Should RV tires rotate? (+3 Tips)

In this article, we will answer the following question: Should RV tires rotate? We will give you a few essential tips on caring for and extending the life of your RV’s tires. 

Should RV tires rotate?

Yes, it is recommended to rotate your RV tires every 6000 or 8000 miles, as it will extend their life. Obviously, tires are an integral part of an RV. You won’t get very far without tires. The quality of your tires plays an important role in your RV trip. Good tires will save you money in potential repairs, cause accidents, and can potentially save lives.

You never know what kinds of driving conditions there will be on your trip, so it’s best to be prepared for all scenarios with the right tires.

Here are some recommendations:

  • Check the pressure at least once a month and before any long trip.
  • During long trips, check the pressure each morning before you leave.
  • Check the pressure before and after storing your RV.
  • On short round trips of a day or less, check before you start the trip and before you get home.

Always check the tires when they are “cold” and have not been driven more than 1 mile. The stated load capacity for a certain “cold” inflation pressure is based on the outside ambient temperature. 

Note that the pressure of a “hot” tire can be 10-15 PSI higher than the “cold” inflation pressure. If you need to check the tires when they are hot, add a little more air and make sure there are only a few pounds of difference between two tires on the same axle. Never deflate a tire when it is hot.

To make it easier to check the pressure and get more accurate results, we recommend purchasing a quality double angled head truck tire pressure gauge. This type of pressure gauge allows you to quickly check the pressure of dual inside and outside tires.

 The more you check your pressure, the easier it will be to do. Nothing should prevent you from checking tire air pressure daily when driving an RV. Airtight caps should be used to prevent air from escaping from the valve. 

If you are using valve extensions, make sure they are of high quality reinforced stainless steel and are securely attached to the outer wheel. Seals should be checked with soap immediately after installation to make sure there are no air leaks. If your RV has wheel covers, consider removing them permanently, as the extra time and effort required to do so each time can cause you to avoid checking the air pressure.

A flat tire can also destroy other aspects of the RV such as propane, power lines and even floors. Plus, it can cause crashes and leave you stuck on the side of the road until help arrives.

Knowing when to change your RV tires is a little less obvious. It is possible not to notice the wear on the tires since they are on the road less often than cars. However, they should still be changed quite often.

So how often should you rotate your RV tires? 

Here are some tips to help you decide how often should you rotate or change your RV tires:

  • Visually inspect each tire: You will need to visually inspect each tire to determine the level of deterioration, such as cracks. This may indicate that they need to be changed. It’s good to check your tires well before and after every RV trip, especially if you want to rent your RV through our platform.
  • Determine the age of your tires: Determining the age of your tires is another way of knowing if you need to change your tires. Tires should have an identification number (from the year 2000 and newer), which will determine the week and year of the tire. 

On the sidewall of the tire, the last 4 numbers are the production date. For example, “1408” means that your tire was produced in the 14th week of the year 2008. As a general rule, you should change your tires at least every five years.

  • Reasons for the deterioration of your tires: Your tires deteriorate over time and because of the nature of the Canadian environment. Even if they are well maintained, you still need to change them every five years.

Tires that are located in hot, sunny climates should be changed more frequently than those in cooler environments. The reason is that the sun causes faster deterioration.

Tips for extending the life of your RV tires

Here are some steps you can take to extend the life of your tires before they reach five years of age.

  • Keep your tires clean by cleaning them with water and mild soap.
  • Keep your tires inflated to the recommended level of cold pressure.
  • Use tire coverings when you are not using them.
  • Take the weight off your tires when your RV is parked or in storage for long periods of time.
  • Keep your tires away from wet surfaces, as they can absorb water.
  • Spin the tires every now and then when you are not using them.

Remember, it is always best to be careful and change your tires as often as possible for the safety of your passengers, yourself and potential renters of your RV.

How much air should the RV tires contain?

The required air pressure varies depending on the weight of the fully-loaded vehicle. It is therefore impossible to determine the correct air pressure without knowing the weight of the vehicle. 

If you look at the sidewall of your tire, you will see the maximum allowable load for the tire size and load index, as well as the minimum cold inflation pressure required for the stated maximum load. The lower the air pressure, the lower the load the tire can take. A complete table of loads and pressures is available here (michelinrvtires.com) or at your retailer.

What are the best tires for an RV?

For many people, there is nothing better than tires that give a motorhome or recreational transport adventure. In every motor vehicle, safety comes first. For this reason, it is important to have excellent tires on your motorhome, so as not to miss anything on your trip.

With these transports, you have the peace of mind of a small house and everyone’s outdoor place. You can go anywhere you want, but keeping all the comforts and conveniences of your home. Many people also think that owning a motorhome is cheap, mostly because you don’t have to pay rent.

On the other hand, these people are mostly wrong. Recreational transportation (RV) runs on fuel, and also requires regular service intervals, much like a car. Now, let’s review the types of tires that are more suitable for these off-road cars.

If you want more precise information on the size of the tire, please check the plate with the measurement and inflation information of your tires; same as the original equipment specifications for your vehicle in the owner’s manual. Consult a tire specialist before mounting any on your vehicle.

Tires are a fundamental element of the cost of owning a motorhome. Even if you don’t use your motorhome continuously, the tires will wear out over time and you will have to replace them with new ones.

Also, they are not accessible in all tire stores. To do this, you will have to assist experts in motorhome tires or buy them online.

Fortunately, several tire manufacturers have started producing motorhome tires. This is a great first for anyone who wants a safe driving experience and long-lasting performance.

The bottom line

As we mentioned above, the condition of the tires is crucial for a safe journey in your RV. Even if you don’t use your motorhome continuously, the tires will wear out over time and you will have to replace them with new ones. 

Knowing when to change your RV tires is a little less obvious. It is possible not to notice the wear on the tires since they are on the road less often than cars. However, they should still be changed quite often.

If you have any tips, comments or questions about the content, please let us know!

FAQ on Should RV tires rotate?

What are the best tires for a Class A motorhome?

The best tires for a Class A motorhome are the Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude and Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tires. On our list, there is also the Michelin XPS RIB Truck Radial Tire, Goodyear Unisteel G614 RST Radial Tire and the Sailun S637 Trailer Radial Tire.

Why do you cover RV tires?

You should cover your RV tires to protect them against harsh weather or UV exposure, as both can damage the tires in the long run.

How do you know if your RV tires are bad?

You know if your RV tires are bad if 1/8 of an inch is down, they have cracks or dry rot more than 1/16 of an inch deep.

References

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