Winter is a tough season for RVs and, especially, for the tires that keep them rolling. Tire maintenance preparations for the colder months go beyond just a good old-fashioned tire-kick. You need to examine and consider factors such as air pressure, temperature, chemical damage, storage options, sunlight exposure, and tire condition. All of these play crucial roles in keeping your tires safe and ready to hit the road when the snow melts. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your RV tires during the winter.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

One of the most crucial aspects of winter tire care is maintaining correct air pressure.

• Check Tire Pressure Before Storing: Make sure to check your tire pressure before you store your trailer for the season. Keep in mind that tire pressure readings on a hot tire (on a hot day or after being on the road) will be inaccurate due to the expansion from heat, so always check the tire pressure in the morning or at least 4 hours after use.
• Don’t Bleed Air from a Hot Tire: If your tire pressure seems high after driving, resist the urge to “bleed” air from the tire, as it will cause underinflation once the tires cool down again.
• Avoid Underinflation: When tires are underinflated, they tend to flex more, which can lead to cracking, increased wear, and a weakened sidewall. This is especially risky in winter when temperatures drop, causing air pressure in tires to decrease naturally.

Checking tire pressure and inflating to the correct level is critical, as RV tires are built to carry heavy loads. Correct inflation before storage is essential to avoid flexing, cracking, and stress on the sidewalls, which could lead to tire failure during off-season.

Understanding Tire Science

One of the most important facts about RV tires is that they often “weather out” before they wear out. Unlike car tires, which may wear down due to frequent use, trailer tires often face a different issue called “weather checking.” This phenomenon occurs when tires crack and degrade due to exposure to various environmental factors, even if they haven’t been driven for thousands of miles.

• Built-in Anti-Aging Chemicals: RV tires are constructed with anti-aging chemicals to help prevent weather checking. These chemicals keep the rubber flexible and durable and are most effective when the tires are actively in use. As the rubber flexes, it brings these chemicals to the surface, helping to protect the tire against cracking.
• Age Reduces Chemical Effectiveness: Over time, the amount of anti-aging chemicals in the tire naturally decreases, meaning older tires are more susceptible to weathering. This is one of the reasons RV owners should pay attention to the age of their tires, not just the tread depth.

To counter these effects, winter tire care becomes critical. This involves more than just a visual inspection; it’s about understanding how environmental exposure impacts your RV tires and how you can shield them from these elements.

What Degrades RV Tires During Storage?

Here are some things in your control that you can do to extend the life of your RV tires when off the road.

• Use Mild Soap: Wash your tires regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, salt, gasoline, and other contaminants that might eat away at the rubber. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can react with the rubber compounds and cause premature cracking.
• Block Direct Sunlight: Whenever possible, shield your tires from prolonged sun exposure. UV rays from sunlight can quickly dry out rubber and cause cracking. Consider investing in tire covers to keep your RV tires protected when parked.
• Take Weight Off Tires: While not necessary, placing your RV on stands or stabilizers to relieve the tires from continuous weight can eliminate some stress. Tires are designed to carry weight of this load 24/7, but offloading weight can help if you’re are worried of tire degradation on your RV tires for an extended period of time from underinflation or ground contaminants.
• Place the RV on Solid Ground: Tires tend to sink into the soft ground which can lead to moisture buildup, uneven wear, and other significant damage if this weight is not properly distributed. Consider parking your RV on a solid surface to ensure it stays in place when not in use. * Don’t forget to keep it away from your homes furnace exhaust vents to avoid fumes filling your RV over the winter.
• Avoid Prolonged Contact with Oil or Solvents: Tires that sit on certain asphalt can absorb oils or chemicals found in the material itself, which can degrade rubber and accelerate the breakdown of anti-aging compounds. Place a plastic or wood barrier between your tires and the ground to prevent oil or solvent exposure.

Another effective and convenient solution is the use of leveling kits that can be quickly set up and packed away at the campsite during RV season and at home for longer term storage needs.

Inspect for Damage and Check Tread Depth

Lastly, the physical condition of your tires is important to inspect before you cover them up for the season so you can plan ahead for next year.

• Inspect for Visible Damage: Look over each tire for cracks, bulges, or embedded debris that could compromise the integrity of the tire. Even small stones lodged in the treads can damage the rubber over time, especially if left for months.
• Check Tread Depth: Worn-out tires with shallow tread depth have reduced grip on the road, making them more prone to accidents, especially in poor weather conditions. Furthermore, tires with minimal tread depth are more prone to blowouts and sudden failures. A good rule of thumb is to replace any tire with tread that’s below 2/32 inches.
• Replace Old Tires: Even if tread depth is adequate, experts recommend keeping a close eye on tires over 7 years old. Any tire that’s 10 years or older should be replaced, regardless of its condition, as it’s likely lost most of its anti-aging protection.

Here is an infographic to help you better understand the current condition of your trailer tires. Remember that all tires don’t wear evenly, so test the most worn part of each tire for the most accurate results.

Final Thoughts

For more great information on trailer tire maintenance tips and keeping them in great condition both on and off the road, check out this seminar from Leroy Burkhart of Bast Tirecraft Waterloo or give us a call!