From the standpoint of tire performance, recreational vehicles are unique. With perimeter loading (water, slideouts, refrigerators, canned goods, etc.) the tires must withstand loads and forces different from conventional passenger vehicles. Optimum tire performance results from a balance between the tire’s structure and materials and the stresses that occur during service. RVs create stress on tires because there is significant potential for weight bias from one wheel position to another.

Tires are one of the most highly engineered components on your vehicle. Tire design is based on relatively strict physical laws and properties. Radial medium truck tires (typically used on RVs) have approximately 32 components. Every time a tire on a vehicle rotates, it flexes. To log 100,000 miles, a tire must withstand approximately 57 million flex cycles, with all components working in concert. Tires are an engineering system, and like all engineering systems, have limits. Just like a lawn mower, automobile, table saw or other engineered product, a tire will fail if it is abused or not properly maintained.

Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid tire disablement. Heat is an enemy of tires. Every time a tire rotates, it flexes (“deflects”), and this generates heat. Tires are designed for specific deflections and operating temperatures, sometimes called “equilibrium temperature.” At equilibrium, the heat generated within the tire is equal to the heat dissipated from the tire’s surface. Exceeding this equilibrium temperature for short periods of time is not necessarily harmful, but exceeding it for long periods begins to damage the tire’s material components. Eventually separation of the tire’s tread, belts, or other structures can result.

So what can cause excessive temperature? Overdeflection and higher speeds (in excess of 75 mph) are often the causes. Faster speeds translate to more tire revolutions per minute, which causes heat buildup as the tire “flexes” through each rotation. Too much tire to more tire revolutions per minute, which causes heat buildup as the tire “flexes” through each rotation. Too much tire deflection can come from overloading and/or underinflating your tires. It is imperative that you maintain proper speed,

Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid tire disablement.

know the load on each tire and keep tires inflated to the proper air pressure in order to avoid exposing your tires to excessive temperature.

What is “proper tire inflation pressure”? The only way for you to know what inflation pressure to use is first to determine the actual load on each tire. With RVs, it is not uncommon to have a significant weight difference between the left steer tire and the right steer tire. This occurs because RVs are loaded around the perimeter, and the loads can vary considerably from location to location. Example: Gross axle weight rating might be 12,000 pounds (steer axle). You could have 7,000 pounds on the left steer and 5,000 pounds on the right steer. If you weigh the front end of your RV, the scale tells you that you are within the 12,000-pound capacity. In actuality, your tires and suspension components are significantly overloaded on the left steer axle side of your vehicle. While the load overall is correct, one or more tires may be experiencing excess load. Overload on the tires causes overdeflection and heat, and heat can impair tire durability and performance.

The only method to properly weigh an RV to ensure that each tire is within its prescribed load rating is to weigh the vehicle by individual wheel position. Once this is done, you can determine the proper inflation for each tire. Your owner’s manual will have a load and inflation table. Use this to determine the proper inflation for your tires. Be aware that different tire manufacturers build their tires to different specifications and therefore may have different load tables. Use the load table that matches your tire brand.

All tires on the same axle must be inflated to the same pressure (the one required for the heaviest side). Remember, the inflation pressure for the load stamped on the tire sidewall is the minimum air pressure for that load. Any reduction in air pressure results in reduced tire load carrying capacity. You should follow the load and inflation table in your owner’s manual, not the tire sidewall recommendation. If, after weighing your vehicle by wheel position, the load is greater than the maximum rating shown on the load and inflation table, or exceeds the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall, you must correct the situation by either redistributing the load or reducing it by unloading some items.

Goodyear recommends checking your inflation pressure at least once a month while your RV is in storage, before each trip and each morning you drive during a trip. Always check your inflation pressure when the tires are cold (before you start driving). The inflation pressure of tires that have been running down the road will measure 10-15 psi higher due to the normal expansion of air from heat build-up in the tire.

All tires on the same axle must be inflated to the same pressure (the one required for the heaviest side). Remember, the inflation pressure for the load stamped on the tire sidewall is the minimum air pressure for that load.

Obviously, all of the above is of no consequence if your inflation gauge is not calibrated. Have it checked periodically by a qualified company.

Never compromise safety for ride comfort. Lower tire inflation pressure may translate to a softer ride, but it may also translate to tire damage and eventually a disabled tire.

Your objective is to drive down the highways and byways with confidence that your vehicle will get to your destination safely. Tires play an important role in making RV travel comfortable, enjoyable and safe. To get the most out of your RV experience, learn how to determine proper tire inflation, take steps to keep your tires inflated correctly, and maintain a safe speed.