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Story by Perry Mack
Getting a flat tire on your daily commute isn’t any fun, and getting one while you’re on holiday and far from home is even worse. Fortunately there’s a lot you can do to prevent a blow out on your RV or vehicle tires. The oft-repeated mantra is ‘Inspect them often and maintain the correct inflation’. This, in combination with having the right tire for your RV’s weight, can not only reduce tire failure but save you money by improving your fuel economy and reducing tire wear.
While getting ready for your next RV trip, whether it’s around the corner or off to Mexico, add these easy steps to your ‘pre-flight’ checklist.
· Check your lug nuts to make certain they are secure and that your valve stems all have caps.
· Look for and remove debris lodged in the tread (nails, bits of glass etc.) and check for uneven and/or extensive tread wear.
· Examine the sidewalls for bulges, cuts, cracks, abrasions and debris, as this can seriously hinder an otherwise perfect day.
· Inflate your tires to the correct pressure (they should be cool and in the shade). For trailer tires, this is usually the max pressure written on the side of the tire but for vehicles it is usually found on the vehicle inside the driver door. It does depend on your loaded weight so if you are still unsure, Google it or check with your trusted RV technician.
· When was the last time you had your bearings repacked? This should be done when you haul it out of storage. If it hasn’t been done in over a year, make an appointment with your RV tech, not the tow truck at the side of the highway.
· If your trailer tires are old, consider replacing them. Some manufacturers recommend you replace your trailer tires every three to five years.
· Know the weight of your loaded vehicle. It’s easy to just keep adding a little more each trip until you exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). You’ll be putting too much stress on your RV tires (or your vehicles’ tires if you’re towing) among other parts if you do – very unsafe.
· Have a backup plan. Some form of roadside assistance can add quite a bit of piece of mind.
If you do have a blowout, don’t slam on the brakes. Some experts say you should actually accelerate a bit to gain control and then gradually slow down and pull off the road.
Enjoy your travels and feel free to email your tech questions to editor@suncruisermedia.com.