RV tires wear out and succumb to weather conditions if not properly taken care of and, in some cases, simply need to be replaced by something better. This RV camping resource guide you to the best RV tires suited for your motorhomes.
RV ownership requires constant attention and maintenance to keep you, your passengers, and other motorists safe. Maintaining your tires is a necessary part of that maintenance.
We’ve scoured the market and analyzed various factors such as durability, reliability, and performance to bring you a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the best RV tires.
Whether you’re a seasoned RV traveler or a newbie, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and recommendations to ensure a smooth and safe ride on your next adventure.
Types of RV Tires
There are several types of RV tires. Choosing the wrong type for your rig can lead to disaster. Let’s discuss the different kinds of RV tires to consider.
ST Tires or Special Trailer Tires
These types of tires are used in a trailer axle position and are designed specifically for RVs, cargo trailers, and travel trailers.
It is designed to withstand heavy loads and comes with a stronger sidewall that prevents the tire from moving under the rim. ST tires are made of large and stiff polyester cords, and steel wires that add tensile strength for further support on additional load.
Radial Tires
Radial tires can be seen on newer RV models and feature steel belts which contribute to the tires’ greater stability, lasting tread wear, and overall tough construction.
The sidewalls of these tires are super flexible and feature low rolling capacity for a fuel-economy RV ride. One downside is that they are a bit costly but choosing a good set of RV tires like these is a great investment.
LT Tires or Light Truck Tires
This type of RV tire is made for class A, B, and C RV types. Their function is quite similar to ST Tires wherein they can perform well in extreme conditions.
Although they are quite the same, LT tires are less reliable and durable compared to ST tires. But if you’ve got quite a small rig that does not call for a heavy-duty tire, then LT tires will work just fine.
How Do You Choose RV Tires?
With so many options on the market, choosing the best RV tires that perfectly suit your campers can be a challenging task. And the key to making wise decisions is to know the facts first.
Here are the following factors you should consider before you make a purchase.
Tire Size
RV manufacturers produce RVs with specific tire sizes. As a general rule, for any size of tire, the higher the ply rating, the more load it can carry. The easiest and most convenient way to know what is the exact tire size you’ll need, consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
By reading your manual, you can be sure that you’re choosing the right tire size for your Rig.
Load Capacity
It’s important to remember that all your RV tire sizes should be identical and their combined load capacity should be greater than the axle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Anything lower than the GVW can increase the chances of having tire blowouts and bent axles.
Tire Inflation Pressure
The maximum tire inflation can be checked on its sidewalls and knowing your tire’s maximum tire inflation can also determine your safety on the road. Underinflation will result in uneven tread wear and less stability on the road, while overinflation can lead you to other unsafe scenarios like a tire blowout.
Use a reliable tire inflation gauge to accurately measure tire pressure so that you don’t go overboard to the tire’s maximum tire pressure.
Load Ratings
It is defined as the maximum load that the tire can support at a specified tire inflation pressure. The higher the load rating the greater the weight capacity of the RV tires. You can see your tire load rating on your owner’s manual and is also indicated in letters on the sidewall of your tire.
These letters go from A- N excluding I and K, with A being the least and N being the toughest among them.
Sidewall Strength
This factor is defined as the ability of the tire to resist punctures and tears on the side of the tire. In many cases, sidewall strength is often referred to as the load range.
The higher the tire’s sidewall strength is, the tougher the tire is.
Weather & Terrains
It is also important to consider your destination and the weather conditions that you often travel to. If you are an RVer who travels all year round, you want to choose tires that would perform well in all seasons.
If you commonly travel in the rainy season pick a tire that is designed to deliver in this kind of weather condition.
Best RV Tires
RV tires are one of the essential parts of your RV, and they can literally make or break your RV travels. But tires get damaged and worn out over time, so knowing your options is essential before this happens.
We've listed the best RV tires, so you don't have to spend hours looking for them. Check them out here!
The Unisteel G614 RST is smartly designed to handle the demands of trailer applications. This tire best suits travel trailers and 5th wheels providing excellent road performance and durability.
It features enhanced rib stability and shallow thread that reduces running temperatures for a tougher case and even wear when traveling.
You can rely on this tire to take you safely to your destination even on slippery roads thanks to its rib edge sipes and lateral grooves that provide excellent traction on wet surfaces.
Features
- Shallow thread
- Solid, rounded shoulder ribs
- Premium casing and mold shape design
- Rib edge sipes and lateral grooves
Pros
- Low running temperature
- Even wear
- Built with quality materials
- Tough and stable on the road
- Can be Retreated
Cons
- It's a bit pricey
- Not the best tires for snow
These long-lasting and retread able commercial tires are one of the best tires you can get for your RVs. It is constructed using steel casing for increased durability for more years on the road. The optimized tread design of this tire promotes even wear and provides greater resistance against punctures. It is fuel-efficient thanks to this tire’s low rolling resistance provided by its tread compound.
Michelin XPS comes with a tread pattern that is designed to deliver excellent performance whether you're on wet or dry surfaces. It provides a more comfortable and quieter journey on the road and is tough enough to carry heavy loads.
Features
- Steel Casing
- Tough tread compound
- steel-reinforced bead
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fuel efficient
- Excellent traction on both wet/dry surfaces
- Impressive tread wear
- Corner stability
Cons
- Not recommended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow, or on ice.
Consider buying a Goodyear Endurance Radial RV Tire for its exceptional durability, even wear, stability, reduced noise, and enhanced safety features.
These factors make it a reliable and safe option for long-distance RV travelers who prioritize quality and performance over cost.
Pros
- Durability
- Enhanced stability
- Enhanced safety
- Reduced Noise
- Even wear
Cons
- Higher cost compared to other RV tires on the market
- Limited availability
- Limited size options
This rugged trailer tire is engineered to provide smoother travel and longer tread life. Maxxis has gone above and beyond in constructing the M8008 ST Radial, it comes with an advanced tread compound that lowers rolling resistance resulting in a more fuel-efficient ride. Double steel-belted construction adds strength, and puncture resistance and provides greater load-hauling capabilities.
It also features a full nylon cap and 10-ply construction which overall contributes to the tire’s uniformity, stability, and durability.
Features
- Advanced tread compound
- Double steel-belted construction
- Full nylon cap
Pros
- Low rolling resistance
- Excellent shock absorption
- Superior load-handling performance
- Full nylon cap provides improved uniformity and durability
- Quiet on the road
Cons
- On the expensive side
The Carlisle Radial Trail is designed with a unique tread pattern that uniformly wears over time and is suited for a wide variety of trailers. This tire is built for any type of ride, whether it's for short distances or long rides you can trust this tire to perform excellently on the road.
It is tested to withstand high levels of heat as you travel on the road and is built with high-tensile steel belts designed to provide low rolling resistance and increase puncture and impact resistance.
Features
- Rubber tread compound
- High tensile steel belt
- Heat resistant technology
Pros
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Excellent durability
- Heat and wear-resistant tread
- Able to resist punctures
- Can be used on a variety of trailers
Cons
- Lower-load range tires have some owner-reported issues coming
Tire Maintenance and Care Tips
RV tires don’t last forever, we know that for a fact, but there are some ways you can extend the life if your tires so you don’t have to shell out a lot of money every now and then just to replace them with new ones.
Here are some tips for taking care of your RV tires:
- Clean your tires– by simply removing dirt, mud, and other things your tire might have picked along the road, you are lessening the chances of premature wear. Soap and water will do the trick in cleaning your RV tires, do not use cleaners with alcohol in them as it can potentially damage your tires.
- Proper Inflation- Tire failures on the road are often caused by improperly inflated tires, make sure that you measure your tire pressure using an accurate tire inflation gauge before you hit the road.
- Check for proper weight distribution and limits– Be conscious of how much weight you are putting on your RVs. Distribute your load as much as possible to prevent uneven wear.
- Use RV Tire Covers– Tire covers are a great way to protect your tires against certain weather conditions that can affect the aging process of your Tires.
- Proper Storage – When you’re taking a break from camping, make sure you store your RV in a cool dry place and make sure that you unload your RVs too before storing it.
How Often Should RV Tires Be Replaced?
When replacing Rv tires, the common rule of thumb is anytime between three to six years. But it’s not the same case for everybody, the factors that usually affect how often you change an RV tire are as follows:
- Time consideration– Consider how often you take your rig out for a ride. If you’re on the road most of the time then chances are your tires will wear out faster and thus will require you to change tires more often. But if you seldom use your campers then maybe your tires can last for a maximum of 6 years and sometimes more.
- Wear Consideration– Take a good look at your tires and check for obvious signs of wear such as cracking, uneven tread wear, bulges or blisters, etc. As owners, you likely can tell whether your tires need an upgrade.
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