RV & Camper Tires

Keep Your RV Tires Road-Ready


An RV's tires support its weight, provide traction, and handle a lot of wear and tear. As you explore your camper or motorhome, you'll need to keep an eye on your RV tires and give them the care they need.



It starts with choosing RV tires that match the needs of your particular vehicle. Follow up on proper selection with regular trailer tire maintenance, along with timely replacement, to prevent accidents and enjoy a smooth travel experience.

White RV parked on a mountain road with cloudy sky and scenic valley views

Choosing the Right Tires for Your RV or Camper


RV tire safety begins at the point of tire selection. RVs are heavier than other vehicles, and the RV tire load rating must support the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Overloading the listed rating of the tires can cause dangerous blowouts that cause a loss of control.


Yet load requirements are the only detail to consider when planning RV tire installation or replacement. The tires must also match the manufacturer's specifications for size and type. For example, Light Truck (LT) tires are often used for motorhomes, while trailers and fifth wheels rely on Special Trailer (ST) tires.


Check the maximum speed rating on any tires you're considering as well. Most highway driving involves speeds of 60 miles per hour or more, and some heavy-duty tires aren't rated for that kind of speed. Choose radial tires whenever possible to enjoy increased stability and better heat dissipation, resulting in a longer lifespan when putting a lot of miles on them each day.


Finally, consider the climate and terrain you plan to cover between stops for motorhome tire service. Tires built for cold or snowy conditions will provide a safer driving experience in mountainous areas, while RV tires designed for heat will last longer in the desert. Don't forget off-roading plans and the tires that work best for gravel and dirt, too.


A professional RV tire service center, such as Duluth Tire, can help you select tires that are compatible with your vehicle and your driving patterns, in addition to providing essential services like RV tire rotation.


Tire Maintenance


Regular inspection helps you spot issues you can resolve with maintenance or repairs before there's a major failure. Take the time for a RV tire inspection before taking your vehicle out each time, looking for: 


  • Cracks in the sidewalls
  • Depth of tread left
  • Uneven wear patterns
  • Bulges, swelling, or flat spots


If you suspect any issues or know your vehicle hasn't gotten the proper RV tire maintenance over the last few years, consider a professional inspection. This includes pressure checks, determining if you have the right inflation levels for load support and tire heat management. Professionals use specialized gauges and adjust the measurements for your cargo weight.


As with all vehicles, you'll eventually need professional maintenance, like RV tire alignment and RV tire balancing. This ensures even tire wear and provides a smoother, safer ride with more traction. One part of routine camper tire care you tackle yourself is the routine cleaning of all road debris off of the surface. 


Apply protective treatments before and after storing as well to prevent cracking. For some RV and camper models, rotation is also recommended to distribute wear more evenly.


Tire Repair


It's possible to extend the life of some RV tires, but only with professional RV tire repair. DIY repairs run the risk of blowouts on the road due to the vehicle's weight and specialized tire construction.


You'll find a range of repair options at your preferred RV tire service center, including:


  • Reseating after a tire leaks or becomes damaged along the bead
  • Sidewall or shoulder damage, which often requires replacement instead
  • Internal sealing for punctures and nail damage, following RV tire safety guidelines


Tire Replacement


All RV tires have a limited lifespan, even if your RV tire tread depth still looks good. It's time for RV tire replacement if it's been five to seven years since they were last replaced, regardless of the number of miles on them or the amount of wear.


If your inspection reveals that the tread depth is below 2/32” for trailer tires or 4/32” for drive tires, stop driving until you can get a replacement. Low tread not only increases the chance of a blowout but also reduces traction and increases wear on suspension parts. 


Replacing any tires that show sidewall cracks, significant uneven wear, or bulges is a crucial step in RV tire blowout prevention. Any significant damage from road hazards also warrants a tire replacement. It's always better to invest in a new RV tire for one that looks questionable than to keep driving and discover it wasn't safe after the fact.


Professional RV tire service centers provide correct tire installation, from applying the proper torque to lug nuts to balanced mounting. These are all critical details for safe RV operation.


Key Takeaways


Professional RV tire maintenance is essential for safety, reliability, and peace of mind while traveling. Always choose the right tires based on manufacturer specifications, including tire type and total weight rating. Inspect the tires daily and schedule a professional RV tire pressure check after the vehicle sits in storage or after a few hundred miles of travel. 


Only trained professionals should perform repairs and replacement on RV tires, but timely replacement prevents accidents and maintains your ride stability. Let Duluth Tire here at 2802 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806 help you with a full RV tire inspection checklist, or call us today at (218) 727-5686 for more information.