How Long Do RV Tires Last?
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If you own an RV, you can back me up here; tires are one of the most important parts because you never know what driving conditions you may encounter when embarking on a journey.
Knowing when is the right time to change the tires can help you avoid disaster and enjoy a peaceful ride. So, how long do RV tires last? Keep reading this article to find out!
What you need to know about how long RV tires last is that the lifespan depends on the manufacturer’s quality. Generally, RV owners should change their tires between three and six years.
If you take your camper out on the road frequently, the wise thing to do would be to change the tires at the three-year mark. The six-year mark is hard to achieve, and anything above that is dangerous.
Factors That Affect How Long an RV Tire Lasts
RV’s are a vehicle where the entire family can come together and live by the quote,” it’s not about the destination, but about the journey.” The trip can be a great chance to bond, and you can play many games until you reach your destination.
That said, the quality of the tires is also crucial for keeping you and your passengers safe. I understand that frequently changing the tires can be a drag, and not every driver on the planet wants to do it if it’s unnecessary. However, we should all remind ourselves what could happen if a tire breaks while the RV is going 80 mph on the highway.
So, how long do RV tires last? To have a general idea about that, you must first consider a couple of factors.
RV Tire Age, Care & Replacement
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Type of tires
Depending on the type, an RV’s tires last about 8,000 to 15,000 miles. This all depends on the quality of the tread and usage. In the world of recreational vehicles, there are two types of tires;
- LT- Light Truck Tires
- ST- Special Trailer Tires.
ST tires will be the best option if you are towing an RV. As the name suggests, the vehicles equipped with ST tires are designed for Special Trailer usage. You don’t have to consider traction because the trailer tires are not manufactured for steering while stepping on the gas. Their treat patterns are eligible for low rolling resistance, and they add a certain weight to the vehicles.
On the other hand, the Light Truck tires are specifically designed for smaller vehicles like pickup trucks. These tires are made for A, B, and C rigs and are much lighter than the ST tires.
Weather conditions
Like for every vehicle, the weather plays a huge role in how long RV tires last. The weather conditions are the main protagonist behind many accidents and hidden dangers. Because RVs are mostly parked and in storage, the tires are exposed to a lot of elements which can lead the vehicle to damage or dry and rot.
If the RV hasn’t spent much time on the road and has been sleeping in storage, a little rain or snow can be a recipe for disaster. Every bump on the road can be dangerous. You need to cover the tires when the RV is in “sleep mode” and ensure no sunlight is getting through. This will help you preserve the life of the tires and use them longer.
Maintenance
Is your RV pulling to the left? Can you learn to live with this minor issue? Well, you definitely shouldn’t. Maintenance plays a major part in the condition that your motorhome is in. Leaving the minor issues unchecked can lead to major tire wear long before their time. The last thing you want is to contribute to breaking your tires.
You should always get the problems fixed immediately, expand the tire’s life, and make the RV much more stable and safer on the road.
Age of the RV
If you become a recent owner of an RV, you may be worried about the overall age of the motorhome. The miles and the interior all look great and, on paper, don’t seem to be worn out. However, the chances are the previous owner has upgraded the RV without checking the tires. The good news is that tires come with information printed on them.
Looking carefully, you can see a DOT sign followed by four numbers. The first numbers are from the week, and the second two are the year the tires were made. Based on that information, you will know whether or not to change the tires.
How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your RV Tires
Check the pressure regularly
By regularly, I mean every time you embark on a trip. Also, you should check the pressure when you get back home. Thoroughly checking the pressure will allow you to notice if any potential leaks can cause a flat tire or a blowout.
Checking the pressure should also be on your “to-do” list when you are getting ready for the RV for the winter.
Perform regular visual inspections
The visual inspections don’t require supervision, and you can do them while admiring your motorhome. If there is any leaking or something is stuck in the tires, you will notice it and prevent further damage.
Rotate your tires
In general, the RV tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Regardless of your model, rotating the tires is one of those simple mechanical variations that can prevent your tires from breaking.
Maintain proper wheel alignment
Tire alignment is very important. You can do the penny test and see if the tires are synchronized or if it is time to rotate them again.
Keeping the proper wheel alignment allows all the tires to move at the same angle and direction, allowing you maximum control over the RV.
When to Replace Your RV Tires
Signs of wear and tear
If you see signs of wearing out, it is time to replace your motorhome’s tires. Don’t ask Google,” how long do RV tires last?” or do any further research; just change them. You better be safe than sorry. Tears can be easily spotted by doing the regular visual inspections I suggested.
Proper maintenance
Proper maintenance is the key to prolonging your tire’s lifespan. You should wash the tires with soap, inflate them, cover them during summertime, and stay clear of puddles.
If any of the suggestions didn’t help and you still feel that the tires are imbalanced while riding, then it’s time to change them.
Expired age
It is no surprise that the tires’ age can limit their remaining lifetime. This is especially true if you park your vehicle outdoors. The expired tire age can cause the vulcanized rubber to fade, stiffen, and eventually crack.
Conclusion
How long do RV tires last? To conclude, here are the key takeaways. They usually last for three to six years, but it depends on many factors, like the type, maintenance, age of the RV, and weather.
In the article, you have found four suggestions that can help you maximize the lifespan of the tires. Lastly, you should know when you’ve reached the point of no return and replace the tires no matter what.
