RV Zone is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

How Long Do RV Tires Last? 3 Ways to Know When to Replace Them

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

how long do rv tires last

It is safe to say that any vehicle owner does not like to experience a tire blowout, especially an RV owner. The air can disappear in the tire because of different reasons, including age and a nail left on the road. So how long do RV tires last?

In general, an RV tire should last about 6 years before it needs replacing. However, you should replace your tire at least once every 5 to 8 years regardless of its condition. That way, you maintain peace of mind while you are on the road.

But how will you know if it is the right time to replace the tire on your travel trailer? Keep reading to find out the right moments that will alert you when you need new tires for your motorhome, so you can enjoy more of your RV camping trips without worry.

Table of Contents

How Long Do Trailer Tires Last?

how-long-do-trailer-tires-last

RV tire replacement should happen at least once every 5 to 8 years. In many cases, tires on motorhomes would not function properly after the 6-year mark.

Still, a motorhome tire life expectancy can last longer than 6 years, particularly when it is properly taken care of, like exercising proper storage. On the other hand, certain tires will only last four years on average, especially low-quality models.

If you want to increase tire life, check out the instructional video below:

How to Know When to Replace RV Tires?

rv-tire-replacement

To ensure optimal safety when you are on a trip, this section will talk about some tips to determine the right time to replace your RV tires. Here, you are going to learn about specific conditions that signal when to replace RV tires, aside from looking at the age.

Wear and Tear

One factor that will determine if tires will last a reasonably long time is their usage. If you go camping frequently with your motorhome or travel trailer, consider expecting the life of your vehicle’s tires to be shorter than average.

The tires on a car or RV have treads that eventually become worn. The more you use your vehicle, the faster these treads wear out.

As a general rule of thumb, you can use the penny test to check if your RV’s tires are worn. If the tread depth does not reach Lincoln’s head on the penny while you are holding the coin upside down, it is time to replace your RV tires.

Additionally, you can also check out this short video to help you check the wear condition of your RV tire.

How Do I Know It’s Time to Replace My Tires?

Frequently Low Tire Pressure

Nails, rocks, and other sharp objects can blow or puncture a tire, which can lead to blowouts or low tire pressure. Significant heat can also become a problem as the bad weather can increase the risk of melting the tire’s rubber sidewall.

Oftentimes, you only need to send the tire to a repair shop to have it fixed. Some establishments can even reestablish proper inflation on the damaged tire.

However, in some cases, the pressure on your tires reduces quickly even after proper repairs. If so, it is time to replace the tires. Having your tires replaced ensures that your RV maintains balance while you hit the road.

Plus, tires that lose a significant amount of pressure frequently will invite many on-the-road safety risks. Driving with a low-pressure tire could increase the risks of accidents and safety hazards.

Damaged Valve Stem

The valve stem of travel trailer tires is a fairly small, protruding tube generally made of metal and rubber. It has a spring-loaded mechanism to help stop air from leaking out of the tire.

An RV tire with a damaged valve stem will not be properly inflated. You can drive for many miles, and your tire will lose pressure quickly.

It can be quite difficult to repair a damaged valve stem. Therefore, if this component is the main source of the issue, it might be best to replace the tire instead.

Also, consider replacing the tire with an identical model. That way, you can make sure you are still using the same important parts.

Conclusion

Now that you are at the end of this guide, you should now have a better idea of how long do RV tires last.

In summary, many rig tires last about 6 years before they need replacing. Certain cases dictate that the lifespan of these tires can shorten or lengthen, depending on different factors.

Make sure to check the following to gain a rough estimate of the date to replace your motorhome or travel trailer’s tires:

  • Signs of wear and tear
  • Tire pressure
  • Valve stem
5/5 - (2 votes)