Safety Advice for Travel Trailer Tires
The most essential key to travel is travel trailer tires. Without them, RVs won’t move. While travel trailer tires are often taken for granted, it’s important to give them a little time and inspection every time you decide to take a trip in your travel trailer. A quick once-over can prevent harmful and costly accidents.
Many RVs end up in storage units or garages during the winter months. Treads that were worn at the end of last season may have been forgotten about, so it’s important to give your travel trailer tires a quick inspection before leaving on a trip. A couple of signs of wear are smooth edges, bulges or fabric breaks. If any of these are visible, strongly consider getting new travel trailer tires right away.
The quickest way to find yourself with a flat travel trailer tire is by running over sharp objects like nails and glass. Sometimes these objects can be imbedded in a tire and not cause a leak initially, but driving and different parking positions can cause a flat before you know it. Taking the time to put a plug in the tire will save potential hazards down the road.
Like a cheap wine, travel trailer tires don’t age well. Six years is the limit for tires. While travel trailer tires may look fine from the outside, there may be problems within the tire that aren’t as easy to spot. Every tire has the date of manufacture on it. It’s listed after the letters DOT, showing the week then year of production.
Travel trailer tires can get worn out whether they are on the road every day or not. In fact, tires that are used less tend to wear more. Tires were designed for usage, so long periods of storage can cause cracking from dryness. If you aren’t confident checking your own tires, take them to your local garage and have a professional look them over.
The level of inflation on a travel trailer tire can affect wearing, alignment and more. Using a simple air pressure gage, take a reading at least once a month, or before each trip. If the trip is a long-distance trip, check the reading when you enter a new sate. Check your owner’s manual to find the right inflation level for your tires.
If a flat travel trailer tire happens while you’re driving, stay off the brakes. Braking can send you into a tailspin. Use the accelerator, by pushing down briefly, then releasing until you feel control come back. If you able to, get your vehicle to a safe place before calling for help.
Travel trailer tires will take care of you, if you take care of them. A little inspection goes a long way in regards to your well-being on the road. Take the time to check your travel trailer tires regularly and they will take you wherever you want to go.
*basic info provided by RVSafety.com
Contributed by Jim Tolar. For RV Sales, or more information on the RVing lifestyle, visit Beaudry RV, recognized leader in the RV industry.
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