Avoiding an RV Tire Blowout

RV tire blowouts, though somewhat rare today, can be dangerous when traveling at highway speeds. These events can be significantly worse than automobile blowouts. If a blowout occurs on your motorhome, the results can be far more costly, even if you manage to stop your vehicle safely.

Unlike an automobile, a motorhome often suffers body damage in the wheel-well area caused by the thrashing tire carcass. This damage can be severe and may cost thousands of dollars for a single incident.

RV Tire Blowouts — Causes

So, how can this issue be prevented? Well, while there is no way to 100-percent eliminate this ever happening, you can reduce the chances substantially. To understand how to protect ourselves from having this happen, we must first look at the root causes of these tire failures.

• Exceeding the tire’s maximum weight capacity
• Operating outside of the specified air pressure requirements
• Road hazard damage
• Advanced tire age or poor condition

Of these, low pressure is said to account for nearly 90 percent of rapid deflation or blowout. RVs also have another al- too-common cause of failure: tire age. This aging deteriorates structural integrity, causing failure due to carcass or sidewall separation.

RV Tire Blowouts — Prevention

So, how can we protect ourselves from RV tire blowouts. Exposure can be substantially reduced by following these simple rules.

• Replace aging or damaged tires immediately
• Check tire pressures daily and correct, if needed
• Know the weight of each wheel position and air up each tire as needed
• Inspect or have all tires checked for wear, damage, and general condition
• Keep axles in proper alignment
• When stopping for a break, walk around and visually inspect tires, and if you have a laser temperature test device, check each for consistency
• Think about installing a tire-pressure monitoring system. Even the low-priced units provide an instant alert in the event of an issue.
• Cover tires if parked for extended periods of time and keep them clean to help in protecting aging.

The need to maintain the correct air pressure can’t be overstressed. Keep in mind that no tire is airtight: molecules pass through the tire’s casing on an ongoing basis. This pressure loss must be replenished at regular intervals.

Your tires are your only contact with the road. Look after them and they will support you for many years. Find replacement tires here, and check out more RV tech tips.

Presented By Good Sam Roadside Assistance

Peter Mercer – With a Tiring Thought