Cruising down the road in your rig should be all fun and games, unless of course, you’ve just experienced one of your RV tires blowing out! Accidents like these happen all the time, and while there are measures you can take to prevent them, they aren’t 100% guaranteed to be avoidable. There are a few things you need to know so that if your RV tires blow out on you, you’ll be prepared to handle the situation without becoming frantic. There are three main culprits that might cause your blowout:
- Overloading your RV
- Underinflating your RV’s tires
- Age of the tires and how much and tear they receive
Once you understand how to manage RV tires properly, you can have a bit more peace of mind before your next big road trip!
Overloading Your RV
Overloading your RV can put excessive stress on its tires, which can cause them to blow out. This can happen if the RV is carrying too much weight or if the tires are not rated for the weight of the RV and its contents. So next time you’re packing up your rig, whether just for the weekend or for the whole season, verify how much weight your RV can handle. Erring on the side of caution when it comes to packing non-essentials may save you some hassle, time and money in the long run.
Under Inflating Your RV’s Tires
One of the most simple fixes, but also one of the most commonly overlooked practices is to take for granted what PSI (pounds per square inch) your tire pressure is supposed to be at. Under-inflated tires can lead to a greater likelihood of a blowout. When the tires are under-inflated, the sidewalls of the tire flex more than they should, which generates more heat and can cause the tire to blow. Guessing on your RV’s PSI won’t do you any favors when you’re on the road, so take initiative to find out what that number is and stick to it!
