Story and photos courtesy Kal Tire
This year’s RV season has been unlike any other. In the spring, when many RV owners would have been taking care of pre-trip maintenance, changes to store access meant many RVers held off on steps such as tire inspections and fluid checks. Then, as soon as the parks re-opened, many RVing families took every opportunity they could to be outdoors, perhaps logging more miles than any other summer in a bid to enjoy it while it lasts. Now that fall is here, most snowbirds will either be staying home for the winter or heading to destinations with more moderate climates of Canada rather than Arizona.
Wherever you went RVing this summer and wherever it will be this winter, now is the time to ensure your tires get some well-deserved TLC to help you enjoy a fun and safe journey.
Kal Tire
Checking tires routinely goes a long way for reliability.
Pressure Checks
These days, eyeballing a tire is not a sure-fire way to determine if you have a flat. If it’s visibly flat, chances are high it’s already beyond repair. To help extend tire life, performance and fuel economy, the tire experts at Kal Tire recommend checking your air pressure:
- Every morning before doing long drives
- Before and after short distance trips
- Before and after putting your RV into storage
- Once a month during the off-season
If you’re checking your pressure while traveling, you’ll get the most accurate reading when your tires are ‘cold’(at least a few hours sitting). A truck tire gauge with a dual-angled head for dual wheels (see sidebar) helps ensure an accurate reading on all tires. You can also find your recommended PSI on a sticker in your door jam or owner’s manual.
Kal Tire
All-weather tires are ideal as they are designated for winter yet double as a summer tire.
Inspection Checks
While you’re checking your air pressure, check your sidewall and tread blocks for signs of aging and damage. While some RV tire sidewalls are equipped with scuff guards to resist curb damage, they aren’t always a match for some summer roads.
In Canada, RV adventures lead across all kinds of terrain, putting your sidewalls and treads at risk of punctures from debris. Kal Tire’s tire repair specialists have seen it all and explain that tires with tread damage can often be repaired when the damage is caught early. Plus, if you’ve driven in rough or rocky areas, have a tire service professional inspect the sidewalls and tread. Be sure to look out for:
- Nails and other objects
- Cuts and bulges
- Signs of cracking and weathering
- Check the condition of valves and caps
Kal Tire
During any tire inspection, always check the condition of valves and caps.
Tire Balancing & Rotations
If you do need to have a tire removed for repairs or replacement, it’s a good time to have your RV tires balanced. This will prevent cupping and uneven wear that can compromise ride comfort, vibrations, steering and safety.
Balancing should also be done when rotations are performed. Your owner’s manual includes instructions for the rotation pattern that’s best for your vehicle and tires. Rotations can go a long way towards promoting even wear and to help you keep your tires on the road.
Smart Storage
If fall means the end of your road trip season and the RV is heading into storage, here are some pro tips from Kal Tire about how to store your tires properly and significantly extend tire life.
- Clean with soap and water to rid the tires of oils from the highway
- Remove everything from the RV you can so your tires are supporting only the minimum weight
- Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI
- Use blocks under the tires
- Store your RV in a dry, cool space that keeps direct sunlight away from tires
- If possible, take your RV for a short drive every 12 weeks to activate the rubber compound ingredients and help prevent cracking and flat spots
Kal Tire
You’ll always get the most accurate pressure reading when your tires are ‘cold’ (when they sit for at least a few hours).
The Right Tires for Winter
Are you heading to Osooyos, BC, instead of Phoenix, AZ, this winter? While the Okanagan’s ‘desert’ region is much warmer and sunnier in December than Winnipeg, you’ll still need tires to get you across Canada. All-weather tires are a good option for some RV owners who need a reliable year-round tire that’s designated for winter use yet doubles as a summer tire.
With many people now taking time to get their RV’s ready for winter in Canada—on the road or in storage—it’s always a good idea to book your pre or post-trip service in advance.
We are fortunate in Canada to have many traveling options within the country. But, as you know, plans and weather change quickly. So, it’s always a good idea to be prepared with proactive tire maintenance.
Understanding Tire Gauges
Find the gauge that suits you best so you can check your tire pressure and enjoy the improved safety, handling and fuel economy of driving on properly inflated tires.
Digital gauge
You’ll need batteries but it’s accurate, easy to use and resists wear.
Stick gauge
Inexpensive and small, these can be tricky to read and not always accurate.
Dial gauge
A bit clunky and sensitive to being dropped but easy to read and more accurate than stick gauges.