ExTERIOR
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D
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surfaces that are more than 2/32nds deep, they should be replaced before
your next trip or vacation. Store your RV in a cool dry area away from major
heat sources and extreme cold. An enclosed area is best with no exposure to
electromagnetic sources such as generators or transformers. If you must keep
your RV outside, cover your tires from direct sunlight. Take your RV to your Tire
dealer for service to check or correct any of these conditions.
Replacing Your Tires
It is possible to replace your tires with a different size in some instances to
increase your load capacity with a different inflation pressure. If there is a reason
to replace your tires with a different size, make sure the following checks are
made before the purchase.
Does the replacement tire have the load capacity that is needed for my
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RV and will it fit properly inside the wheel well?
Will the overall diameter difference affect the speedometer or antilock
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braking system?
Is the increase in air pressure compatible with the maximum rated
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pressure stamped on the rim?
Is there enough dual spacing offset for the rear wheel positions?
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Tires used on most RVs are driven at or near maximum loads during hot
weather and then are left idle for months. In normal use oils in the tire come to
the surface during flexing and protect the rubber from ultraviolet light. But when
left idle natural aging may cause the rubber to crack prematurely, especially in
the sidewall area.
Any tire on an RV that is over five years old should be inspected by a competent
tire professional for cracking and replaced, even if it has no apparent tread
wear. This is because a tire on a car or truck might last 80,000 to 120,000 miles
before it needs to be replaced, but an RV tire that only travels 5,000 miles per
year will not approach that mileage for 20 years. It will need to be replaced
much before that.
The first step is choosing a tire adequate for the load. The load rating printed
on the sidewall will show the maximum load that can be carried at a defined
pressure. As the inflation pressure drops, the load that can be carried is less. As
speed increases, the amount of load that can be carried also drops. The load
rating is also affected by how the tire is used, as a single or as a dual.
A Goodyear ST225/75 R15 tire inflated to 65 PSI (MAX.) has load capacity of
2540 Lbs.
A Goodyear ST215/75 R14 tire inflated to 50 PSI (MAX.) has load capacity of
1850 Lbs.
