8 Things To Consider When Replacing Tires For An RV

What You Should Know About Replacing Tires For An RV

Buying new tires for an RV isn’t cheap. Fortunately, by doing your research and going in prepared, you can make RV tire shopping a low-stress experience and ensure you leave with exactly what you need. Not only that, but there are some steps you can take to make sure those expensive new tires last as long as possible. 

In this article, we will go over eight things you need to keep in mind when replacing tires for an RV.

1. Always replace original tires

First, it’s almost always a good idea to replace the factory tires on any RV. This is because manufacturers tend to use very low-quality tires on motorhomes and trailers. These tires have a tendency to blow out easily, something you definitely don’t want to experience in your RV. 

2. Understand the reason for replacement

Besides replacing original tires, there are three reasons a tire might need to be replaced: age, wear, and damage.

If you’re replacing your tires because they are old and expired, that’s a good thing, as it means you did an excellent job caring for your tires. Or are you replacing your tires because they’re worn? As long as the wear is even, this is okay as well.

However, if you find yourself replacing your RV tires due to uneven wear or damage to the tires, you might need to change something up. Uneven wear is a sign that your motorhome is in need of an alignment. Meanwhile, if your tires are suffering from sun damage, you might want to consider covering your new set of wheels. 

Paying attention to the reason you’re replacing your tires and correcting problems that may have caused the need for replacement could save you thousands of dollars. It’s also a good idea to check for recalls, such as the Goodyear RV tire recall that was recently announced, and get them replaced as soon as possible if needed.

3. Find the right type of RV tires

Obviously, you will want to make sure you buy the correct tires for your RV. Here are some of the things you’ll want to pay attention to:

Size and load rating

Always use the tire size your RV manufacturer recommends. Pay attention to the size as well as the load rating. 

ST vs LT

ST tires are usually used on trailers. Meanwhile, LT tires tend to be used on trucks, vans, and motorhomes. Knowing the difference between ST and LT tires—and which ones you need—can be helpful. 

Radial vs Bias Tires

Radial tires are more durable and offer both better fuel economy and a better ride, but they are significantly more expensive. Bias tires have a shorter life span but also a smaller price tag; plus, they can handle heavier loads.

Weight rating

When it comes to buying RV tires, weight rating is incredibly important. Ensure the cumulative maximum load capacity (meaning, the tires’ weight capacities added together) meets or exceeds the total gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the RV. 

Tread type

The type of terrain you plan to travel on matters as well. Keep this in mind and choose tires with the proper tread for your planned activities.

4. Learn the date of manufacture

Did you know tires expire? They do, and it’s important that you replace your tires before this happens. Generally speaking, tires should be replaced six years after the date they were made. Therefore, it only makes sense that you wouldn’t want to purchase a tire that was made more than a year ago. 

Check the date of manufacture on tires before you buy them to ensure they will last five years or more before needing to be replaced.

5. Don’t forget the spare

If you’re purchasing a new set of tires because of age, your spare likely needs to be replaced for the same reason. Be sure to lift that spare tire cover and look for damage (as well as a manufacture date) to see if you should be replacing the spare tire along with the rest.

6. Pay for the warranty

Generally speaking, tire warranties are worth paying for. This is especially true when it comes to RV tires, as they tend to be quite expensive. A good warranty will cover you for quite a while after your purchase, so you needn’t worry about getting a dud tire or accidentally running over a screw.  

Read more about RV Extended Warranties: What RV Buyers Need To Know

7. Know how to care for your new tires

Once you have a new set of tires installed, you will want to make sure to take good care of them. This will ensure the tires last as long as possible, saving you money and the hassle of shopping for new RV tires and having them installed.

Some of the things you can do to extend the life of your RV tires include:

• Make sure your motorhome wheels are properly aligned to avoid uneven wear.
• Avoid driving in areas with lots of debris in order to avoid a punctured tire.
• Keep tires covered while in storage to prevent sun damage.
• Check tire pressure before each trip and top up when necessary.
• Make sure you track your RV tire maintenance with a tool like RV LIFE Maintenance.

8. Plan for next time

Lastly, we highly recommend creating a plan for the next time your tires need to be replaced. Set a reminder in your phone for a few months before the new tires expire so you don’t forget to have them replaced, or utilize RV LIFE Maintenance to get timely reminders when you are due for new tires. Keep in mind that you may wear the tires out before that date rolls around, depending on your driving habits and/or travel frequency.

It’s a good idea to start setting money aside to save for a new set of tires right away so you aren’t caught off-guard when you do need another set. After all, nobody wants to find themselves in a situation where they can’t afford to buy tires they really need. 

If possible, you’ll also want to start shopping for new RV tires in advance of when you actually need them. Some types of tires can be hard to find, and you may need to have a shop order them. Giving yourself plenty of time to do this will save you some stress. 

Clearly, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying and caring for RV tires. Hopefully this article helps save you some hassle and maybe even a bit of money while keeping you safe on the road.

 

RVers looking for valuable how-to information have learned to go to the experts. Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.

Related articles:

• 5 Ways To Avoid RV Tire Blowouts
• The Benefits Of An RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea Gonzales is a full-time RVer, freelance writer, and roadschooling mama who loves sharing her expertise about RVing with kids, roadschooling, and full-time RVing. The entrepreneurial and free-spirited author is also artistic director of the Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy, and currently travels with her family in a 27-foot travel trailer. Chelsea’s informational articles about full-time RVing, raising children on the road, camping, and destination features appear on her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander. throughout the RV LIFE network, and in RV industry media outlets such as Outdoorsy, Coach-Net, and RV Share.