Top 5 Best RV Tires You Can Choose From (Updated September 2022)

1. The design

It is acceptable to use truck tires and they are less expensive, but RV tires are specifically engineered to give you a quiet and smooth ride that truck tires cannot. Aside from that, these tires are constructed to meet the expectations of RVers, like longer storage periods. A lot of RV tires also include additional antioxidation in the compounds they have to lessen dry rot, as well as cracking due to weather.

Based on the type of roads you drive on and the weather, you might need to use tires that have various tread designs found at the rear and front. In a variety of instances, a highway tire’s performance is best seen at the front because this kind of tread gives the lowest resistance rolling and wear characteristics.

2. Do not base your purchase on the price alone

The average weight of a motorhome is at least 20,000 pounds and needs about 6 to 10 large-sized tires. For you to save money, there is a tendency of you buying tires that are a little small than the required size or an unknown brand. The thing about this is that when you install cheap tires, there is a possibility that the size and weight do not match the coach or was poorly made.

If you look hard enough, there are decent and reasonably priced RV tires that are perfect for you and you will be safer to use them.

3. The size is a consideration

There are different RVs and each type requires a specific tire they use. This is when you need to consider the size because RV trailer tires are not the same as motorhome tires and if you have a truck, it needs a different set of tires as well. Aside from the tires, you need to take note of the RV rims and the size of the RV wheel. The best trailer tires are not marked as the best for your motorhome. You need to make sure that the tires you get are only for the type of RV you have.

4. The construction of the tires

In any size, the more load range there is, the heavier weight it can carry. The weight of the tire is dependent on the size and tire construction, and even the inflation. Generally speaking, the tire’s maximum capacity on the coach has to meet or go more than the highest rating of the RV. The wheels should meet or have more than the rating.

Motorhomes are known for not having an equal weight distribution because of slide-out rooms, loading, tank locations, and others. That is why it is recommended that the tires are able to have their own wheel weight so that it will be balanced. This is to make sure that every tire’s load is proportionate and is accordingly inflated.

The design of older tires was constructed with either a diagonal or bias-ply material, and the modern ones are made using radial construction. The inner belts that are radial go over the tire in a perpendicular manner, and they can have lesser rolling resistance that lasts longer compared to bias-ply designed tires. The radial tires also have a lower rolling resistance that lasts more than bias-ply tires.

5. Check the sidewall codes

You will see codes on the sidewalls and the ones you need to take note of are the location and date of manufacture. If there are 12 numbers, it is the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT identification number. The plant code is the 1st 2 numbers so you will immediately know the location of manufacture. The year and the week when the tire was made can be identified by looking at the last 4 numbers. For instance, if the DOT ending is 3416, it means the tire was manufactured on the 34th week of 2016.

If you want to know the service ratings, look for 2 numbers that are followed by a letter, like 77S. The number 77 can be found on the specifications of the manufacturer so you will know the rating of the load, and the letter will tell you the speed rating either in kph or mph.

6. Inflation, weight and load

Tires are made to carry a specific weight based on their inflation pressure. The inflation rate found on the sidewall or passenger is the maximum, which is important at the peak of rate loads. The tire pressure should never be reduced just for the sake of having a softer ride because this can lead to catastrophe. A good tire gauge is always necessary and if the vehicle has 2 wheels at the back, make sure there is an offset double head long enough to reach the dual-tire valves inside and outside the tires.

If there is an increase in the tire pressure, the temperature will do as well. If the increase is 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the internal pressure of the tire will go up by 0.7 psi. The pressure reading is also affected by altitude changes and if the trip begins at sea-level, a 5,000 feet elevation measurement would mean a 2 to 3 psi increase.