Recreational Vehicle FAQs
The information below is a brief guideline on tire safety for your recreational
vehicle and is based on the RMA Recreational Vehicle (RV) Tire Care and Safety
Guide brochure. Please refer to this brochure for details. A free copy of
the brochure is available by calling 1-800-325-5095 ext. 242 or view
and download it online.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, the term "RV" applies to: motor
homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel travel trailers, and pickup trucks with
slide-in campers.
Where can I find the recommended tire inflation pressure,
tire size and load limit for my RV?
RVs manufactured since 1972 have a certification label that provides the following
information:
· Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR);
· Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for each axle;
· Tire and rim sizes (of the original equipment); and,
· Recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Common locations for the certification label include the driver's hinge pillar
and door latch post, etc. This information can also be found in the owner's
manual.
I only drive my RV a couple times a year; do I still need
to check the tire air pressure?
Yes. Tires, even in good condition and unused, can lose between 1-2 psi per
month. Inflation pressure should be checked at least once per month, before
each trip, and each morning you drive during a trip.
How do I check and maintain my tire air pressure?
Air pressure enables a tire to support the load - so proper inflation is critical.
Check your vehicle's certification label for the recommended tire inflation
pressure. Inflation pressures should be checked when tires are "cold";
as heat generated during driving temporarily increases air pressure above recommended
cold inflation pressure. Be sure to also include checking the spare tire inflation
pressure. If your RV has dual tire applications, be sure to also check their
condition and inflation pressure including the inside tires.
Never "bleed" air from a hot tire, as this could result in dangerous
underinflation. Since gas stations air pressure gauges may be inaccurate, RV
owners should always carry a dual-head inflation gauge, calibrated up to 120
psi. You will receive a free gauge by ordering RMA's RV Tire Safety and Mileage
Kit (while supplies last) or purchase one at your local auto shop.
If you discover that a tire is losing air, it must be removed from the wheel
by a qualified service person for complete internal inspection to be sure it
is not damaged. Tires run even short distances while severely under-inflated
and/or overloaded may be damaged beyond repair. Trained personnel should repair
tires per industry recommended repair procedures. Also, consult the tire manufacturer's
individual repair policy.
How do I check the tread depth on my tire?
A tread depth gauge is recommended to check your tread depth. But also a simple
way to check the tread depth of your tires is by using a penny. Take a penny
and put Abe's head into each of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his
head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread.
If you can see all of Abe's head, your tread is down to 2/32" and it's
time to replace the tire.
Built-in tread wear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow
strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when that
point of wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the tire is worn out
and it is time to replace it.
NOTE: On vehicles with GVWR in excess of 10,000 lbs., federal regulations
require that tires on the front axle must be removed when worn down to 4/32"
depth. Please use a tread depth gauge to check your tires.
If you have any doubt about the tread depth on your tires, consult a tire service
professional.
Why is it important to weigh my RV?
Too much weight for your vehicle's suspension system can cause spring, shock
absorber or brake failure, handling or steering problems, irregular tire wear,
tire failure or other damage. An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard
to stop. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely, particularly
on steep hills.
How does load distribution affect my RV?
Loads should be distributed evenly throughout your RV to improve stability
and handling. Even distribution will also help deter overloading one side
of your vehicle.
How do I weigh my RV*?
Your vehicle should be weighed fully loaded - this means with passengers,
travel gear, fuel, food, supplies, water, etc. Weigh your RV at certified
public or commercial scales found in places such as at highway weigh stations,
commercial vehicle/truck stops, or building supply depots. Look in your local
phone book under 'weighers' or 'weighing' for your closest station. Weigh
each axle and wheel position of the fully loaded vehicle separately. Compare
the fully loaded weight of each axle and wheel position to ensure the GAWR
specified for your RV is not exceeded.
NOTE: Even though the weight of the total axle may be within the axle's
rating, it may be overloaded on one side. This causes one wheel position to
be overloaded. Therefore, side-to-side weighing should also be done.
How do I weigh my Travel Trailer*?
To properly weigh a travel trailer, it should first be weighed, including
the tongue weight, while detached from the pulling vehicle. The actual overall
weight must be less than or equal to the GVWR for safe operation. There are
other weight considerations and guidelines that are important to consider
for travel trailers.
* Please refer to RMA's RV Tire Care and Safety Guide
for specific instructions on weighing RVs and travel trailers.
I'm getting short on space; do I need to carry a spare tire?
A properly inflated spare tire and spare wheel, plus changing equipment, should
always be carried with your RV since RV equipment may not always be readily
available.
What else should I look at before an RV trip?
Always do a visual inspection of your tires - including the spare and, if applicable,
inside duals - before each trip. Stones or other foreign matter should be removed
from tire grooves. Since many RVs are out of service for long periods of time
and are typically operated at or near maximum load during hot weather, tire
safety is essential. Normal aging of a tire, as well as ozone in the air, may
cause your tires to crack, especially in the sidewall area. Tires should be
checked for this condition and other types of damage before every long trip.
NOTE: If you have any doubt about the condition of your tires, consult a
tire service professional.
Where can I find more information on:
· RV parking, tire blocking and storage tips?
· tire repair?
· tire rotation?
· tire safety?
The answer to these questions and more, please see more details in the RV
Tire Care and Safety Guide brochure. Please call 1-800-325-5095 ext.
242 to order your FREE copy today. You can also order and view and/or download
this information online.
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