Community Forums

chaps2018 · 03-25-2014, 11:02 AM

I know this is a popular topic, but with all the new campers that are being discussed on the forum, I wanted to reiterate how critical tire maintenance is for our travels. Last fall two of our friends had blowouts on tandem axle campers that resulted in several thousand $$ damage to the camper. I would urge you to consider the following;

1. Maintain your tire pressure (at least to the spec listed on the label located on the front driver’s side of the camper)
a. Check it often especially during seasonal temperature changes
2. Inspect your tires for wear and replace when needed (I had steel belts showing on the inside and just happen to see them when my tires were only 3 yrs old/10k miles)
3. Keep your eyes on the mirror for unusual debris flying from the camper (we had a blowout and I didn’t feel it but saw debris flying in the mirror)
a. If you notice (either visually or feel) the first tire blow on a tandem axle, the second tire will blow very shortly since it would be overloaded…do you carry two spares? I don’t.
4. Understand that the cost of a blowout is not just the tire (cost me $170 recently). The tire cost is insignificant compared to the damage it will do to your trailer (floor damage, plumbing, fenders, etc)
Safe Travels!

Skip426 · 03-25-2014, 12:08 PM

I agree 100%, I'd just have to add, know your tires ages, ( date code ) and do NOT try and stretch them ; " just one more trip " . Murphy will find you.
On my 4 , 5th wheel trailers I never got more than 5 years , use from the tires. The year I tried to get a final trip , I ended up looking for tires 1500 miles from home when 2 of them separated ; probably cost an extra $200, plus 3 days wait for them to arrive.

VTR · 03-25-2014, 02:47 PM

We are talking any lite weight travel trailer on up right? Wish I had double axles.

jesilvas · 03-25-2014, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTR

We are talking any lite weight travel trailer on up right? Wish I had double axles.

A tire is a tire, RV or not. They all can do this.

Skip426 · 03-25-2014, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTR

We are talking any lite weight travel trailer on up right? Wish I had double axles.

Yes, important to know your trailer/truck/MH's weight and keep the tires inflated properly for that weigh, and that the tires WILL, time out; and fail, on a trailer or RV; long before the tread wears off for 99% of owners.