How Long Do RV Tires Last? (And Smart Ways to Make Them Last Longer)

 

Image courtesy of Ilya Chunin @ Unsplash.com

How Long Do RV Tires Last? (And Smart Ways to Make Them Last Longer)

Because you're a do-er, we know you put a lot of effort into keeping your RV looking tight and dialed in.

You keep it clean and shiny, store it properly during the off-season, and spend a lot of your hard-earned money buying the right tools and accessories to maintain your rolling fortress.

And just like most RV owners, we're sure you know how expensive it can be to keep your rig's tires and rims in top-shape at all times. 

But that might leave you wondering just how long do RV tires last?

Well, my rugged friend, my old man always used to talk about how important it was to sharpen your axe before taking it into the woods... 

And his point was that a few minutes of work now, like inspecting and maintaining those tires, can save you a whole heck of a lot of time and money later.

So how long your RV tires last really depends on how well you treat 'em. 

Baby those bad boys, and you can get a few extra years in without needing to buy new tires. But ignore them... And you’ll be forking over wads of cash for new ones way faster than you can say tire failure on the side of I-90. 

And that's exactly why we've decided to put together the following guide on recreational vehicle tire maintenance, and how you can get longer tire life out of each set of rubber on your rig.

Let's jump in!

How Long Do RV Tires Usually Last?

New RV tires usually last around 5 to 7 years, but it really depends on how much road action you give them, and how well you take care of them.

Mileage-wise, you’re usually looking at anywhere between 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on the brand, and the size of your rig. But if you don't take care of your tires and rims, they might wear out in as little as 2 or 3 years.

Here’s the kicker, though: RV tire wear isn’t always about time, age or distance.

Even if your tires look fine, age, UV damage, and sitting still for months can cause cracks, dry rot and other sneaky damage to creep up on you. A good set of RV tire covers, however, can help you prevent this type of premature wear. 

It's also important to know what to look for, which we'll explain a bit more below!

Otherwise, you risk blowouts and breakdowns on that next road trip with the family. Talk about a great way to ruin your long weekend, real quick.

How Long Do RV Trailer Tires Last?

RV trailer tires usually also last about 5 to 7 years, even with low mileage. That’s because trailer tires tend to spend a lot of time parked, soaking up sunlight or chilling in cold, damp temperatures.

So again, even if the tread looks fine and the tires haven't seen all that much asphalt action, cracks and dry rot can sneak in over time.

Bottom line?

After the five-year mark, RV, camper, or trailer tires are pretty much living on borrowed time. Make sure to inspect them often, and if you notice any signs of wear, start planning for a replacement set, before you plan any longer trips with the family.

Image courtesy of Lallaoke @ Unsplash.com

What Causes RV Tires To Wear Out Early?

Whether you've got top-line Michelin tires or the cheapest radial tires you could find on your rig, it's important to know that you don’t have to drive them hard to wear them out. 

A few common culprits quietly can kill them, even if your glamp-mobile is parked in the driveway for most of the year.

Let's take a look!

• UV Exposure - The sun's UV rays can do a number on your rubber. UV rays break down rubber over time, leading to weakened sidewalls and cracks that can cause blowouts on the road. 

• Dry Rot - Tires left to sit for long times without movement dry out. This is often referred to as dry rot, and every RV owner knows that it's one of the worst things that can happen to your tires.

• Improper Storage - RV tires need shade and proper tire covers. They also need to stay away from moisture for extended periods of time. Tires exposed to the elements allow damage to set in.

• Proper Tire Pressure - Both too much or too little air in your tires can cause them to wear out sooner than later. Too much air reduces your tires ability to absorb impacts while driving, which leads to a heightened risk of blowouts.

• Summer Heat - Long drives in the summer's heat also put stress on your tires. Sunshine and hot asphalt soften the rubber causing it to break down while you're driving, accelerating wear and tear.

• Heavy Loads - All RV tires have a load rating and safe load range. If your rig is too heavy for the load rating of your tires, you're putting unnecessary stress on them, which can reduce your tire's lifespan.

• Not Rotating Your Tires - Rotating your tires is just as important on RVs as it is on your car. By skipping this step, you'll cause faster, uneven wear. 

• Brand Quality - Higher-quality brands use better materials that last longer than cheap tires. Paying more for high-end Michelins or Power King tires may add to your tire's lifespan, making them a better investment overall. 

Either way, protecting your RV tires from these issues doesn’t take a lot of effort. Yet, every step you take can add years to their life.

Plus, you'll be more likely to have a happy, fun RV adventure next time, rather than ending up broken down on the side of the road.  

How Hot Can RV Tires Get?

When rolling down the highway, your tires can reach anywhere from 120°F to 160°F in no time, especially if you're driving on asphalt that's been baking in the sun all day.

In some cases (like those beautiful summer road trips with the family), your tires temperatures could even reach 200°F or more, depending on where you're driving and for how long.

But, heat isn’t just about when you're driving.

Even when you park your wagon on hot asphalt, that heat still soaks into the tires, and can cause damage to your rubber.

Why does this matter?

Excess heat = weakened tire structure and faster RV tire wear. You're also facing a higher risk of a blowout, which is something we're sure you don't want to have to explain to your wife after it happens.

Read more about how to prevent blowouts here.

Image courtesy of Fabian @ Unsplash.com

Do RV Tires Go Bad from Sitting?

Yes, tires can dry out and go bad even if you haven't been driving anywhere.

When an RV sits, tires can develop dry rot, which is just as dangerous as driving on tires with severe tread wear.

Flat spots can also form in your tire's steel belts where the tire comes into contact with the ground. This usually just causes a bumpy ride and reduced fuel efficiency, but it can also lead to unnecessary wear and damage to your RV.

Either way, the result is weaker, worn-out tires ready to go before their time.

So if your rig has been parked for a while, don’t ignore the tires. Checking often for signs of dry rot and other signs of aging can save you from unexpected RV tire replacement costs.

How To Check The Age Of Your RV Tires

Tires don't have expiry dates. But knowing how old your tires are can help you understand when it's time to replace them. And the good news is that a quick tire age check is easier than you might imagine!

Just look for the DOT code on the side of your tire. You'll see a string of letters and numbers. It's the last four digits that you want to look for, which tell you the week and year of the tire’s manufacture.

Let’s look at a few examples:

By reading the DOT code, you can avoid danger and know when it's likely time to replace your RV tires. 

The thing is, though, that if your tires were manufactured in 2020, they should still be good for 5 to 7 years from the time of purchase. That is, as long as the seller stored them properly before selling them to you.

If you're ever uncertain about your tires, we recommend talking to a mechanic or tire technician about it.

Image courtesy of Robert Laursoo @ Unsplash.com

When Should You Replace RV Tires?

By now, you should know that mileage isn’t the only benchmark to think about. Age is a significant factor, but there are other points to consider too.

Here’s a quick checklist outlining when it's time to say goodbye to those old RV tires.

• Age - 5 to 7 years is typically the limit, despite how the tread looks

• Cracks - It’s time to replace the RV tires if there are visible cracks on the tread or sidewalls

• Bubbles/Bulges - Bubbling of the tread or sidewall rubber indicates internal damage to the tires' steel belts

• Missing Rubber - Sections of the rubber should never be MIA. Plain and simple!

• Worn Tread - If your tread depth measures less than 4/32 of an inch deep, if you can see the steel belts, or if they just look like race car slicks, it’s time to replace them

• Sidewall Damage - If there is any visible damage to the sidewall, your tires are waving the white flag of surrender

By keeping these factors in mind, you can avoid unnecessary surprises while traveling.

And as dad always said, when in doubt, throw them out!

Maybe you bought your RV used and you're not sure how old the tires are or what they've been through. In that case, it's probably better to buy tires that are new, and start taking care of them from the start.

After all, there’s no price too great for the safety of your family. 

How To Make Your RV Tires Last Longer

By keeping your tires properly inflated, clean and dry, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way.

• Start with proper tire inflation. By keeping the tires at the right pressure, you avoid uneven wear and blowouts.

• Routine inspections and frequent tire rotations prevent them from wearing unevenly. RV tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or at least once a year. 

• An RV that never moves is just a really expensive shed, and your tires know it. Moving your rig regularly prevents flat spots from forming in the belts and keeps your rubber flexible.

• Cover your tires to protect the rubber from sun damage and harsh weather conditions.

• Store your off-season tires off the ground and in a dry location.

• Keep your tires clean but avoid greasy shines or wax products that can lead to further damage.

Why Tire Covers Help Extend Tire Life

Considering that sun, heat and harsh weather are all enemies of tire rubber, RV tire covers act like sunscreen and a raincoat all wrapped into one. So to protect your pavement pounders, covers really are your first line of defense. 

But remember, not all tire covers are created equal. 

Some don't properly keep the sun off your tires, some trap in moisture, and others might be so cheaply made that they'll take off with the wind as if they’ve got places to be.

Go cheap—and you’ll pay for it later.

On the other hand, Tool Troopers' TIRESHIELD PRO covers are a cutting-edge solution for elite RV owners like you!

They're made with sturdy high-quality materials, rugged reinforced stitching, and have elasticized hems to ensure a snug fit at all times.

And if you ask us, they pretty snazzy-looking too!

Frequently Asked Questions - How Long Do RV Tires Last?

By now you've got a solid understanding of RV tire life expectancy and how you can prevent tire blowouts and unnecessary wear. But let's review just a handful of FAQs just in case we've missed anything.

How can I tell if my RV tires are unsafe to drive on?

Inspect your tire for cracks in the sidewall, bulges, dry rot or uneven wear. You should also check the tire’s age by reading the date code on the sidewall, with the last four digits indicating the week and year it was made. If there’s any visible damage or if the tires are older than five years, it’s time to think about replacements.

Can I use regular car tires on my RV?

No, RV tires are specifically created to handle heavier loads. All tires have a load rating that indicates the maximum weight they can safely carry, and most car tires aren't designed to support the weight of your rolling fortress. Slapping car tires on your RV is like putting sneakers on a weight lifter - there won’t be enough support and as dad always said, that just ain't right!  

Does storing my RV tires off the vehicle extend their life?

Yes! Removing tires and storing them in a cool, dry place can slow down the aging process. By keeping the tires covered and away from sunlight, you can also prevent dry rot from occurring. 

Are there special tires for different RV types (motorhomes vs. trailers)?

Yes, trailer tires and RV tires will have different load and speed rating, which ensures they're safe to use on your recreational vehicle. You should always use the manufacturer-recommended tire type for your RV. 

What does the tire’s DOT date code mean and why is it important?

The DOT code on the sidewall is the birth certificate of the tire. The last four digits reveal its date of manufacture (first two showing the week, and the last two showing the year). This information is essential for determining when to replace your tires. 

Can I extend tire life by rotating RV tires?

Yes, your tires should be rotated regularly to prevent uneven wear. Most manufacturers recommend between every 5,000 and 8,000 miles. However, even if you don’t drive that much, you should still have your tires rotated at least once a year.