Kal Tire
Story & photo courtesy of Kal Tire
For weeks, you’ve been getting your RV or trailer cleaned up and loaded for the summer. You’ve already thought of all the important things: marshmallows, rain boots, ice cube trays. Now you’re ready to tackle the fun stuff, like tires.
Many families, in their haste to get out to their perfect spot, forget about making sure their RV or trailer tires are fit for the road ahead. Since this is the vehicle that’s going to make this best-ever camping trip happen, help make sure your tires are going to get you there—and back—by following this handy six-step checklist before you hit the road.
1. Check the age of your RV tires and your spare tire. To find the true age of your tire, look for the serial number that begins with ‘DOT.’ The last four numbers indicate the month and year your tire was made. For example, the serial number DOT 2613 means your tire was made in the 26th week of 2013.
One major trailer tire manufacturer says regardless of kilometres, a trailer tire’s life expectancy is three to five years. A good rule of thumb is to inspect and consider replacing trailer tires at three years, and definitely replace by five years. That’s because it’s estimated that even at the three-year mark, nearly one-third of a trailer tire’s strength has diminished.
2. Thoroughly inspect tires, including the spare, for age-related signs of wear & other issues.
Tread:
– uneven wear (possible indications of suspension issues)
– cuts, bulges, cracking or feathering
– tread depth (minimum) of 4/32”
Sidewall:
– cracking from age or exposure to sun
– discolouration or waves (a sign of use at high temperatures)
– curb damage
3. If you are replacing your RV or trailer tires, be sure to have the lug nuts retorqued the next day or within 50 kilometres.
4. Check to make sure valves and caps are in place and in good shape on all five tires.
5. Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. Because you’re traveling at extreme temperatures and with heavy loads at long distances, it’s critical to ensure your RV tires are properly inflated, not just at the outset of your trip, but throughout. It’ll be easier to take regular, accurate measurements with a good tire gauge.
How do you know what’s the right tire pressure? Your tire’s recommended PSI should be listed on a sticker in the door jam or glove box, and your vehicle owner’s manual.
Proper inflation is critical on road trips for several reasons. Under-inflation can cause a range of issues, including poor handling, increased wear or irregular wear, decreased fuel economy and even structural damage. Over-inflation, on the other hand, can also cause uneven wear as well as compromise your traction, braking, handling and make for a bumpy, noisy ride.
6. Don’t exceed the limits. Remember once you’ve got your RV loaded, that you’re not inflating to the maximum load limit for your tires, or inflating the maximum pressure to support that load. Both of those numbers are indicated on your tire’s sidewall.
Now you can be confident your tires are ready for adventure! If you want a second opinion about the inflation or condition of your tires, have a tire technician inspect them so you can enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind.