Whether it’s your first or hundredth RV adventure, the excitement never fades! While hitting the road is always thrilling, ensuring your RV is road-ready is essential for a smooth journey. One of the most critical components? Your RV tires. How long do RV tires last? When should they be replaced? These questions are crucial to ensure your safety on the road.

In this guide, we’ll answer these and more, providing key insights into RV tire lifespan and how to extend it. Before embarking on your next adventure, make sure your tires are as prepared as you are!

How Long Do RV Tires Last?

RV tire lifespan is not fixed and depends on several factors. Generally, RV tires last between 5 to 7 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, some RV tires can be safely used for up to 10 years. Unlike passenger vehicle tires, RV tires may not show significant tread wear before reaching the end of their lifespan. Time plays a decisive role in tire aging, so relying solely on tread wear to judge a tire's lifespan is not always reliable.

Factors Affecting RV Tire Longevity

Mileage vs. Tire Age: Most RV tires do not wear out significantly in terms of tread before they reach the end of their lifespan. This is because RVs are not usually driven continuously for long periods. For RVs, rubber aging and environmental factors are more significant than tread wear.

Rubber Aging: Rubber can dry out and develop cracks over time, especially if exposed to sunlight or stored for long periods. Such cracks in the sidewall indicate that the tire’s structural integrity may be compromised, increasing the risk of a blowout.

When to Replace Your RV Tires?

Dry Rot: Dry rot occurs when the rubber loses its elasticity and cracks, typically due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or long-term storage. Small cracks on the sidewall indicate that the tire's structural strength has been compromised, posing a blowout risk.

Tread Wear: Although RV tires wear more slowly, they should be replaced if the tread has worn down to the legal minimum depth, generally 2/32 inch or about 1.6 mm.

Sidewall Damage: Visible scratches, cracks, or bulges on the tire sidewall, especially from impacts with curbs or obstacles, suggest that the tire should be replaced.

Bulges or Deformation: Bulges usually indicate internal structural damage, leading to a sudden tire blowout, which is extremely dangerous.

Abnormal Vibration: If you experience unusual vibrations while driving, it could indicate a problem with the tire or suspension system that requires immediate inspection and resolution.

Checking Tire Production Date (DOT Code)

The production date of RV tires is crucial for determining when they need replacement. Each tire sidewall contains a "DOT" code, with the last four digits indicating the production date. For example, the code "1420" means the tire was made in the 14th week of 2020. Tires are generally recommended for replacement within 5 to 7 years, even if the tread and appearance are still good.

DOT Code: Since 2000, all tires have this code, helping owners easily determine the tire’s actual age. Regularly check the DOT code on each tire, as tires replaced at different times may have different production dates.

Maintenance Tips to Extend RV Tire Life

Proper maintenance and care are essential to extending the lifespan of your RV tires. Although you cannot change the natural aging cycle of tires (usually recommended for replacement after 5 years), good maintenance practices can help ensure tires remain safe and reliable throughout their use. Here are some effective maintenance tips:

Keep Tires Clean: Regularly wash tires with mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and road grime. Keeping the tire surface clean helps reduce rubber aging.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Correct tire pressure is crucial for extending tire life. Under-inflation can lead to overheating and uneven wear, while over-inflation reduces the contact area with the road, decreasing traction and increasing the risk of damage. Regularly check tire pressure, especially before long trips, and maintain it at the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure standard.

Prevent UV Damage: Sunlight UV rays are a major cause of tire aging and dry rot. Although tires cannot always be covered, using a high-quality UV protectant can help slow down UV damage.

Use Tire Covers: When the RV is parked for an extended period, use tire covers to protect tires from UV rays, rain, snow, and other environmental factors. A recommended product is the Filluck RV Cover Travel Trailer Waterproof Tear Resistance, which provides excellent waterproofing, tear resistance, and UV protection while featuring six ventilation openings to prevent moisture buildup.

Avoid Contact with Wet Surfaces: Long-term exposure to wet surfaces can cause tires to absorb moisture, accelerating aging. Use mats or wooden blocks under the tires when parking to avoid direct contact with the ground.

Rotate Tires Regularly: Tire rotation ensures even wear, especially for heavy RVs. Most tire manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000-7,000 miles. Even wear helps extend the lifespan of each tire.

Store RV Properly: When not in use for long periods, store the RV in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use tire covers for additional protection and periodically move or rotate tires to prevent pressure buildup and deformation from prolonged static positioning.

Regularly Inspect Tires: Make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly. Look for dry rot cracks, sidewall scratches, abnormal wear, and bulges. Regular inspections help detect issues early and avoid more significant problems.

How Long Do Goodyear RV Tires Last?

Goodyear recommends replacing any RV tires that are over 6 years old, even if they appear to be in good condition. This recommendation applies to all tires installed on the vehicle, including spares, regardless of whether they have been in regular use. The rationale behind this is that over time, tires can be exposed to adverse environmental conditions that increase the risk of aging and damage, even if the tread has not yet reached the legal wear limits.

Additionally, Goodyear advises users to rely on the tire's DOT code to determine its production date if the original usage date is unknown. Based on this production date, you should replace the tire within 6 years to ensure safety and performance.

How Long Do Michelin RV Tires Last?

Michelin suggests that RV tires should be inspected annually by a professional starting 5 years after production, even if there are no visible signs of wear or if the tread has not reached the wear indicators. Michelin recommends that tires not be used for more than 10 years, including spare tires, regardless of their usage.

This precautionary replacement policy helps ensure vehicle safety by mitigating the risks associated with tire aging. Regular inspections and adhering to the 10-year replacement guideline can prevent potential safety issues related to tire deterioration.