Is There a Maximum RV Tire Temperature?
Dave SolbergDescription
We recently received a question from a member in regard to their RV’s tires. They asked whether there was a maximum RV tire temperature that their tires should not exceed when in operation on the road. In this free lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg answers the member’s question, and gives a few helpful tips on maintaining RV tires so that they remain in proper working order and achieve their maximal lifespan.
Although there is no maximum RV tire temperature as provided by most tire manufacturers, Dave does advise that you be wary of any drastic fluctuations in tire temperature as you’re heading down the road. The majority of modern motorhomes, fifth wheels and tow trailers have monitors that warn the driver when temperature is approaching or at 156 degrees. If you notice that the temperature of one or multiple or your tires has steeply risen, this is a clear sign that something has gone wrong and your cue that you should address the issue before a more serious issue arises. Possible malfunctions include dropping pressure and locking brakes.
Keeping an Eye on Your RV Tires
To ensure you get the most out of your RV tires, which should last no less than 10 years, Dave recommends paying close attention to the statistics you can find on the sidewall of every tire, be it single or dual. All info, including maximum weight capacity and the standard PSI of 80, is listed here.
If you keep an eye on your RV tire temperature and be sure to occasionally inspect the wear pattern and condition of your tires, you should remain in the clear. Remember, as Dave says it’s far more important that you’re aware of any dramatic fluctuations in temperature than worrying about peak temperature itself. For more helpful insight on RV tires, check out some of our other handy, expert-taught tire maintenance videos!
A question came in from one of our members, Is there a maximum tire temperature, that the tire manufacturer places on it? Now tire manufacturers will put all the information pertinent to a tire stamped on the side of the tire. For example, we have the size and radiant. Here we have the maximum weight for single or dual at 80 pounds per square inch and that's at maximum weight on the coach. Now, I have never seen where any manufacturers put a limitation on the temperature of that. There are some of your tire pressure monitors that will have a warning when it gets up above 156 degrees, I have seen that. It's more important to check the temperature of the tire to see if you see any fluctuation in that temperature. If I'm going down the road and all of a sudden I'm running at 90 to 100 degrees and it shoots up into a 120 to 130, well then I know something happened. Its not so much a temperature limit but I know either the brakes have started the lock up, I'm getting more temperature in there especially in the hub rim area in here. If I see the tire temperature start to rise then dramatically I may have an actual lower pressure so the tire is heating up. So, I don't... I have never seen any limitation on the temperature just knowing what's happening inside the tire as temperature is changing is important.
For the last 5 years I have carried a laser thermometer in my console …Every time I stop I grab it and hit each tire and hub. Looking for heat.. With time and use I trust it more than a tire gauge. It will tell you when a bearing is getting hot before any smoke. It only takes a minute to walk around the whole rig to include the truck. Get in the habit and you will learn much more about your rig and potential problems before they get really expensive. All the big box stores have them for about $20. Don't leave home without it.
10 year is an interesting comment when everything I have read says to replace tires (regardless of miles) after 7 years for heavy duty and 5 years for auto or light vehicles!