How to Avoid Tire Blowouts in an RV Like a Pro? – Read 7 Things

The main reason tire blowouts in an RV are so dangerous is because of the sudden change in the handling of the vehicle. If the blowout occurs on a back tire, you essentially have no control over the rear of the vehicle. Swerving wildly as you try to correct can cause an accident.

A blowout on a front tire can cause an accident, as well.

Here are the 7 Tips to Avoid Tire Blowouts in an RV?

Tip 01: Check Your Tread Regularly

One way to avoid blowouts is to check your tread regularly. You can use a penny or a quarter to get an unbiased assessment. Put it in head down into the tread. You should be able to insert the coin into the tread so that the top of the head is buried in the tread.

Do this in several tire grooves. If the tread is too thin in any location, the tire should be replaced soon. If the tread is too thin in a particular area, such as the center of the tread or the outside edge, the tire needs to be replaced immediately.

Note that the RV tires need to be replaced every five years regardless of the condition of the tread because the material breaks down with age.

Tip 02: Check the Condition of the Tires

If you see separation of the tread from the sidewall, replace the tire immediately. If there are bubbles in the sidewall, this is a major red flag. Replace the tire. If you see a fine network of cracks in the sidewall or tread of the tire, replace the tire regardless of how think the tread is.

While you’re at it, check the condition of the trailer. If it is out of alignment, try to fix it before it puts excess load on the tire until you face a blowout.

Tip 03: Maintain Proper Air Pressure

Every tire will come with instructions on the proper air pressure. Keep the air pressure within that acceptable range. Always check the air pressure before you go on the trip so that you can add as much pressure as necessary.

After all, some of the air is going to leak out through the stem over time. The air pressure inside the tire will change with the outside air pressure and temperature, so check the pressures periodically.

Tip 04: Track Your Load

One depressingly common reason for tire blowouts is overloading one or more tires. Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer. Remember to take people, possessions and supplies into account.

A trailer that can carry 3000 pounds can carry a 2500 pound camper, but the tires could blow out if there are several people riding in it, too.

Note that the tires each have a weight limit. Your entire load could be within the limits of the set of tires, but a load that is uneven or shifts to one side could put too much weight on one or more tires. Then your shifting weight will cause a blowout.

The solutions here are to stay well within the weight limit of the trailer, secure everything, and distribute the load as much as possible.

Tip 05: Carry Spare Tires

We shouldn’t have to mention this, but we do. Too many people recognize the signs of a tire that is deteriorating, but they don’t have more than one spare tire.

They choose to keep driving and risk a blowout on the hope they can make it home, because if they replace the degrading or damaged tire now, they don’t have a backup plan if there is a flat tire.

The solution is to carry more than one spare tire so that you don’t have to choose between reasons you could end up on the side of the road.

Tip 06: Know Your Speed Limit

We’re not talking about not exceeding the posted speed limit for the roads. Instead, we’re referring to the maximum allowed speed for your tires. RV and truck tires come with speed ratings.

They’re designed to handle the load up to a given speed. Going faster than that top speed stresses the tire and increases the odds of a blowout.

If your tires are rated to go up to 65 miles an hour, avoid the temptation to pass someone at 75 miles per hour. You may end up on the side of the road with a blowout.

Tip 07: Use the Right Tires

You have to use the right tires for your vehicle if you want to minimize the chance of a catastrophic tire failure. Don’t use tires that are too small, too wide or too big for the rims.

This isn’t likely to be an issue if you are still using the tires that came with the RV, but it can be a problem if you don’t do your research when buying new tires.

Final Summary

Follow our seven tips, and you’ll minimize the odds of a major blowout. Then you can ride the roads knowing that the worst thing you’ll have to deal with is running out of gas. Also, make sure your tires are in the safe way when they aren't on the road. We recommend you to use tires special covers to protect them for a long life.