Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Those four spinning rubber things under your RV can seriously threaten your rig’s condition and you and everybody else on the road.
So whether you are heading to a lakeside RV park in the Ozarks or up to Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the majestic sights, keep in mind that you want to get there safely.
RV tires can start out as low as $100, but this isn’t something you want to skimp on, so don’t be afraid to spend closer to $200 per tire.
- Set 4
- All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire
- 14 PR Load Range G
Check Those Tires Out
If you bought the rig new, you should have a fairly good guess about how old your tires are. For those who bought a used rig, there is a convenient way to find out the day of manufacture of your tires. Look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) letters on the sidewall.
Let your eyes follow to the right. There will be either four letters or numbers or a combination. I’m not sure what they signify. After that, there will be four digits. For example, if (2409) the tire was manufactured in the 24th week of 2009. Old tires can be a liability. Rubber breaks down from exposure to the elements. If you see any cracking in the sidewalls, change your tires ASAP.
For weekenders whose rigs are parked or in storage for extended periods, I recommend buying and using tire covers when you are not on the road. They help slow down the breakdown speed of your tires while they are at rest. How Much Does It
Invest in a tire depth gauge. Easy to use, it can be a powerful tool in your RV toolbelt. According to the USDOT, a depth of 6/32″ is fine, but it’s time to change tires when you hit 2/32″. Anything less than that, and you’re riding on racing slicks. Most rigs come at 10/32″ or deeper, depending on the application and use of your rig.
The best action is to take it to Firestone and have a professional check them out for you. By the way, tire stores are not allowed to repair tires that are too worn or damaged. So it’s a good thing to know.
Time to Buy Tires
Those bulky, beefy, heavy sidewalls on your Class A tire will cost more than a standard car tire. It’s all about the size of your rig. Class C will be a little cheaper than Class A and Class B, more of a van on steroids, even less.
For your standard pull-behind tent trailer, you may even be able to get away with tires for under $100. After perusing through some major tire centers such as Big O and Les Schwab, you’re looking to spend around $250 to $350 for the safety and durability of a good motorhome tire. The average price for a pull-behind camper or Fifth Wheel is around $150; however, just like the motorhomes, don’t skimp.
You may also incur a cost of up to $50 a tire for mounting and balancing. Most tire shops will also try and sell you an alignment. For example, I paid $200 for lifetime alignments at Firestone.
Parting Thoughts
Depending on how much you’re on the road. And how well you’ve protected your tires from the elements, your tires can last quite a while. Check them. Get new tires if they are old, cracked, or tread depth is out of specs.
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