Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
“When Should I replace my
Your tires are arguably the most important feature of your RV. If your tires aren’t performing, you’re not going anywhere. Regular tire maintenance helps to keep things rolling (no pun intended), and knowing when to replace your
The Lifespan Of An RV Tire
As a general rule, the life of an RV tire is 3-6 years when it comes to the question, “When should I replace my
It’s also important to remember that there is a difference between truck tires and
How often you use your tires will also directly impact their lifespan. If you are a full-time RVer and cover thousands of miles every year, your
If you only take your RV out a few times a year, the tires will last longer, which is something to keep in mind when you’re thinking about “When should I replace my
Increasing The Life Of Your Tires
Being proactive is one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your tires. Your regular tire maintenance schedule should include:
- Tire rotation
- Tire alignments
- Washing your
RV tires - Routine tire inspections
- Covering your
RV tires when they’re not in use
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your RV Tires
There are some important things to think about when it comes to the question, “When should I replace my
If you’ve reached the 3-6 year tire life limit on your
Wear and Tear
Before you travel, a thorough inspection of your
Tread helps your tire track the road, and when it is worn down, it makes the tire prone to slipping and sliding. One way to test the tread wear is to use the penny test. Stick a penny upside down in between the tread of the tire. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, the tread is too low, and it is time for the tire to be replaced.
Bubbles and Cracks
Tires are made of multiple layers, and when water pools in between the layers, it can create bubbles. Bubbles can also be caused by hitting a curb or driving over a pothole, going too fast over railroad tracks, or driving on a flat tire for a while.
These bubbles are like ticking time bombs and put you and other drivers at risk. These noticeable bubbles can’t be repaired and will require a new tire.
Small cracks in the tire are normal, but significant sidewall cracks can be a sign of something more serious. These cracks are a sign that the rubber materials are starting to break down.
This breakdown is caused by the oils and chemicals on the road and sun exposure. Exposure to these elements decreases the flexibility of the rubber, which causes cracks. Small, superficial cracks usually don’t pose a threat to your tires, but if you notice they are growing, spreading, or increasing in number, it’s time to replace your
Cuts and Punctures
A careful inspection of the rubber on your
If you notice you’ve run over something but aren’t sure if the tire is punctured, try to soapy water test. Spray some water over the object and look for bubbles. If you don’t see bubbles, remove the object and spray again. If you still don’t see bubbles, it means air is not leaking out of the tire. If you do see bubbles, it means the tire is leaking, and it’s time to replace them.
Common Tire Mistakes
There are some common tire mistakes you may see when you’re researching “When should I replace my
One of the most common mistakes RV owners make when it comes to their
This is a wide range, and each RV manufacturers will provide the recommended maximum tire pressure based on the maximum weight of the RV. You can find this information on the tire, in the manual, on a sticker inside of the RV, stuck to the glove box door, or on the doorpost.
What Happens When Tire Pressure Is Too High?
When there is too much air in a tire, it makes the tire harder. This can limit traction and cause uneven tire wear. Overinflated
What Happens When Tire Pressure Is Too Low?
Most tire blowouts happen because of low tire pressure. Without enough air in the tires, the tires have more contact with the ground than they should. This also causes the tire to generate excessive heat, which leads to tire failure.
One of the most important tools you can have as an RVer is a tire pressure monitoring system. This allows you to add sensors to each tire, ensure they are properly inflated, and monitor them via an app on your phone or a screen mounted on the dashboard.
You can also keep a constant eye on the tire pressure of all the tires, and you’ll know right away if the air pressure in a tire has changed.
Another common tire mistake is trying to be frugal when it comes to tires.
When Should I Replace My RV Tires ? – The Bottom Line
Now you know more about the answer to “When should I replace my
When it comes to your
Schedule routine tire maintenance to ensure your tires are working at their best, and don’t put off a tire replacement. Whether you notice visible wear and tear or your tires are reaching the end of their recommended lifespan, a tire replacement is one of the best ways to keep your RV in peak condition.
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