Essential Tire Care and Maintenance Tips for Your nuCamp RV

Your RV's tires are one of the most crucial components of your vehicle — they are the foundation of every adventure and ensure your journey is safe and smooth. Proper tire care and maintenance are key to avoiding unnecessary risks and ensuring your tires perform at their best. Let’s take a look at some essential tire care tips and common hazards to watch out for.

Common Tire Hazards

Several issues can affect your RV tires, including:

  • Incorrect tire inflation
  • Overloading
  • Low tread
  • Axle misalignment
  • Mismatched tires
  • Road hazards

These factors can lead to problems such as heat buildup, tire blowouts, or loss of control. Keeping an eye on your tires and regularly performing maintenance will help you avoid these hazards and keep your journey safe.



Tire Pressure: The First Step in Tire Care

Before each road trip, it’s crucial to check your tire pressure with a high-quality gauge. Always measure the pressure when the tires are cold, as this provides the most accurate reading. Correct tire pressure is essential — under or overinflated tires can lead to several issues, including overloading, excess heat buildup, and increased blowout risks.

Your recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is listed on your VIN sticker. Here’s what to do if your tire pressure is off:

  • If your tire pressure is too high: Press the valve stem inward for 5 to 10 seconds to release air until it reaches the proper pressure.
  • If your tire pressure is too low: Inflate the tire for 5 to 10 seconds to bring it up to the recommended level.

If you've been driving and your tires are warm, fill them to the recommended cold tire pressure as a temporary fix, and then check the pressure again once the tires cool down. Remember, tire pressure can decrease by 1 to 3 PSI per month, so it’s important to check it regularly, especially before trips.

Inspecting Your Tires for Safety

Tire inspections should be part of your routine maintenance. Look for signs of damage such as:

  • Cuts, cracks, or bald spots
  • Uneven tread wear
  • Exposed reinforcement cords

Good tire tread helps prevent slipping and sliding in challenging conditions like rain or cold weather. If you notice signs of damage or excessive wear, it’s time for a replacement or inspection by a qualified technician.

Proper Speed for Towing

When towing a trailer, your tire speed limit matters. The maximum recommended speed for safely towing a trailer is 65 mph. Going beyond this speed can increase the chances of trailer sway, which can lead to a loss of control. It can also cause your tires to overheat, increasing the risk of a blowout.


Even if your tires seem to have plenty of tread, they can still be worn out. Having a qualified service technician evaluate the life of your tires periodically is recommended to catch any issues early.

Understanding Tread Wear

Tires wear in different ways depending on factors like inflation and balance. Here’s what you should know:

  • Center wear is often caused by overinflation.
  • Cupping indicates your tires are out of balance.

Regularly check for debris like stones or objects stuck in the tire treads. Remove them to avoid punctures and ensure nothing is compromising the tire’s integrity.

Overloading Your RV: A Tire Hazard

Overloading your RV places unnecessary pressure on your tires, which can shorten their lifespan and potentially lead to blowouts. Ensure that you’re always aware of your RV’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — you can find guidelines for calculating correct loads in your camper manual.

Other Tire Maintenance Tips

  • Ensure your tires have valve caps installed to protect the valve stems from dirt and moisture.
  • Keep a few extra valve caps on hand, just in case one is lost or damaged.

Conclusion

By following these tire care and maintenance tips, you can ensure a safer, smoother journey for both you and your RV. Regular tire checks, proper inflation, and avoiding overloads are simple yet effective ways to maintain your tires and prevent costly repairs or accidents.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tech Department at tech@nucamprv.com. Safe travels and happy camping!