Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
When we hit the road, I did my best to learn how to avoid RV tire blowouts. I was always afraid that I would be riding along and—boom—tire blowout. I’ve seen too many movies where this was the start of a terrifying adventure, and I couldn’t have that.
The best way to avoid RV tire blowouts is by using an RV tire pressure monitor to make sure your tire pressure is within the suitable range, don’t weigh down your RV too much, don’t push your tire’s age too much, avoid road hazards, and avoid excessive heat on your tires.
1) Monitor Your RV Tire Pressure to Avoid Tire Damage
If you don’t monitor your RV tire pressure, this simple problem could cause you to have a blowout. Blowouts are common if you have overinflated or under-inflated
If you’re wondering about the common causes of tire blowouts, low tire pressure is the worst when it comes to tire blowouts. High tire pressure is likely to damage your tires, but it won’t cause a blowout as quickly as low tire pressure.
To find out how much pressure your
Here are some of the most popular RV manufacturer manual locations if you don’t have yours. This is important to know when you’re asking about how to avoid RV tire blowouts.
Tiffin Motorhomes RV Owner Manuals
Gulf Stream Coach RV Owner Manuals
If none of these manuals match up with your RV as you’re researching how to avoid RV tire blowouts, you can try calling the company and asking them to send you one or at least let you know how much pressure you need in your tires.
My uncle owned a tire shop for years, and I’ve seen quite a few crazy things when it comes to tires.
Don’t try to guess how much pressure you need. If you have a 16-inch tire, there is a very wide range. It might only need 35 PSI, or it may need as much as 80 PSI. As you can see, if you need 80 PSI and put 30 PSI, you’re asking for an RV tire blowout.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to buy a tire pressure monitor system, you can use a tire pressure gauge to keep a check on all of your tires.
- 150 PSI
- 4 Settings
- Non-slip grip
- Backlit LCD
- Replacement batteries are expensive
For those of you that want constant monitoring of your tires to avoid the risk of tire blowouts, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can put your mind at ease.
Stop worrying about your tires and feel confident that your tires are doing just fine.
- High and low-pressure alarms
- 14-day battery time
- Decent battery time
- Easy to install
- Easy to setup
- Sensor issues from time to time
2) Keep Your RV’s Weight Under Control – Know Your Weight Rating
We are kind of minimalists, so we didn’t have to worry about heavy loads much when we moved into our RV, but there are plenty of people that try to move their whole house into their new rig. Not only is this cramped, but it is also a bad idea for your tires.
If you aren’t sure if your vehicle is over its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or its gross combination weight rating (GCWR), you can easily weigh it for a semi-accurate reading of how much weight is coming down on your tires.
Weigh stations give an axle-by-axle weight which is helpful to know, but if you really want to get an accurate reading, you can find someone that does wheel position weighing. It’s not super common, though, so you might have a problem linking up with someone that offers this service.
3) Shy Away from the Heat to Protect Tire Tread from Excessive Heat
I know you want to be out in the sun enjoying life, but your
When your tires get too hot, this is really bad for them and can make them dangerous.
One of the common things you might notice is that your car’s tires lose air when the weather changes. Your
Stay on Top of Tire Maintenance – Common Signs of RV Tire Dry Rot
If you’re worried your trailer tires might have dry rot, here are some signs to look for so you can avoid an RV tire blowout.
- Grayish look on the tire’s exterior
- Dry or brittle feel
- Any cracking on the tire sidewall or tire tread
If you notice any of these things, you should either replace your tire or get a tire expert to look over them before you start driving.
- 4 pack
- Fits tires 26-28.75
- Works for all seasons
- Protect tires and wheels from sun damage
- Water-resistant material
- Extreme heat might cause them to last less time
- 2 pack
- Cost-effective
- Weather-resistant
- Made with fleece lining
- Not easy to install
4) Replace RV Tires on a Trailer When It’s Time
Pro tip: When it’s time to replace RV tires, you shouldn’t ignore them. How to avoid RV tire blowouts is mainly preventative.
I know it can be painful to replace your
If you use your RV a lot, you might need to replace your tires in as little as three years. Some people who only use their tires moderately might be able to make it six or even ten years, depending on tire damage and tire maintenance.
Don’t push it too much.
I am grateful that I haven’t experienced a blowout in an RV before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. I kept changing RVs, so I never had old tires, but even if that’s the case, you might hit a pothole or a curb, and that could damage the integrity of your tire, so keep an eye on it.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has some helpful information about tire safety ratings that can help you rest a little easier and understand your camper tires better.
According to the NHTSA, in 2019, there were 612 tire-related accident fatalities in the US. You want to make sure your tires are in good condition, or this could become a big problem when it comes to how to avoid RV tire blowouts.
5) Stay Vigilant for Potholes and Other Hazards for Tires
Since you’re traveling in an RV, it’s likely that you’ll travel many roads you’ve never been on before. You want to have fun, but you also need to keep your eyes open and focus on the road. This is one of the best tips for how to avoid RV tire blowouts.
If you hit a big enough pothole, this could cause an immediate problem. Earlier, I remember I said that I had never experienced a blowout, but I did—in a car. It had run flats, though, so it wasn’t such a problem. But how it happened was because I hit a pothole in Saint Louis, Missouri. Their roads were terrible back in 2010, for sure.
According to Smart Motorist, there are 9 common road hazards that might trip you up, and they give some tips on how to avoid them.
6) Know Your RV Trip Route
Before you head out on your RV trip, make sure that you know where you are going. Use an RV GPS app that will help you avoid any routes that might not be good for your RV. If there are roads that are too small or something like that, you can avoid those dangerous circumstances when you already map out your route.
How to Avoid Tire Blowouts – Frequently Asked Questions
Put your mind at ease by getting more of your avoid tire blowouts questions answered.
Why do my RV tires keep blowing out?
If you drive your RV at high speeds, this can heat up your tires and cause damage which in turn causes tire blowouts.
What is the leading cause of RV tire blowouts?
The leading cause of tire blowouts is underinflation.
How common are RV tire blowouts?
According to UnitedTires, tire blowouts cause around 11,000 accidents each year.
How to Avoid RV Tire Blowouts – Conclusion
Now you know the answer to how to avoid RV tire blowouts, and you can rest easier when you hit the road next time. Even if you have roadside assistance, you don’t want to have to use it for something you can prevent. It’s important that you have proper tire tread and tire pressures monitored.
Reducing tire blowouts means you’re safer, but it also saves you a lot of money. Let’s face it,
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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