Should You Balance and Rotate Your RV Tires?
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If you’re new to RV living, one of the questions that you may be wondering is how to care for your RV tires. How often should you balance and rotate RV tires?
RV and motorhome tires should be balanced when they are replaced and checked frequently for uneven wear. RV experts generally agree that RV and trailer tires are unlikely to see enough miles to need to be rotated. However, you can rotate them when you see uneven wear or about 8,000 miles.
Some very diligent RVers inspect and rotate their trailer tires at the end of every season. I have replaced a full set of trailer tires a couple of times and it is not a cheap thing to do. So it’s worth trying to extend the life of your RV tires.
However, it continuously varies in different circumstances how to care for your tires. But hold your horses because we will help you answer your questions to prepare you for your next trip!
Before we start, you may want to check these blogs that have more RV driving tips for you:
- Driving an RV in the Snow: The Ultimate Safety Guide
- 15 Expert Tips: How To Drive An RV In High Winds
Should I Get My RV Tires Rotated?
Most experts agree that if you are using your RV for seasonal vacations, that your tires will need to be replaced due to age before needing to be rotated. However, rotating your tires, especially if they are prone to uneven wear, will help the tires last longer.
Tires are crucial elements of your RV’s base, and you need to keep in mind that RV tires are created differently in terms of structure, form, and function.
Many individuals believe that rotating the tires isn’t essential unless there is abnormal deterioration.
On the other hand, rotating tires can assist in minimizing uneven wear over time and extend the life of the tires.
When to Know If My Tires Need Rotation?
Tire rotation isn’t something you need to do every month, especially if you do not travel that much. For example, with seasonal camping, your tires are likely to succumb to age deterioration before they have good consistent use to need a rotation.
But the question is, when will you know if you need to rotate your tires?
You need to keep an eye out for a few indicators that may signal that your RV tires need to be rotated or replaced.
Inspect your tires regularly. To begin with, check for odd wearing patterns over the tires as they might cause dips in your tire tread.
Moreover, feel for feathering by running your hands across the tread’s breadth. If they only flow in one way, it may indicate misalignment, which will need you to rotate the tire to level out the wear.
Rotating your tires when there is not a problem could actually cause damage if done improperly. Seek professional help first if you notice unusual signs so that they can tell whether your tires need rotated or any other services.
How Often Should Your Rotate RV Tires?
Experts recommend rotating RV tires when you see uneven wear or when you reach 6,000 to 9,000 miles. However, most people will need to replace the tires to due age before this. But if you do drive many miles, it helps to extend tire life and better performance while on the road.
Some RVers make it a habit to rotate their tires at the end of every season.
You must, however, follow a specific pattern while rotating the RV tires.
Overall, tire maintenance will help keep your RV comfortable to drive, and reliable throughout its life.
Is It Possible to Personally Rotate My Tires?
RV tire rotations can be done personally and at home. Although you should think about the time and expertise needed to do this. Remember that it will require a lot of effort and patience throughout the process. If it is not done correctly you could cause more problems.
You need to be able to access beneath the RV with your equipment such as an air-powered impact wrench, jack stands, and hand wrenches. You’ll need to jack up your RV to get the weight off the tires and remove them.
If you do not have the time and equipment to do these things, you can always ask for professional services and easier maintenance but expect some costs that will depend on where you brought your RV and what type of tires you have.
Is It Possible for Rotating Tires to Affect Alignment?
There are several topics of discussion when we talk about tire rotation. Many people believe that RV tires should be rotated by the owner once a season, but many also say that they should not be rotated because it might cause further damage.
Both ideas have some validity because improper tire rotation can affect alignment, especially if the RV has had significant suspension difficulties. However, if you are able to properly follow the rotation pattern you shouldn’t be concerned.
If you are still worried, it is best just to bring it to a tire rotation service.
What Happens if I don’t Rotate my RV Tires?
RV tires likely age out before they wear out. Tires that are on an RV won’t generally get enough use before they age.
Many, many RVers never rotate their tires on their motorhome or travel trailer. So likely nothing will happen, if you camp near home and your RV is aligned and driving well.
If you travel long distances you may find wearing patterns in the treads.
Your RV treads may wear out if you don’t rotate them regularly, resulting in a critical incident and unsteady driving condition.
Moreover, tire tread degradation can compromise a driver’s safety on the road and increase accidents which I know you do not want to experience.
How Often Should I Get My RV Tires Balanced?
As a general rule, tires should be balanced when they are replaced on an RV. Theoretically, the tires should remain balanced, but if you notice unusual vibrations or wear, you can have the RV tires balanced as needed.
In an RV, balancing your tires is a significant step because it allows the tires to grip the road during turns and to sustain the vertical load. RV tires are constructed differently than regular automobile tires since they must carry significantly greater weight.
You should be aware that vibrations from the imbalanced tires are a distinct possibility. In some instances, the tires can break or collapse.
Why Should I Get My RV Tires Balanced?
When traveling, maintaining your RV tire’s condition is critical, as a blowout can be very serious. A tiny shift in weight can vary the force given to that one part of the tire at certain speeds, causing it to wobble or feel out of control.
Unbalanced tires have more rubber on one side and metal on the other. The process of balancing a tire aims to add weight on the different sides to compensate for the imbalanced rubber and metal.
Do not worry because this process will not take too much time, especially when done by professionals.
How Can I Balance My Own Tires?
You cannot balance your own tires. Tires must be balanced at the dealers because they have those machines and equipment that are used for balancing tires.
If they do not have it, you can look for it at other tire dealers near you because it is for your safety.
Effects of Unbalanced RV Tires
An imbalanced tire generates extra heat, resulting in a lesser lifespan and perhaps a blowout.
Apart from creating extra heat, it may also produce vibrations that can loosen tire parts and may cause the wheels to have difficulties in spinning. Over a period of time, this will cause problems with your RV.
How Make RV Tires Last Longer
RV tires are expensive and you may have 4 or 6 or more. They are subjected to significant wear and tear and need to be regularly checked and replaced if needed.
When it comes to tire replacement, each tire brand has its own guidelines. Under some circumstances and regular checkups, which evaluate your tire conditions, the average RV tire lifespan is around five years.
To prolong the lifespan of your tires, you should be vigilant to certain things that may cause their early deterioration and blowout.
Here is how to make your RV tires last longer
- Do not overload your RV
- Carefully distribute and balance your load
- Ensure the correct tire pressure
- Do not store or park longer than 6 months
- Cover your tires in RV storage
- Inspect your tires regularly for damage or uneven wear
- Check the sidewalls for damage
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Rotate as necessary
- Replace tires when needed
The tire’s lifespan is still dependent on how much you use them and the maintenance you provide them.
Best Tires for RVs:
| TIRE MODEL: | DESCRIPTION: |
Goodyear Unisteel G670 RV Tire | You can install these tires on mid-sized and big RVs, and it gives the driver excellent grip and traction on the highway and good stability in both dry and wet conditions. Furthermore, the tire is extremely durable, and tread life is also outstanding. The only disadvantage is that it is incredibly costly. |
Boto Tyres BT926 RV Tire | This Boto Tyres type generates very little noise due to the silent tread, and the tire’s high-speed construction makes it a good choice for travelers who often hit the road. Apart from that, the tires also effectively dissipate heat, making it last longer. But just like any other tire, it has its downside as it is pretty expensive, yet you can get what you pay for. |
Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD RV Tire | The tire has a half-inch tread thickness and provides excellent grip in a variety of weather conditions. Furthermore, unlike many other RV tires, the Duravis M700 HD is suitable for mild off-road travel and may be used in light snow. One thing that makes others decline the usage of this is the unavailability of its treadwear warranty. |
Michelin XPS RIB RV Tire | The well-engineered tread pattern of this tire gives you less worry when traveling on outdoor terrains. Apart from that, the brand offers a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, and the highway stability is impressive, with very high levels of grip and traction available to the driver. But being expensive and not being able to perform well on snow are some of its cons. |
Maxxis M8008 RV Trailer Tire | The M8008 type is distinguished by exceptional highway stability and a clever shock absorption technology that effectively and efficiently absorbs vibrations, even when subjected to large loads. The tire is even covered by a 5-year warranty from Maxxis, which is fantastic. One thing to keep in mind, it is not your best option when you want to use it off-road. |
Final Thoughts on Balancing and Rotating your RV Tires
To sum it up, your tires do need to be balanced when you replace them. They will ride more smoothly if they are, you don’t need to do it frequently. You do need to rotate them through though.
Another thing to remember is that you can do both of these by yourself, but it can be tricky especially for those who are not familiar. If possible, getting help from professionals to have anything done with your RV is always the best bet.
For more helpful RV Tips, check out these blogs:
- RV Keeps Tripping The Breaker? Here’s What to Do!
- How to Replace an RV Door
- How Long Do RV Rubber Roofs Last? (Plus 7 Maintenance Tips!)
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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