RVwest is pleased to introduce Reg DeYoung as our new RV expert and regular columnist. As a Journeyman RV Technician, DeYoung has 15 years of experience in the RV industry. He received his certification from Okanagan College and, for the past nine years, has been working for Runners RV—a recreational vehicle dealership located in Cranbrook, B.C. Over the years, DeYoung has dealt with a variety of RV problems and maintenance issues. As a certified RV Gas Fitter, DeYoung is authorized to work on RV appliances as well. RVwest is thrilled to have DeYoung on board and appreciate his expertise.
TECH TALK Take care of your tires Proper maintenance of tires is an important part of owning an RV by REG DEYOUNG
IT'S THE AIR IN THERE: Jim Storm, service manager at Mister Tire in Cranbrook, B.C., inspects an RV tire that was damaged due to underinflation. —photo by Reg Deyoung
The tires on an RV require the most preventative maintenance; however, they are often the most neglected. It's easy to tell when a tire is low on air but, generally, most of us do not take the time to examine the tires or look for signs of wear.
RV tires are different from a passenger or light truck tire, which have a more flexible side wall; RV tires or Special Trailer (ST) designated tires have a stiffer side wall. According to Jim Storm, service manager at Mister Tire in Cranbrook, B.C., it is not advisable to put passenger tires on your RV or vice versa—there may be warranty implications if you do with a new tire.
Industry standards dictate that tires with an "ST" designation are restricted to a speed of 65 miler per hour under normal inflation and load conditions—unless a different speed restriction is indicated on the side wall of the tire. Another aspect to consider with an RV tire is the addition of anti-oxidant and anti-oxidant compounds to protect against side wall weather cracking.
Proper pressure
An RV owner may notice a low or underinflated tire, which could be caused by a slow leak due to a puncture, leaking rim or valve stem. If the tire pressures are checked frequently with a good quality pressure gauge, the owner will have a better chance of staying ahead of these problems.
The tires must be checked when they are cold. If it's done when the tires are hot, there will be a higher pressure reading and if the air is let out the tires will be underinflated when they cool down.
"Air pressure, air pressure, air pressure—I cannot say enough about it," said Jim Storm, service manger at Mister Tire in Cranbrook, B.C. "Underinflated tires can cause serious problems—heat builds up and the tire can blow without warning."
Tire pressures should be checked every day before leaving for a trip or, at least, weekly. They should be set at five pounds below the maximum pressure as indicated on the side wall information or as close as possible. Although underinflation is the most obvious problem, overinflation can cause tire failure since the tire is more likely to be cut or punctured by a sudden impact—like a pothole or a curb.
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Weight ratings
Another area to check is the weight rating of the tires, especially in the case of a used coach where the previous owner wasn't aware of these ratings and installed an improperly rated tire or rim on the RV. The whole RV suspension is weight rated according to the tire axles, springs and brakes. In most cases, the tires are the weakest link and will fail first, especially if they are underinflated. Also, the wheel rim ratings should be compatible with the tire ratings. For instance, a tire rated for 3,000 pounds shouldn't be put on a rim rated at 2,000 pounds.
If you are curious or just want some peace of mind, then weigh your RV (fully loaded) at a scale house, put each individual axle on the scale and adjust the tire pressures to best handle the load.
Tire inspection tips
When checking tire pressures, spend some extra time visually inspecting the tires for signs of cracking, bubbling or tread separation. By doing this, there's a better chance of finding alignment problems, such as a bent axle or hub assembly, worn shackles or broken springs. If the tire is worn on both sides it was probably caused by underinflation. In comparison, an overinflated tire will be worn in the centre. If there are bald spots on the tire surface it may be that the tire or rim is out of balance. Spending a few minutes visually inspecting the tires can prevent hours of downtime and extra expense.
Storage and protection
Ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun will shorten the lifespan of tires. If an RV has been parked for a long period of time, the tread may look fine but the tire may be unsuitable or unsafe for travelling. To prevent this, cover the tires with RV tire covers (available at RV parts stores) or remove and store them in a cool, dry location off the ground. This is also a good way to prevent flat-spotting, which is caused by a prolonged strain on the side wall in the same spot on the tire. When in storage, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company stated RV tire pressures should be 25 per cent higher than normal operating maximum pressure.
Appearance and cleaning
As stated earlier, RV tires will sometimes contain additives that protect them from cracking. As the tire rolls and flexes, these compounds move to the surface of the rubber and if the tires are cleaned too often their lifespan can be shortened. Applying tire dressings will also speed up the aging process. It is better to wash the tires with a mild soap and water mix and perform a visual inspection afterwards.
Tire failure can be very dangerous and in the case of a high-speed blowout, it can quickly cause extensive damage to the areas surrounding the tire. Although there are no guarantees and, in some cases, no warning, spending a few minutes on tire care and inspection during a trip will make you feel safer and allow for a more relaxing journey to your RV destination.
