How To Expand The Lifespan Of Your RV Tires

RV tires play an important role in ensuring the safety and comfort of your road trips. They are responsible for carrying the weight of your RV and the load it carries, which can be substantial. Given that tires are a critical component of your RV and can be costly to replace, it is important to understand how to extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Proper Inflation

One of the most important things you can do to extend the lifespan of your RV tires is to ensure they are properly inflated. Overloading tires can cause them to wear out faster, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust it as necessary. Keep in mind that tire pressure can vary with temperature changes, so it is best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Not only does keeping your tires properly inflated help you maintain the tire’s lifespan, but also has additional environmental benefits on top of that, meaning you’re helping lessen excessive emissions into the environment!

Regular Maintenance

Regular tire maintenance is essential to extend their lifespan. You should inspect your tires regularly for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or cracks in the sidewall. Any damage should be repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration. In addition, you should rotate your tires every 7,500 miles to ensure even wear. With proper and routine maintenance, you’re lowering your chances of potential risks or failures by up to 90% according to recent studies. Better to follow your regular maintenance schedule and be in the know.

Proper Loading

Overloading your RV can cause excessive stress on your tires and cause them to wear out faster. You should not exceed the maximum weight limit for your tires, and you should distribute the load evenly to prevent uneven wear. You should also avoid overloading your RV, as this can cause excessive stress on your tires. Taking care to properly load and evenly distribute that load in your RV not only helps with your RV’s tires, but also its chassis.

Proper Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is important for ensuring even tire wear and for maintaining good handling. An alignment that is out of specification can cause your RV to pull to one side or the other, and can also cause your tires to wear out faster. You should have your RV’s wheels aligned at least once a year, or more often if you notice any problems. Be sure to have your tires checked and aligned only by professionals to ensure no excessive wear has led to issues like camber, toe, or scrub – all of which can lead to quick tire failure if not maintained properly.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Tires can be affected by extreme temperatures, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the rubber to deteriorate. To extend the lifespan of your tires, you should avoid driving in extreme hot or cold temperatures, and you should store your RV in a place that is protected from direct sunlight. Tires of all types are extremely vulnerable and sensitive to temperature extremes – adding RV tire covers to your rig would also be a great way to increase your tire’s longevity!

Slow Down

High speeds generate more heat and put more stress on your tires, so it is best to keep your speeds down. If you are driving on a highway, you should reduce your speed to 55 mph to extend the lifespan of your tires. Beside the safety benefits of keeping your rig at 55 MPH, you’ll get better fuel economy and you’ll find yourself enjoying the time spent traveling even more!

Regular Balancing

Regular tire balancing is important for ensuring even tire wear and for maintaining good handling. An unbalanced tire can cause vibrations and excessive wear, and can also cause your RV to pull to one side or the other. You should have your tires balanced every 7,500 miles, or more often if you notice any problems. Making sure your tires are balanced on a regular maintenance schedule helps you keep you, your family, and your investment as protected as possible, too.

Proper Storage

Proper storage of your RV tires is important for extending their lifespan. If you plan to store your RV for an extended period of time, you should remove the tires and store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and any chemicals that might cause the rubber to deteriorate. Consider also using leveling equipment, like these Valterra leveling chocks and other stabilizing components to help evenly distribute weight and remove strain so that your tire integrity remains strong.

In conclusion, the lifespan of your RV tires depends on several factors, including proper inflation, regular maintenance, proper loading, proper alignment, avoiding extreme temperatures, slowing down, regular balancing, and proper storage. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your RV tires and ensure that your road trips are safe and comfortable.