Towable tires, like the proverbial camel’s back, can collapse from the weight of a series of small problems allowed to accumulate over time. Each time a tire comes in contact with a curb, bounces through a pothole, or rolls down the highway with less than stellar air pressure, another straw is added to that pile of eventual tire failure. While we can’t do much to control the condition of the road, there are a few steps we can take to help make sure the towable tires get us where we need to go.

When it comes to maintaining towable tires, the number one rule of thumb is to keep each tire inflated with the correct air pressure. The most effective way to determine a pressure rating is by weighing the towable. Weigh scales designed to accommodate a travel towable and fifth wheel are commonly located at truck stops or farm supply warehouses. One note of caution here, don’t hook up the towable and head off in search of a weigh scale you seem to remember once noticing at truck stop down the road. Avoid the headache of maneuvering your towable through a busy parking lot by first scouting out the scale without the towable attached.

Optional equipment, after market additions and water supplies may revise the towable weight recorded at the time of manufacture. To get a current up-to-date weight reading, weigh the travel towable or fifth wheel after the fresh water and LP-tank is filled, but before any cargo is brought on board. Deduct that amount from the gross vehicle weight rating as listed on the sticker to calculate the remaining amount of weight allowed for cargo, and then load the towable within these parameters.

When you are packing the towable, evenly distribute the cargo load from side to side. Go back to the scales and weigh each wheel position. If necessary, redistribute the load to prevent overload on a single wheel or axle referenced by the Gross Axle Weight Restriction listed on the vehicle sticker.

Once you have weighed all wheel positions and are confident that the cargo load is evenly distributed, refer to the tire manufacturer’s load inflation chart for the accurate tire pressure ratings. Each tire on an axle should be inflated to the same pressure, based on the wheel position carrying the higher weight. After you’ve calculated the proper air pressures, frequently check the pressure ratings and only add air to a cold tire.

By efficiently managing the cargo load and keeping the towable tires properly inflated to their recommended pressures you can lessen the chance of irregular wear and tear, thereby reducing the risk of unexpected tire failure. Plus, you’ll see better fuel mileage.

In addition to maintaining the tires, the wheel bearings are also deserving of some regular attention. Towable wheel bearings are exposed to lengthy periods of inactivity and this can lead to moisture build up forming rust that will damage the surfaces. Cleaning and repacking the bearings will help to keep the wheels in tip-top shape. One time each year all the tires should be removed and the towable bearings should be maintained.

Gather all your tools and spare parts before you get down to the business of packing the bearings. Some of the implements you will need to perform this task are cleaning rags, spare cotter pins and seals, wheel bearing grease, a grease gun, solvent, jack stands, seal remover, seal installer, pliers, torque wrench, flat blade screwdriver, crescent wrench and an air pressure gauge. Place a piece of cardboard under the wheel to provide a work surface clear of debris. Wear safety goggles, and knee pads.

Allow yourself ample time to give the tires and the wheel rims a complete work up. Perform full maintenance and inspection on one side of the travel towable or fifth wheel before moving over to the other side. Park the towable on firm, level ground. Securely block tires on the opposite side to prevent movement. After jacking up the towable, position jack stands that are properly rated for use at the front and at the rear. Use caution when working around the towable to avoid accidents.

Pry off the dust cap using a flat blade screwdriver. Remove the cotter pin, bearing nut and washer. Carefully wipe off each part and set them aside in a safe spot that will prevent any small parts from being misplaced. Remove the bearing and clean away grime using a solvent. Do not clean bearings with gasoline. Avoid mixing up the bearings if you work on more than one wheel at a time. Carefully inspect the bearings for damage once they are clean. If a bearing is in good shape, set it aside to air dry. Wipe the hub and spindle and inspect the bearing races for pitting, scoring or discoloration due to excess heat.

Hand pack the bearings with wheel bearing grease. Place a small amount of grease into the hub, spread it around, and then replace the bearings into the hub. Position a new seal onto the hub and tap it into place using a seal installer tool designed specifically for this purpose. Wipe away excess grease. Install the washer, bearing nut, and a new cotter pin.

Before you remount the tires, carefully examine the sidewalls and inside the tread for any signs of cracking or gouges. Check the valve stems and seating. Debris lodged in between the rim and the tire can create an air leak. Balance the tire with one hand and bend down to carefully check each side for bulging or warping. Carefully check tread depth and tread wear. If the condition of a tire is compromised, have the tire replaced.

When you are putting the rim back onto the spindle you may find it helpful to hold the tire into position using your foot. Install the lug nuts hand tighten, using care to line up the nut with the threads. Once the tires are in place, tighten the lug nuts as snugly as possible before lowering the jack. When the tire is back on the ground, firmly seat the lug nuts using a torque wrench. Use the air pressure gauge to ascertain that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. After fifty miles, recheck the lug nuts for tightness.

Once you’ve packed the bearings and remounted the tires, take the time to lube the towable tongue socket, linkage and ball. Hook up the tow vehicle and perform a light check. If any of the lights fail to operate, check the fuses and wiring for a proper connection.

Tire mounting is not a do-it-yourself-project. Proper seating on the rim requires specialized equipment. Before you take the travel towable or fifth wheel into a tire shop for new tires, call ahead with the size needed to be sure the tires are in stock and you don’t waste a trip. Ensure prompt service by scheduling a time to have the tires mounted. Replacements should be similar on the same axle to prevent premature wear.

Save yourself the hassle of running down spare parts while out on the road. Carry extra parts, including a spare tire that is in good condition and inflated to pressure. If you experience a flat tire while driving down the road, reduce speed and keep both hands on the wheel. Pull off to a safe spot as soon as possible.

Towable tires also have something in common with a camel – they can take us where we need to go. Devote some regular attention to the tires and wheel bearings so you can feel confident that the travel towable or fifth wheel will always be ready to make it over that next hump.