The idea of starting an RV trip and going off-grid is enough for most adventure lovers to get all excited. Think about diverse destinations, various activities, tasty food, campsites to visit, and… fuel you’ll spend. Yeah, it takes proper budgeting to get all this covered.
However, in all the excitement, many RV owners overlook including trailer tires in their plans until something happens on the road. The worst part is that a tire can fail, even if it looks good and has enough tread.
The issue is that trailer tires age when your RV sits idle. The fact that they aren’t used regularly leaves them more susceptible to different elements than tires used every day. In other words, it’s crucial to take a proper look at the tires ahead of your adventure.
Why Trailer Tires Can Age Before They Wear Out
RV owners typically won’t use their RV till they want to go on a trip. This means their trailer tires have fewer miles behind them than tires on the vehicle they use for their daily commute. As such, trailer tires retain most of their tread, which makes them seem safe to drive on.
However, the lack of use often leads to quicker deterioration of the tire’s rubber. Heat and UV rays from sunlight also damage the rubber, making such tires prone to failure. Lack of proper maintenance and storage of trailer tires also accelerates their degradation.
In such cases, tires visually won’t reveal their actual state. This leads to a false sense of safety that’s revealed on the road when tire failure occurs, jeopardizing your safety and trip.
How to Check the Age of Your Trailer Tires
Avoiding road trip accidents caused by tire age is easy once you know where to look for the information that tells you how old they are. When determining the age of your tires, always include the spare one as well to prevent nasty surprises when replacing a damaged tire on a trip.
Inspect the tire’s sidewall for the Tire Identification Number (TIN). It starts with the letters “DOT” and is followed by 13 characters. Check the last four digits. Let’s say they’re 4024. This means this tire was manufactured in the 40th week of 2024.
Keep in mind that the tire manufacturing date doesn’t have to match the date when the tire was mounted. And if you’re interested in when it’s best to replace your tires, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the tires and your trailer.
Signs Your Trailer Tires May Need Replacing
While tire age is something to be aware of, there are visible factors that necessitate tire replacement as well. Regular checks tend to save many trips from headaches later on.
Inspect the tread and sidewalls for any damage or deformations. If you see cracks, bulges, deformations, cuts, punctures, and other visible damage, it means tire failure is waiting to happen. Watch out for consistent loss of tire pressure and uneven wear across the tread. They weaken the tire’s grip and reduce road safety.
Don’t ignore vibration or any other sign of unusual behavior. Early tire and mechanical inspections can prevent excess damage to your RV and avoid costly repairs. Keep in mind that tires have a lifespan and should be replaced regularly at intervals recommended by the manufacturer to ensure successful trips.
Choosing the Right Trailer Tires
Whether due to age, damage, or getting a new trailer with different specs, you’ll eventually need new tires.
The first thing to do is find tires that are the right size, have a proper load rating, and are inflated to optimal pressure. All three are important since they influence whether the tire can be mounted, handle the load, and how easy or difficult it is to control your RV on the road.
Trailer tire selection is also important since it needs to be compatible with the wheel and the type of trailer or RV you have. In case of uncertainty, follow the specifications provided by the trailer manufacturer. Depending on your vehicle, you can even opt for special trailer tires if they fit your needs.
One wrong choice can negatively affect your journey and increase your expenses. So before you decide to make a purchase, inform yourself about what tires you need to avoid potential hurdles.
Don’t Forget Tire Pressure Before the Trip
Whether you’re using old or new tires, don’t repeat a mistake many drivers make by forgetting to check tire pressure ahead of the trip. Without proper tire pressure, your trailer tires won’t be able to get you to your camping adventure in Utah, California, Montana, or other states.
Before starting a trip, all your tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure to keep you safe on the road and securely carry loads within reasonable limits. Inform yourself about tire and trailer setups to avoid making costly mistakes down the road.
When measuring tires’ air pressure levels, make sure they’re cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tire, too. This ensures accurate measurements and makes the spare ready for use in case a tire failure occurs while traveling. Why wait for help when you can quickly proceed with your journey?
Pre-Trip Trailer Tire Check: A Simple Routine
Securing a successful camping adventure is not difficult. All you need is a routine check to make sure everything is in order, at least what’s within your power.
● Start by looking at the DOT code to ensure your tires aren’t too old.
● Inspect the tread and sidewalls for damage and deformations.
● Don’t forget to look for signs of excessive tread wear across the footprint.
● If you need new tires, verify their size and load rating before buying them.
● Before the trip, check the tire pressure levels once all your tires are cold.
● Remember to include the spare when inspecting the mounted tires.
● Replace all aging, worn, or damaged tires ahead of the trip.
● Don’t shy away from visiting a mechanic if you need professional advice.
Final Thoughts
RV adventurers know that the best experiences come with proper preparation and budgeting. Keep your RV safe, pack accordingly, and select your itinerary carefully. However, don’t forget to allocate time and resources for your trailer tires. Having a safety checklist helps avoid missing anything important.
While the excitement can get the best of us and cloud our judgment, give yourself enough time for tire inspection and possible tire replacements. Doing this the night before can result in more unnecessary stress and delays. Addressing potential issues early lets you start and keep your memorable journey hassle-free.
