Your motorhome’s tires are specifically designed to hold heavier loads, endure different weather and road conditions, and go through seasons of stationary storage. Because of this, your RV tires require unique tire pressures and consistent monitoring.
• Understanding Motorhome Tire Pressure
• What Should My RV Tire Pressure Be?
• RV Tire Pressure Maintenance Tips
• Motorhome Tire Pressure FAQs
Tire pressure refers to how much air is in your vehicle’s tire, usually quantified in pounds per square inch (PSI).
RV tires are designed to hold a specific weight at a specific air pressure. This means that there is a maximum load rating and a maximum inflation pressure, found on the tire sidewall, that should never be exceeded. Most RV tire manufacturers provide a load inflation table to help you determine proper inflation levels for specific loads. See the example below:
• Load: It’s important that your RV’s tire pressures are matched to the total weight of your RV including cargo, people, and fuel. Exceeding your RV tires’ weight limit at a certain air pressure can put a strain on your tires. Additionally, having too much air pressure for a particular load can adversely affect tire wear and ride.
• Number of Axles: Pressure ratings can vary with multiple axles. However, tires on the same axle should have the same tire pressure.
• Temperature: Changes in temperature can cause fluctuations in tire pressure—you can estimate a 1 PSI change for every 10°F difference.
• Altitude: Tire pressure increases with altitude, so it’s important to keep an eye on it after significant altitude changes.
Handling and Performance
Correct tire pressure ensures your RV is responsive, with better grip, cornering, and overall performance, especially in different weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. That’s why keeping your RV tires properly inflated can actually help you save on fuel!
Tire Longevity
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to premature and uneven tread wear, shortening the life of your RV tires. However, the correct tire pressure promotes uniform wear, extending the life of your tires and saving you from early tire replacements.
When looking for the correct tire pressure for your RV tires, you should first consult your manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find these recommendations (the tire and loading information) in your RV’s owner's manual or on a label somewhere on your RV—typically inside the driver’s door.
RV manufacturers are required to determine and certify the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle. This information is typically detailed on the RV certification label, indicating the vehicle’s weight unloaded, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (maximum allowed weight), Gross Axle Weight Rating (axle-specific weight limit), and the recommended tire pressure corresponding to the RV's maximum load, inclusive of cargo.
What Should My RV Tire Pressure Be?: A Basic Rule of Thumb
For RV Trailer Tires and Fifth Wheels: Always set the tire pressure to the value on the manufacturer’s certification label.
For Driveable RV Tires: Start with the certification tire pressure and make changes according to the actual weight of your RV.
Do I have to weigh the RV at each tire position?
Because motorhomes are designed for functionality, rarely is weight distributed evenly, causing one axle to carry much more weight than another axle. Not only do RVs typically come from the manufacturing plant this way, but campers can change the weight distribution in the way they pack their things into the RV. This is why it’s crucial to weigh your RV after it’s loaded at each axle.
Consider visiting a weighing station to get an accurate weight per axle which can then be used to determine the recommended air pressure per axle using the load inflation tables.
Where can I weigh my RV tires?
You can weigh your RV tires at any CAT scale, usually found at truck stops, and get your individual axle weights. Once you have those weights in hand, stop in at one of our convenient Wonderland Tire locations. We’ll help you determine the recommended air pressure for each tire by axle using the load inflation tables provided by the tire manufacturer.
Find a Wonderland Tire location near you!
You should always check your inflation pressure at least once a month while storing your RV, as well as before and after long or short road trips. This will help you identify a possible slow leak that could catch you off guard when out on a long trip. If your tire pressure is below proper levels, inflate your tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Common signs of tire pressure issues:
• Vibration while driving
• Uneven tread wear on your RV tires
• You aren’t getting as far as you used to with the same amount of gas
If you notice any of these signs, you should check your tires and adjust the pressure as needed. However, you’ll want to talk to a professional if any issues continue.
Follow these simple steps to check your RV tire pressure:
1. Wait until your tires are cool—take measurements before driving or at least three hours after driving.
2. Take the valve cap off of the stem (located on your tire).
3. Press the tire pressure gauge evenly against the end of the valve stem and check the pressure on the air pressure gauge.
4. Repeat step three for each tire and take note of their pressures.
NOTE: It’s important to remember that the maximum air pressure listed on the sidewall of a tire is the maximum cold air pressure when the RV is not in use. Tire pressures will increase as the tire heats up during driving and all tires are designed to safely handle this under normal loads and speeds. For consistency, check your pressures when the air inside the tire is at the same temperature as the outside ambient temperature.
We don’t recommend running your tires at max pressure if you can help it. For your safety, it’s essential that you never exceed the maximum load or tire pressure that is stated on the sidewall. Overinflated tires can lead to less control and traction, wear on the center treads, bumpier rides, and blowouts from impact breaks in the tires.
Underinflated and overinflated tires are both considered unsafe tire pressures. However, if in doubt, err on the side of overinflation. It is better to possibly over-inflate your tires than to under-inflate them. Underinflation can lead to tire failure by causing excessive heat in the tire and causing the tire to come apart. Both underinflating your tires and surpassing your tires’ maximum weight capacity can lead to a blowout. That’s why it is so important to follow your manufacturer’s guidelines.
At Wonderland Tire, the safety of you and those around you on the road is our priority. With over 45 years of experience, our team is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to provide the care you and your family deserve. If you have any questions about your RV’s tires or their tire pressure, just give us a call or stop by one of our stores—we’re always happy to help!
Wonderland Tire is a family-owned and operated tire company, with commercial locations serving Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Find a Wonderland Tire location near you!
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