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Rolling Strong Isn’t Cheap—But It’s Worth It
Every road warrior knows that their RV is a bit like a well-trained military platoon. Every soldier has a job. And if one man falls, the whole platoon becomes at risk.
RV tires? They're not just rubber and steel belts... They're your boots on the ground. And you wouldn't march your men into battle wearing worn-out soles, would you?
Now, good RV tires can be a bit pricey. But just remember what my old man always used to say:
"Good RV tires tend not to be cheap. But cheap RV tires ain’t no good."
And if you ask us, that's just the cost of keeping your rig mission ready, at all times.
But just how much do RV tires cost?
Well, lucky for you, in the following guide, we're breaking down average RV tire prices by several factors, like class, size and type, so you can avoid the sticker shock when it's time to buy your next set.
Let's get right to it!
Average RV Tire Cost Overview
Just like a set of tires with uneven wear and busted nylon belts, vibrating your rig all over the road, prices for new tires can bounce all over the place.
So if you're driving a bigger rig, you can expect to pay a lot more than the guy with that small, special trailer designed for ultralight camping.
That's said, let's start by establishing a baseline for the cost of different tire classes.

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Factors That Affect RV Tire Pricing
Class matters, but it’s really only one piece of the puzzle in a much larger picture.
Brand name, size, load rating... These are all other factors that can also influence the cost of your RV's next pair of battle boots.
Let’s take a better look at each of these!
Size
In essence, more rubber = more money.
Based on the chart above, we see this principle in action. Your Class A motorhome probably uses 22.5-inch tires (or something similar), which can cost anywhere between $250-$600 per tire.
In comparison, the smaller trailer or pop-up may only need a 13- to 15-inch tire, which can be as cheap as $50 a pop.
Ultimately, the larger the tire diameter, the more it costs to make, resulting in a higher price tag.
Load rating
Here’s a point you don’t want to miss: RV tires carrying heavier loads need to have a more durable construction.
You wouldn't try to squeeze a 6 ft 10inch tall Navy Seal recruit into a pair of size 6 women's shoes, right?
Well, the same goes for your RV. The bigger it is, the higher the load rating will need to be for your pavement pounders.
Tire Load Index Chart
Use the following chart to get a better understanding of the load carrying capacity of the tires you're looking at to know if they're a good fit for your rig.
Load- Carrying Capacity Index Ratings
The downside, however, is that tougher treads means more money.
But here’s the deal - you CANNOT cheap out when it comes to the load rating.
If you try to save money by buying a lower load rating, you'll likely end up on the side of the road having an extremely bad day.
On the other hand, buy the tires with the proper load rating, it'll reduce tire wear, result in a smoother ride, and your tires will simply be THE right tires for your rig.
So always match the tire’s load rating based on the RV’s weight, which is some vital info you can likely find in the owner's manual.
No exceptions!
Brand & Model
As with all things in life, not all tires are created equally.
You wouldn't compare standard issue chow hall meat loaf to the hot meals served up to your commanding officers, eh?
Well, the same goes for your RV tires... Top of the line brands such as Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, and Power King will cost more upfront.
But that higher price tag comes with better tread life, a record of durability and superior warranty support. In other words, you'll get every penny out of them.
No-name tires may save you upfront.
But, you're either going to end up with a flat on your first road trip, or you'll constantly be worried about whether or not they'll make it to the other side of the Colorado Rockies without giving out on you.
Do you really want that kind of stress?
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Speed rating
You aren’t racing in the Indy 500 with your motorhome, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore speed ratings. And just like a tire's size and load rating, it's printed on the sidewall.
Here's a breakdown of some of the speed ratings you might see on a tire.
Most travel trailer tires are rated for speeds up to 65 mph. Going faster than that causes the tires to heat up - and quickly!
More heat = accelerated wear. More wear and you are asking for an RV tire blowout.
If you tend to push the speed limit boundaries, or if you simply know you'll be doing a lot of highway miles, you need tires with a higher speed rating.
And you guessed it right. That equals a higher price tag.
Radial vs. Bias Ply
Even seasoned RV owners get tripped up on this decision, but the difference is like night and day.
The good news is that it's easy to tell if you're looking at radials or bias-ply tires. Like the other numbers and symbols listed above, it'll be printed right on the tire's sidewall as “RADIAL” or “BIAS”.
Radial tires are the gold standard among RVs. They offer superior grip, provide longer tread life, better fuel efficiency, and offer a smoother ride.
They're kind of like the hot brewed coffee served up in the officer's lounge, and they're are perfect for highway travel and longer trips.
Bias-ply tires are cheaper, but they're built for off-road and low-speed use. Think farm equipment and utility trailers, but never your motorhome. You can think of bias-ply tires like the instant coffee (if you can call it that) you get to drink during deployment.
So, unless you're RVing in the field with the cows, go with radial every time.
Specialty features (all-terrain, low-profile)
Here’s where you may be able to save some money. Most RVers don’t need all-terrain capability or a low-profile fit.
It’s always good to understand these options.
But it's important to know that you don't necessarily need to go for the tires with the fancy features.
Speciality tires often have reinforced tire sidewalls, increased heat resistance, or distinct tread patterns.
All of these features add to the cost, so make sure you know what you're looking at and what you need before buying.
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Heat-resistant tires - Great option for desert driving or long trips in the summer.
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Reinforced sidewalls - Often helpful when driving down uneven, rough roads.
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Aggressive tread patterns - Improve traction if you trek through snowy or muddy terrain.
At the end of the day, there’s no reason to pay for things you’ll never need.
Warranty & Service
Let me put it to you this way, you wouldn’t buy a new rifle without a warranty, right? So why cut corners on tires that carry the whole weight of your war wagon?
Now, rubbers with better warranties or a roadside assistance program will be at a higher cost.
But when you’re broken down at mile marker who-knows-what, this extra coverage becomes priceless. Even though you're an expert DIYer, this peace of mind is worth every penny, especially when you've got the whole family in tow.
Bottom line?
If you hope for the best value, you can’t just eyeball prices. You must compare specs. And it's not just about understand tire classes or sizes. Load and speed ratings, ply-type, and warranty all play a role in the cost of your tires.
All tires may appear similar at first glance, but it’s what is under the rubber that counts.
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How To Read The Numbers And Symbols On A Tire's Sidewall
Let's take a look at some of the numbers and symbols you'll see on the side of your tires.
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DOT - Stands for Department of Transportation. All tires will have this, which indicates they meet the standards and requirements to be sold and used in the U.S.
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P205/65R15 - These numbers indicate the size of the tire. The 205 is the width. The 65 is the aspect ratio. The letter R indicates a radial tire (which we'll explain more on below). And the 15 is the rim size. Your tires might have different numbers. But the order and meaning of them remains the same.
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M + S - If your tires show this, it means they're rating for use in Mud and Snow condition. All-season and winter tires have this. If you do not see this symbol, it means your tires are rated for summer use only.
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Load index - As shown above, this will be a number from 0 to 49, indicated the safe load bearing capacity of the tire.
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Speed rating - This rating is marked by a letter, usually one between B and V, but it can also be shown as an A1, A2, up to A8, which indicate lower speed ratings.
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4 digits after DOT - The last four digits after the DOT symbol show the week and year of tire production.
Real Examples by RV Class
Still weighing all of your options? Let’s break it down by RV class, so you can see what kind of tires you really need.
Class/Type |
What’s Needed |
Class A |
Commercial-grade with reinforced sidewalls |
Class B |
Light truck or commercial-grade |
Class B |
16 to 19.5-inch tires |
Trailers/Towables |
Lower load rating required |
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Class A: These big rigs demand support. Because of the weight, class A RV tires must be commercial-grade with reinforced sidewalls. Don’t cheap out here because a Class A tire blowout on the highway may result in massive damage, danger, and a more expensive repair bill. -
Class B: As a smaller camper, you may be able to get away with light truck tires. Commercial-grade tires provide added support, but will cost more.
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Class C: Not too big, not too small, class C RV tires usually fall between 16 and 19.5 inches, so you shouldn’t have to pay nearly as much as a Class A owner.
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Trailers & Towables: With no engine involved, there’s less weight to support. You can go with a lower load rating, but don’t get cheap here. You still want the tire to hold up on the long haul.
Sadly, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Your RV tire replacement cost depends heavily on the type of motorhome you have, but even these range widely.
What About Installation, Balancing & Disposal Fees?
So - you’ve picked out your RV's next set of combat rollers, you’re all set... But wait! Have you forgotten about the hidden fees that can sneak in there?
If you aren’t doing all the installation work yourself, except to spend another $25, $50, or more per tire on these services:
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Mounting and balancing
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New valve stem installation
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Old tire disposal
That’s not all. What about -
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TPMS sensor reset: Does the RV have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)? If so, the shop may charge $5 to $10 per sensor for a reset or recalibration.
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Tire warranties: While this may feel like an upsell, like we've mentioned, a warranty and roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Some shops are good at putting everything into a bundle package. Others itemize you until you feel like you are paying per lug nut.
Either way, just be sure to talk to your tire technician about all these potential extra costs before swiping your card.
How Often Do You Need to Replace RV Tires?
Here’s the deal: Unlike most car tires, it’s not just about the tread depth. Even if your RV's tires look fine, the age, interior nylon belts, and sidewall integrity matter just as much, if not more.
Let’s say there’s plenty of tread left, but the tires are five or ten years old. In most cases, they should be replaced, no matter how good they seem.
Unlike conventional car tires, mileage isn’t the main enemy of RV tires. Instead, they are usually taken out by UV exposure, the tire's sidewalls cracking, or dry rot first.
Want a full breakdown by tire type and storage conditions? Check out our guide: How Long Do RV Tires Last?
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How to Protect Your Investment
Let’s face the reality. You probably aren’t going to be thrilled with the bill after buying new RV tires and having them installed.
But like we've already said, this is the price you pay to ensure that your rig is ready for whatever the road throws at it. So it's often worth paying a bit more upfront.
The good news, though, is that with a little care, you can make that investment last.
A few simple habits can add years and miles to their lifespan.
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Use high-quality tire covers to block UV damage.
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Check the tire pressure regularly to ensure they're at the recommended pressure (especially before travel). Under or over inflated tires can be long-weekend killers.
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Store the RV on level ground and keep the tires off soft or wet surfaces.
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Rotate your tires often, especially if you use the RV on long trips. Tire rotation keeps the tread wearing evenly.
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Inspect your tires for damage. Watch for cracks, punctures or bulges that could hinder the tire’s performance and safety.
Just remember that cheaping out on your RV tires is a bit like trying to save money on a parachute... It's still going to work, at least, until it doesn't.
Spending a bit more on good quality tires or $100 for RV tires covers can save you $1,500 or more in early tire replacements.
Want help picking the right ones? Check out our guide: Choosing the Right RV Tire Covers.
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Best Budget Vs. Premium RV Tire Brands
Everyone is on the hunt for cheap RV tires, but if our RV tire buying guide has taught you anything, it’s that you can’t focus solely on the cost.
After all, the Army doesn't put bargain-priced brake pads into its tanks. So why the heck would you put junk-priced rubbers on your rolling rig?
Still, there's nothing wrong with looking for a good deal, and finding a balance between a lower price tag and superior quality.
And yes, you can find the best RV tires in a variety of price points, if you know what to look for.
We don’t push any one tire brand or have a personal preference, we are simply offering some suggestions to consider.
Price |
Category |
Examples |
Budget |
Affordable options that get the job done |
Carlisle, Taskmaster |
Mid-tier |
Perfect balance between cost and performance. Ideal for most RVs. |
Goodyear Endurance, Westlake |
Premium |
Higher-priced, but with a longer life and improved performance. |
Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Firestone, Power King |
Budget-friendly tires are best for lighter RV classes, helping you reduce the overall cost of your rubber upgrade
But you don’t want to overlook those premium brands. They truly do provide enhanced durability, smoother rides, and better fuel efficiency.
We know the cost always matters, but can you really put a price on your safety and ride comfort?
Where to Buy RV Tires
Your options of where to buy RV tires is much like where to eat during a road trip. There are plenty to choose from, you just have to figure out what suits your tastes the best.
Local Tire Shop or RV Dealership
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Great for offering personalized service
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Provides local installation
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Access to RV-specific advice and bundle deals
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Higher prices than online options
Big Box Retailers (Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, etc.)
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Competitive pricing
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In-store installation
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Available tire warranties
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Limited selection available for some RV classes
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Online Retailers (Discount Tire Direct, Tire Rack, Simple Tire)
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Massive selection
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Lower prices
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Easy to compare the specs, reviews and brands
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You need to find a tire shop to install them
RV-specific Suppliers (etrailer.com, Camping World)
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All products are geared toward RVs
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Superior customer service and knowledgeable staff
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Prices vary widely
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Shipping times can be long
Mobile RV Tire Services
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You don’t have to go anywhere, making it great while on the road
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Typically more expensive because you are paying for convenience
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Not available in all areas
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FAQs - How Much Do RV Tires Cost?
By now you should have a solid idea about how much a new set of RV combat rollers is going to cost, and what factors will influence your total price tag.
But just in case we've missed anything, let's take a look at a few frequently asked questions.
What is the average cost for tires on an RV?
RV tire prices fluctuate depending on the size, load rating and brand. For a Class A motorhome, you may spend anywhere from $250 to $600 or more per tire, while the smaller trailer tire could cost between $65 and $200 each.
What is the average life of an RV tire?
It’s more likely that the tire will need to be replaced due to age than wear, as most people don’t rack up miles on their motorhome. On average, RV tires should be replaced every five to seven years, or as soon as they appear worn, damaged or cracked.
Are RV tires different from regular tires?
Yes, they are not interchangeable with conventional passenger vehicle tires. While they look the same, RV tires have thicker sidewalls and a narrower tread, allowing them to carry more weight than tires you install on your family’s SUV.
How do I keep my RV tires from rotting?
RV tires rot from sitting in the same place for too long. Even when you aren’t using the RV, you should try to move it monthly. It’s also wise to put tire covers over the rubber to prevent damage from UV exposure and harsh weather.
Should RV tires be rotated?
Yes, you want to rotate the tires the same way you do with your car. Most RV manufacturers recommend rotating the tires every 3,000 to 8,000 miles. If you don’t put a lot of miles on the RV, you may prefer to have the tires rotated on a different schedule. Speak to a tire professional about your particular situation.
Conclusion: Smart RV Tire Buying Isn’t About Going Cheap — It’s About Long-Term Value
Just like in the military, not all RV tires are created equally.
Some cheaper brand tires are like standard GI boots — They work, but they're rough and basic. Just good enough for getting the job done.
Whereas other better quality tires... They’re more like Special Forces gear — built for performance.
Sure, it’s great to find an amazing deal, but that’s not all you want to think about.
The real win comes in finding the best balance of value and performance.
Need more tips on protecting your RV tires and maximizing their life? Check out our guide on tire lifespan, tire protection and RV tire care.
Always remember that a few smart RV maintenance habits today = fewer roadside emergencies tomorrow.