Correct tire inflation is a key component in tire care. The recommended maximum inflation pressures for your tires are indicated on the certification label or in your owner's manual. Since RVs can be loaded with many different configurations, the load on each tire will vary. For this reason, actual air pressure required should be determined based on the load on each individual tire. Inflation pressure should be adjusted to handle the tire carrying the heaviest load, and all tires on the axle should be adjusted to this standard.
Each manufacturer provides load and inflation tables specific to their products to help you determine the correct tire inflation pressure for your vehicle's loading.
Underinflation brings a higher risk of susceptibility to damage due to road hazards, reduces casing durability, and causes a loss in fuel economy, plus uneven or irregular tire wear. Severe or prolonged underinflation brings about an increased risk of tread separation.
IMPORTANT: It's a common practice for RV owners to lower tire pressure in their search for a smoother ride. This is not only dangerous, it's relatively ineffective, as the difference in ride quality is not significant. When minimum inflation pressure requirements are not met, tire durability and optimum operating conditions are compromised. Tire inflation pressure should always meet at least the minimum guidelines for vehicle weight.
MORE IMPORTANT INFLATION PRESSURE GUIDELINES
Check your tires' air pressures at least once a month, before each trip and each morning you drive during a trip. Tire pressure should be checked cold, or before you have driven that day, as tire pressure ratings have been designed with typical running heat/pressure build-up in mind. Remember to check the air pressures of the inside tires in dual fitments and make sure the valves and caps are free of dirt and moisture.
- It may be necessary to inflate your tires at a truck stop or truck service center in order to acheive adequate air pressure for your coach's needs
- Only permanent air seal metal valve caps should be used
- Be safe - if a tire has been run 20% underinflated, it must be dismounted and inspected by a trained professional. It should not be aired up without a full inspection or without using a safety cage. Use a calibrated gauge. If your tire is rated for higher inflation pressures, a special gauge will be required designed for larger tires.
- Maintain mated duals at equal inflation pressures
- Don't bleed air from warm tires to reduce pressure buildup
- Don't inflate tires to cold PSI rating beyond rim specifications
- Don't run one dual at low inflation pressure or flat
GUIDELINES TO HANDLE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR UNEVEN VEHICLE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
If you determine that the loading of your vehicle's tires are uneven, use the following guidelines to ensure proper inflation pressure:
- Select a tire with load carrying capacity designed to handle the maximum load point
- For each axle determine the correct inflation pressure needed for that size tire to handle the maximum load
- Inflate all tires on that axle to this same inflation pressure
Related Load & Inflation Links: Tire Loading | Load/Inflation Table
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