My RV's Tires Have Cracks And Checking Is It Time To Replace Them?

by Dennis
(Startup,WA.)

How do you know when it’s time to change tires with checks starting to show?

ANSWER: Greetings Dennis thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Based on what you are describing it may very well be time to replace your RV's tires. What all RVers need to know is that the tires on their RVs whether they own a Tent Trailer or a Class A Motorhome will probably "Age Our" before they "Wear Out". What do I mean by "Age Out"? Most tire experts agree that tires should be replaced once they are over 5 years old, regardless of how they appear on the outside.

Because of constant exposure to Heat, Cold, Road Chemicals and the Sun's Ultra Violet Rays, tires can start rotting after 5 years. The damage may not appear on the surface of a tire, but it is what you cannot see that can hurt you. I am not going to go through a chemistry lesson here to explain why this happens, but suffice it to say that this is what tire experts and manufacturers agree on and that is good enough for me.

The next question that comes to mind is how can I slow down or prevent premature tire Aging? Below I have listed a couple of suggestions on what you can do to protect your RV’s Tires.

1. Keep your RV's tires covered when your RV is not in use. By covering the tires you are helping to slow down the tire damaging effects of Ultra Violet Light. Tire covers come in all shapes and sizes and there are tire covers for all types of RVs. Here are a couple of places to look to get a great selection of tire covers at excellent prices. RV Tire Covers From Amazon and RV Tire Covers Available From eBay.

2. Keep your RV tires clean. Dirt and oils can speed up the deterioration of your tires. Clean them frequently.

A lot of RVer's use and swear by a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant on their RV's tires. 303 Aerospace Protectant provides Unsurpassed UV-screening protection. It is environmentally safe: Non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable, it sprays on easily, repels dust, soiling and staining. The treated surfaces stay cleaner, longer and it Lasts 4 to 10 times longer than other products. And if that is not enough you can also use this on your tire protectors to protect them from getting damaged. It is also recommended that you use this on the front and backs of your tires about once every two months.

3. Keep your tires properly inflated. Having too much or too little air in your RV's tires will cause premature wear on the tires or create a tire blow out situation.

All RVers need to realize how important it is to take great care of their tires. Having a tire blow out on an RV can cause costly damage to the RV and also cause the driver to lose control of the RV and injure or kill themselves or others.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al