Understanding the basic mechanics of the vehicle you ride is handy. Especially when you are riding a travel trailer, there are many complex features to understand. The tyre pressure is one such factor that influences your riding experience. Unlike other vehicles, travel trailers are quite critical and must have tyres inflated at the right PSI.
In most cases, the RV tires read 50 PSI, however, it may vary slightly from one model to another. You may keep the tires aired to 50 PSI with the right inflation and pressure. But is that enough? You may experience the trailer bouncing and shaking when a heavy vehicle passes by. Or, in some cases, the rough terrain can get better for your vehicle and cause a lot of friction. These are indicators that the travel trailer tire pressure is not accurate.
Unlike classic cars, the travel trailer tires are much more robust and significantly different. Hence, they call for expert handling. Finding the right camper tire pressure not only makes your rides smoother but also enhances the longevity of the vehicle. In this article, you can learn all about the different methods by which you can check the right tire pressure and maintain it efficiently.
What PSI For Travel Trailer Tires?
PSI or Pound per square inch is the unit of tire pressure. You will find the details in the car’s manual in most cases. There is no definitive accurate tire pressure that is universally suitable for all. It varies from one model to another. However, it is recommended to have a maximum of 85PSI and a minimum of 50 PSI for travel trailers. This holds for average travel trailers which are between 1000-1500lbs.
Usually, the exact PSI value is mentioned in the caravan’s or travel trailers manual. This is the ideal number and may vary slightly depending on your travel requirement. Sometimes used travel trailers come with a plate that indicates the correct inflation level too. You can also calculate the pressure of the travel trailer tyres when you have the tire size code and the load index.
Another important factor intricately linked to travel trailer tire pressure is the inflation pressure of the tire. This is usually mentioned on the tire’s sidewall. Do note that the PSI adjustment must be done when the vehicle and the tires are cold. This means that when the vehicle has been in a resting position for several hours, it is the ideal time to deduce the PSI.
Where To Check The Travel Trailer Tire Pressure?
It is important to check the pressure of your trailer tires to prevent them from bursting and causing any accidents. Good handling and maintaining the right trailer tire PSI are the key to keeping your vehicle well-maintained. But how to check the trailer tires?
For beginners and owners who are not adept with the mechanics of the vehicle, it is best to find a gas station or mechanic who can help to check the tire pressure. They are experienced and have the skill to quickly identify whether your vehicle tires have high or low pressure. Not only that, but they can also help to set it right as required.
In case of low pressure, the tires have to be inflated and this is done for free at most gas stations. However, do remember that many gas stations remove the hoses from the inflators at night. To get the idea and accurate measurement, get it checked before departure or at the early opening hours of the station.
In short, the best place to get your trailer tires checked is from a gas station that has experts who understand the mechanism of trailers thoroughly. They will be able to assist you with checking the tire pressure accurately.
Finding The Right PSI:
Often as your trailer ages, keeping track of the documents like the user manual and other papers get difficult. But in case you do not have the documents at hand, how do you find out the trailer tire psi? The Information is crucial so that when you need to replace the tires, it can be done accurately. The PSI of the tire and the trailer should match otherwise, the tires cannot handle the weight of your vehicle. Here are a few methods of finding out the right PSI to solve this problem:
- In case of higher PSI of the new tires, you can get the PSI reduced so that the tire is ideal for the vehicle. Otherwise, you will not be able to enjoy a smooth ride on your trailer anymore. Similarly, if the new tires are rated with a lower PSI than what is recommended for your vehicle, you need to adjust it to a higher level.
- Once the tires are 4-6 years old, they will need replacing. Older tires can cause many troubles like the air blowing out frequently which lead to troubles while riding. Choose a tire that has the same load capacity as the ones being replaced. They will by default have the right PSI meant for your vehicle.
- Consult RV professionals and experts who can help with trailer tire pressure charts and estimate the ideal tire pressure for your model. This way, finding the right PSI gets much easier.
- Irrespective of the tire PSI, avoid overloading the vehicle so that the tires do not get affected. Moreover, overloading the vehicle is potentially risky when you are travelling through difficult terrains.
- Check the tire’s sidewall where the inflation pressure is etched on it. This is the maximum inflation required to drive the trailer at full load. The sidewall of the tire will also hold all information about the maximum load range of the tires.
Why Do My Trailer Tires Keep Blowing Out?
Often the trailer tires keep blowing out even when you have inflated them properly. This can happen for many reasons. The primary reason for this is heat-build up. Often a crack in the tire or a tear results in such problems. The primary reason behind this problem is the improper use of the vehicle. Here are a few common reasons behind the tires blowing out:
- Often the tires have a pipe that has too low pressure which leads to deflation. This is the main reason in 75% of cases.
- Often collisions with a hard or sharp edge led to the air blowing out from the tire. When you are travelling through difficult terrain bricks, sharp stones and other similar objects are common.
- The overloading of the vehicle can also lead to overheating. Hence, ensure you are always loading the trailer within its capacity.
- In case the air pressure is greater than the range specified by the manufacturer, the air can start blowing out.
- High duration of usage and excessive wear lead to the problem.
- Manufacturing defect which is usually rare with high-end models. Usually, the problem gets revealed after travelling the first 1000 miles.
- When the braking system fails and you keep driving despite that, it causes the wheels to overheat which in turn leads to the air blowing out.
Using a trailer tire pressure chart helps to cope with all such trouble. You can anticipate the problems beforehand when you have an estimation of the tire pressure accurately. When the air keeps blowing out from the vehicle, it can lead to an explosion of the axle tire. Almost always, one loses control of the vehicle in such a situation and it is dangerous. Moreover, the profile height of the tire affects the inclination of the vehicle and the pulling force on the side increases.
Top Tips To Maintain Rv Trailer Tire Pressure:
There are several ways to maintain the travel trailer tire psi and avoid the over-inflation of the tire. Here are a few tips to maintain the RV trailer tire pressure consistently:
- Check the manual carefully before setting the RV tire pressure. Never set the RV tire pressure as per someone else’s preference because they used the same settings on their vehicle. Every trailer is unique and the purpose of both trailers varies too. The weight capacity of the vehicleas well as the current load must be considered when you are setting the pressure.
- Get to know the recommended tire pressure and maximum weight capacity from the owner’s manual so that it can be set accordingly.
- There are many quality RV tire pressure monitoring systems that can help to accurately set the pressure. You get a real-time report about the pressure status too.
- Never pull a motorhome with under-inflated tires which can lead to accidents. The air pressure should not be less than the amount needed for the weight placed on the tires.
- Also, check the certification tag to make sure your tire is not inflated less or more than the recommended pressure.
By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure your RV tires are in optimum condition and you can travel freely. Keep your tires in check with monitoring systems so that your trailer can assist you with all your travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the most recommended travel trailer brands?
There are several brands of travel trailers that are popular. Among these brands, Airstream, Grand Design RV, Jayco, Winnebago, and Lance Campers are known for producing the most high-quality travel trailers.
- Do you need special tires for travel tires?
The RV comes in different sizes and shapes so they require different types of tires. These tires are usually larger and designed to take on immense weight. Tyres with rigs that are deep enough and suited for manoeuvring difficult terrain are the most suitable choice for travel tires.
- How many miles can you put on the RV tires?
Usually, a high-quality RV tire can last for at least 8000 miles and up to 12000 miles over 3-4 years. This is quite good for an RV with a significant weight compared to classic automobiles.
- Can I put radial tires on my trailers?
You can use radial tires for the trailer as long as they are designed for the trailer trucks. The tires must have the capacity to tackle the high weight of such vehicles.
- What is the most common trailer tire size?
One must choose the trailer tire size carefully. A common trailer tire size is ST225/75R15 where ST stands for a special trailer. This indicates the tire is specifically designed for trailers. 225 is the width of the tire while 75 is the height of the sidewall. It is represented as a percentage of the tread width.
- Are bigger tires better for towing?
The vehicle towing capacity gets affected by the size of the tire to some extent though it is not the primary factor. The larger tires transmit less torque. The towing capacity is inversely proportional to the tire diameter.
Conclusion:
The travel trailer tire pressure chart is a great way to keep track of your tires’ condition. This can help you with avoiding any on-road mishaps and maintaining the vehicle well. The simple mechanics behind keeping track of the tire pressure is essential knowledge for all campers. The trailer will function smoothly when you are updated with when to refill the tires and check their pressure. Manoeuvring the most difficult terrains with expertise when your vehicle is in top-notch condition.
It is also important to figure out the right tire pressure for your RV specifically. The requirement varies from one model to another and hence the maintenance must be done accordingly. Also, it is best to choose tires that are recommended by your RV manufacturers. This way you can make sure the maintenance of the vehicle is done correctly. Also, problems due to pressure maintenance can be avoided when these factors are kept in mind. The above-mentioned tips and issues discussed in detail will help to keep your travel trailer tires in check. This way you can rest assured that your vehicle will not become a source of trouble when you are travelling.
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