structural damage to our rig. Although they’re the most expensive tires we’ve ever purchased, they have heavier cord material, sidewalls and bead wire, plus a 20-30% reserve load capacity. This means that our new set of matching trailer tires will last longer than any others we’ve purchased in our nine years of full-time RVing.

When it comes to finding the right RV trailer tire, don’t rely on tire shops to sell you the correct ones. Typical tires shops sell many more passenger and LT tires than trailer tires. They can order your trailer tires but only the most popular ones available from distributors. Their sales reps just don’t have the same kind of trailer tire experience that industry experts like Russell or the Escapees Smart Weigh teams have. Thankfully, these experts are at your service to help you stay safe on the road, so don’t hesitate to turn to them before something bad happens.

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com.

RV Tire Discounts

 

Aww Shucks!

Tom W. SC~ “I’d give you a +12 if I could. Coach-Net rep Haley and Coach-Net dispatch rep Leonard were great to work. They explained my options and got me the help I needed. ‘Fleet Service Center’ was dispatched to do the work. Their rep (Dave I think) was fantastic. Professional and very skilled. I couldn’t be happier. I will stay with Coach-Net as long as I RV and recommend it to everyone I have a chance to.”

RV Tire Essentials – Part 2

07 Tuesday Jun 2016

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RV Tire Essentials Part 2If you own a motorhome, you generally don’t have to worry about whether the correct tires are installed on your unit as long as you are having a certified tire shop do the work. However, it is worth mentioning load range ratings. The load range is a measure of the ply rating, indicating the relative strength of the tire plys and therefore how much load the tires can safely carry. The load rating is indicated on the sidewall by a letter, with higher letters indicating a higher load range. When replacing your tires, always make sure the load rating is the same or higher than manufacturers specification. If in doubt, contact a tire center or the RV manufacturer.

Travel Trailer and JeepAnother important metric for trailer owners is tire type. There are distinctly different requirements for the tires on a towable than for the vehicle doing the towing. The towing vehicle requires a lot of traction, so the tires must be designed to allow for grip, acceleration, cornering, and braking. The sidewalls are quite flexible to contribute to passenger comfort.

On the other hand, trailers are followers. For this function, sidewall flexion is undesirable, especially on trailers with high centers of gravity. Flexing of tire sidewalls is a major contributor to trailer sway. Special Trailer (ST) designated tires should always be used on towable RVs. ST tires are constructed of more heavy-duty materials than standard vehicle tires, have much more rigid sidewalls, and operate at higher inflation pressures. These features help prevent sway. Since both ST and Light Truck (LT) tires are fully rated for trailer use, some owners install LT tires on their trailers, as they are often less expensive. I highly recommend using ST tires on all towable units for the reasons specified above.

In addition to ensuring you have the proper tires and correct inflation pressure, make sure you always have an evenly distributed load. This is essential to proper tire and vehicle performance and also contributes greatly to safety. Proper load distribution can help enhance vehicle handling, improve fuel economy, prevent irregular tire wear, maintain braking ability, extend tire life, and protect major RV components from excessive wear.

Speed limit 55Most motorhome and trailer tires are designed for a maximum speed of 65 mph. Although many people like to travel at speeds higher than this, it is important to bear in mind that fuel economy suffers significantly at speeds above 55 mph, so slow and steady is never a bad thing when it comes to RV travel. Plus, it allows you to enjoy the scenery more.

Perform regular inspection and maintenance on your RV tires. Have your wheels balanced whenever new tires are mounted or moved to a different position, after a flat repair, or anytime a tire is mounted. Have your tires rotated as per manufacturer recommendations. If you notice uneven or abnormal wear of the tire tread, you should have a wheel alignment done. Perform regular visual inspection of the tires and valves and note that, in general, tires should be replaced when they reach five years from manufacture date or the tread depth reaches the manufacturers specified depth, whichever comes first. Since 2000, the manufacture date is stamped on the sidewall as the last four numbers of the data code. The first two numbers are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. Replacement recommendations are guidelines, but will be affected by temperature, humidity, storage conditions, etc.

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.

 

Hazard ProtectBlush2Tom W. SC~ “I’d give you a +12 if I could. Coach-Net rep Haley and Coach-Net dispatch rep Leonard were great to work. They explained my options and got me the help I needed. ‘Fleet Service Center’ was dispatched to do the work. Their rep (Dave I think) was fantastic. Professional and very skilled. I couldn’t be happier. I will stay with Coach-Net as long as I RV and recommend it to everyone I have a chance to.”

RV Tire Blowouts Can Test Your Driving Skills – and Your Relationships

15 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in Roadside Assistance

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Tire BlowoutNavigating your RV through urban traffic is never fun, but toss in an RV trailer tire blowout at the same time and things can get life threatening if calm heads don’t prevail. The strength of your RV driving skills is measured by how you handle unpredictable situations like blowouts. Unfortunately the only way to determine where you stand is to actually experience one of these calamities, which is exactly what happened to us while maneuvering in a mess of interstate traffic.

Recently one Saturday morning we headed to an RV park on the fringes of Austin, Texas. Proud of ourselves for timing our arrival perfectly, it was about 10 am and interstate traffic was light and easy. After camping in rural West Texas for several weeks, it was nice to emerge into civilization without rush hour madness. Traffic got tighter as we approached Austin then sadly our casual entrance came to an end. That’s when my husband Jim looked left and saw a passenger in a neighboring car waving her arms at us.Blowout

“Uh oh!” he said.

“What?! What?! What?!” I panicked.

“Blowout!”

I would have panicked and hit the brakes, but Jim knew what to do.

  • When a blowout happens, DO NOT hit the brakes. Keep your foot on the gas to overcome forces that want to pull you sideways. Keep driving in a straight line.

As fast and safely as he could without slowing down too much, he steered us out of the middle lane toward an approaching off-ramp. Unfortunately we were moving too fast to exit and missed our opportunity. The narrow freeway shoulder was the only place left to stop.

Despite our meticulous tire care maintenance, stuff happens and now it was time to deal with the problem. In nine years of full-time RVing it was only our second high speed blowout. But things were different this time: now we carry Coach-Net’s Hazard Protect tire and wheel coverage. After taking a minute to catch our breath, I did what most wives will do in the same situation: I told Jim “Call Coach-Net!”

And of course, Jim did what most husbands will do: “I can change it!” he grumbled. You can probably imagine the bickering that transpired as we sat there arguing while every passing car shook our rig.

“No you can’t do that! Not here!” I demanded. “Yes, I CAN!” he insisted. But like all caring and concerned wives, I pointed out that if he went through with it, there was less than than five feet between his body and 75 mile-per-hour traffic.

Blowout Service“We have Coach-Net! That’s what it’s there for!” I pleaded. “You have good life insurance but I really don’t need a dead husband!” I added for extra drama. Maybe that’s what did it, but he relented and with a grumble said “Fine, call them.”

While sitting and waiting for the ordeal to be over, we got acquainted with our coverage. What a relief to learn that because a road hazard caused the blowout, our tire would be replaced – on the spot – with a new one, at no cost. To add to the perks, the repairman arrived with a heavy-duty Goodyear tire that was better than the 6 month old one that failed.

Blowout Parking Waiting for it to be over was the hardest part, but we learned much from the experience. For starters, watching the repairman do his job made one thing obvious: he knew exactly how to park diagonally behind us so that if a car hit us all, his truck would take the impact first. Those RVers who try to do it themselves without a buffer of protection on the freeway practically guarantees a tragic outcome.

We arrived in Austin later than we wanted, but my husband, dog and I were safe and that’s what mattered most.

 

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System

20 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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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.

Hazard Protect

Tire Pressure 101

20 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

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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.

RV Tire Discounts

 

Proper RV Weight Distribution

15 Friday May 2015

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

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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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