Judging RV Tires by Tread Instead of Age
Answers: My RV tires look new — do they still need to be replaced? · Updated
On a rig that moves twice a year, tires almost never wear out. They age out, in the sun, while looking perfectly fine.
Quick answer
Read the DOT date code on the sidewall and follow the tire manufacturer's age guidance. Inspect for sidewall cracking, keep tires covered, and check cold pressure monthly against the RV placard.
What people commonly do
Assuming tires with deep tread are safe, and only checking pressure before a trip.
Why it can be a problem
UV, ozone, and heat degrade rubber from the inside out. Aged tires fail suddenly at highway speed, and an RV blowout commonly damages the underbelly, wiring, and sidewall along with the tire.
What to do instead
- Find the four-digit week/year code at the end of the DOT number and note it.
- Follow the tire maker's stated service-life recommendation.
- Cover tires against direct sun year-round.
- Check cold pressure monthly at the RV placard value.
- Inspect sidewalls for fine cracking, bulges, and flat spots.
What weather checking looks like
Fine spiderweb cracks in the sidewall or between tread blocks. Shallow surface checking is common; cracks deep enough to see into are a replacement signal.
Before your first trip out
- Cold pressure at placard value.
- Torque lug nuts to spec.
- Inspect for flat spots after a long sit.
- Take the first few miles slowly and re-check for heat.
Frequently asked questions
Are tire covers really worth it?
For a parked RV in Texas, they are one of the cheapest ways to extend tire life.
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Living here: monthly RV living · rates · full-hookup sites · RV park near Temple, TX