When To Replace RV Tires

Spread the love

TIRE SAFETY MATTERS!

Of all the things on an RV that matter the most, RV tires should hit the top of the list.  When an RV tire fails, whether it is on a trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome, or any other class of RV, the damage that can be done is costly!  Think about the fact that the entire investment in your second home rides on rubber and air.  Unfortunately, when RV tires choose to fail is usually when you are traveling down the road at fifty-five to sixty-five miles per hour.  The cost to repair the damage can run in the thousands, not to mention a ruined vacation or even the possibility of loss of life!  So, let’s look at when to replace RV tires and my choice of Michelin RV tires.

when tp replace rv tires

When Pam and I purchased our first full time RV living home back in 2008, it was a 2006 that had been manufactured in late 2005.  It was barely used, looked brand new, as did the tread on the eight tires it had. However, there were very tiny cracks in the outer sidewall near the tire rim. I was not too worried about that though. They were the factory originals and the tread wear was nonexistent.  I suspect that the RV had not traveled much except for its trip from the factory to where we bought it. When to replace the RV tires was not even going to be a concern of mine for years, so I thought.

When we purchased our used tow vehicle, a 2005 Freightliner Sportchassis in early 2009, it had been kept garaged by the owner, and looked like new! The DOT code on the Michelin RV tires showed a manufacture date in early 2004. So, when I purchased this used truck, it already had five-year-old tires.

They also had very tiny sidewall cracks in a few areas.  Now Michelin RV tires are very highly rated, especially the XRV’s, so I did not worry too much about them either.  I figured I had a least a couple more years of use as they only had twenty-two thousand miles on them.  I did wind up replacing them in 2010 because it was not worth the damage that could have been caused by an aged related issue from a Michelin RV tire failure.

During an early summer trip in 2009, with tire pressure monitors installed on the 5th wheel, we headed for South Florida and ultimately to the Keys. The weather was hot and the tires were fifteen degrees above cold pressure.  As we neared our stop for the night, one of the tires started to slowly loose pressure: our tire pressure monitor system went into alarm mode.

We got to our planned stop safely as tire pressure loss was within safety limits, but I suspected the tire was shot. Fortunately, because of the tire pressure monitor system, I was alerted to the problem and was able to arrive at my destination safely.

when tp replace rv tires

Tire Pressure Monitors Installed on Dual Tires

Short end to the story is we had all eight tires replaced as the one troublesome tire had a hole through the tread and a crack right through to the belt.  The tires were only four years old.  But they had sat in the sun most of the time and had been stationary.  When tires sit they age more quickly.

With RV tires that roll and flex frequently, they wind up pushing emollients and waxes to the surface of the tire which protects them from ozone, cracking, and from drying out as quickly.  Tires that sit can develop flat spots and visible surface cracks that eventually lead to tire failure when the tire is heated up in travel.

So how do you know when to replace RV tires?  The best rule is to go no more than seven years if the tires have been used regularly.  If the RV sits out most of the time it might be better to replace them every five years. My tires were only four years old, and they failed.  I would attribute the early failure to being around the salt air, the RV sitting, and the tires not covered.

when tp replace rv tires

Four Digit DOT Code in Yellow: 31st week of 2005

If you are buying a used RV, be sure to not only check tire tread depth, even tread wear and sidewall tire cracks, but also check the DOT code on the tire.  The four digit code will tell you when the tire was made.

The tires can be as much as one year older than the RV itself – I found that one out the hard way.  Also, when your RV sits, use tire covers, take the weight of the RV off the tires either by using the RV jack system if available, and keep the tires away from ground contact as the tires can absorb water. RV accessory manufacturers make blocks you can use to pull the RV onto for this purpose.

And last of all, travel with a tire pressure monitoring system so you always know the pressure your tires are running at.  These devices allow you to travel without worry!  You will be able to avoid severe tire damage because you will know ahead of time that something is wrong.

If a tire should suddenly blow on tour trailer or toad, you will know instantly so you can pull over to avoid serious damage to the RV, and possibly your loved ones. Blown tires on inner duals can lead to RV fires!  The same can tear up the underbelly of an RV trailer, and you may not notice it for miles until some passerby waves at you to pull over!

Pam and I have seen many results of failed tires, and the damage done, from other RVers, and it is something to take seriously.  In deciding when to replace RV tires, the best rule of thumb is no more than five years, or as often as you can afford to.  At least monitor them if they are older, and be sure to travel at the proper tire cold pressure, based on your RV’s weight. If you do then you will have many miles of stress-free travels!

when tp replace rv tires

How do these things work?  All you do is screw the remote sensor onto any tire you want to monitor.  The monitor wirelessly sends a signal to the remote unit by the driver’s seat.  It will show current tire pressure instantaneously while you drive, or are stationary.

No more guessing what your tires pressure is at before you hit the road. And the monitors last for years!  If the pressure drops below twelve percent of total pressure, an alarm sounds for the driver to hear.  One saved tire, and the avoided RV damage buys the system many times over!  It’s really the best way to go for RV’s that don’t already have these installed, especially 5th wheel and travel trailers!

Blessings and happy travels,

Howard & Pam

Please feel free to leave comments if I can answer any questions you may have!

12 comments

Skip to comment form

    • Ellie Davis on July 16, 2019 at 2:15 PM
    • Reply

    It’s interesting to know that the tires of an RV should be replaced every five years. My husband and I bought our first RV, and It is so much fun. As you mentioned, without proper maintenance, your RV can represent a safety hazard for you and your loved ones.

    • Dave on May 1, 2019 at 8:07 AM
    • Reply

    I just found this website and now i’m seriously alarmed. We bought our first Class “A” last year from a dealer. 2005 Hurricane in great condition with 29000 miles on the clock. I had no idea about the “Lifetime” of tires, only if they looked OK with good tread depth. Now, after reading this thread and learning where to check tire manufacture date i’m horrified. My tires were manufactured in 2004. We just completed a 4000 mile round trip to Florida from Northern Wisconsin with no issue at all. If true, this thread claims the insurance company will not honor damage caused by tire failure. How can a dealer sell a vehicle with tires this old and “knowingly” take your money then watch you drive off down the highway waving goodbye? Looks like we face a bill of around $2000 right before we leave for our next trip!!!

    1. Hi Dave!

      Yes, RV dealerships will sell the RV with whatever tires are on the vehicle. As an RV inspector, I go by the NTSB recommendation to have the tires evaluated at six years for possible replacement. Can they last longer? Sure. It depends on the amount of use they have had and the care they have been given. When buying a used RV you don’t know so it is best to have them evaluated and go from there. It’s better to spend the $2,000 than have an issue that could create a life safety issue.

    • Dale Sankey on January 31, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    • Reply

    Thank you

    1. Thanks for stopping by Dale! Happy RV travels!!

    • Monica Chavez on June 5, 2018 at 8:45 PM
    • Reply

    It’s interesting how you point out that you should replace RV tires about every seven years if the tires are used regularly. My parents own an RV that they use frequently to go camping and explore national parks. I think it’s probably a good idea if they get the tires on the RV changed. They could probably use a good check up as well to make sure that everything’s safe and ready to use for their next big trip.

    1. Thanks for stopping by our website and sharing with us Monica!

    • Giff on April 28, 2018 at 4:35 PM
    • Reply

    Can the tread depth give a person some form of mileage? The RV had lighting strike that may have caused loosing how many miles it had recorded. I would like to know how deep the tread is in a new tire, then check the current depth. The RV has Michelin tires, the mode RVl is a 2014 Integra Anthem. Since i don`t have the RV yet, I don`t have the tire size. Can you help.

    1. Hi Giff!

      Thanks for stopping by our website!

      Interesting question! It would be nice to be able to equate tread depth wear with a mileage value but given there are so many factors that determine tire wear it would be hard to be to exact with that.

      You said this RV had lightning strikes. I sure hope you are getting an NRVIA certified RV inspection on this vehicle! Please visit usedrvinspection.com to get more info on that. I would be concerned about the electrical systems throughout this RV.

      Is this from a dealer or from a private seller?

      I would check the DOT codes on the tires, or have your inspector do that. I would also have fluid analysis performed on all the oil and coolant for the motorized components in the RV. There are wear indicators on the larger Michelin bus tires. Some have an upside-down V that points to the edge of the tire. You can see it on the sidewall. If the tread is approaching that V then there has been some mileage placed on them.

      Can you find the number of hours on the engine or transmission or was everything zapped in the lightning strike?

      I would proceed with caution and do your due diligence, perhaps writing in the sales contract some funds for unexpected repairs that may pop up.

      Best wishes as you move cautiously forward!

    • g shutts on March 13, 2016 at 5:58 PM
    • Reply

    my rv insurance man said they will not cover damage caused by a tire over 5 years old. A blown tire can damage waste water tanks and other under carriage exposures.

    1. Thanks for checking in! Yes, that is true! Tire blowouts can take out many services underneath the RV. That is why traveling with an energized propane system is a bad idea! Even road alligators that you can’t avoid can create serious problems for an RV! The NTSB has come out and recommended that tires be replaced after six years!

    • Ms. Insight on June 26, 2014 at 9:29 PM
    • Reply

    Great info! My husband and I were thinking about getting an RV. I will definitely bookmark this site for future info.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

error: Content is protected !!