However , RVs that are stored for long periods leave their tyres holding heavy loads . This applies pressure and straining to sidewalls and tread surfaces , especially the areas in contact with the ground surface .
FINDING THE SPECS
A newer RV should come with a tyre placard or handbook detailing the recommended tyre types and pressures . You ’ ll want to regularly check your RV ’ s tyre pressures as well since you can ’ t see or feel the effects of under-inflated tyres quite as easily as you can with the tow vehicle , particularly if you ’ re fairly new to towing . Remember to check the spare wheels as well .
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS
These devices provide the driver with real-time tyre pressures and their heat rates . Simply put , the system works by sending a signal from the tyre to a monitor / display inside the vehicle .
Whether it ’ s a tyre with a fast leak or a slow leak , both can be detected by setting alarm values to alert the driver . Being armed with this information means you can observe the changes and take corrective measures . They ’ re great insurance and well worth the money spent .
Every vanner ’ s nightmare .
SIDEWALL MARKINGS
It may come as a surprise , but you can ’ t assume when buying a new RV that the tyres are all the same age . Tyres are manufactured in large supply runs and may have been stored for long periods before being used .
Provided they have been stored in suitable conditions ( temperature , humidity and sunlight ), then they ’ ll be okay . As you ’ ll never be able to confirm how a tyre has been stored , at the very least you can look to see the age of the tyre on its sidewall .
Taking an average sized tyre used within the industry , the information found on its sidewall may read something like “ A / T LT 235 / 75R15 104R ”. What does all this mean ? Most tyres will have a great deal more information marked on them , but let ’ s focus on these key markings …
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