Staying safe on your RV adventures means keeping it outfitted with quality rv tires that have sufficient tread for the environments you’ll encounter. However, getting tires for your Springfield area motorhome is not as simple as it is for your car. Use this guide to learn why RV tires are different, the different tire classifications, and the best kind of tires for your rig.
The Difference in RV Tires
Even though the tires on your motorhome may appear similar to those on your passenger vehicle, they are quite different. A common sedan weighs about 3,500 pounds, an SUV between 2,000 and 6,000 pounds, and a 1-ton truck may weigh just shy of 10,000 pounds.
Conversely, a motor home will weigh between 6,000 pounds for small models and as much as 30,000 pounds. When shopping for tires, it’s important to pay attention to not only getting the proper size but also ensuring that it has the proper weight rating for your rig. Getting a tire that’s underrated puts you at risk of catastrophic tire failure while you’re on the adventure with your family.
Motorhome Tire Classification
Motorhomes generally have three different classifications, and there are tires that correspond with each. Class A has a Gross Vehicular Weight Rating, or GVWR, of 15,000 to 30,000 pounds and may be up to 40 feet long. Class B vehicles are usually 6,000 to 8,000 pounds and may be up to 19 feet long. Class C models usually weigh between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds and may be between 20 and 30 feet long. The length is important because it shifts how the weight is distributed on the tires based on the wheel placement.
Searching for Motorhome Tires
You may be able to use an LT tire, or Light Truck tire, for Class B and C rigs. However, for Class A models, you’re more likely to find proper weight ratings on commercial truck tires rather than passenger tires. When searching for a tire, be sure you not only include the tire size you need but also that you’re searching for “commercial truck tire.” General searches without this will likely return tires that aren’t rated for your rig’s weight.
Be careful not to select commercial trailer tires. While these have sufficient weight-bearing capacity, they do not offer the drive control that you need while traveling down the expressway or across country backroads.
Make sure that you’re replacing your rig’s tires with ones that are of at least equal weight rating. When you look at the rating, you may see two numbers like 120/116. This gives you the weight rating for rear single-tire and dual-tire configurations. To get the total weight capacity for the set of tires, you multiply the individual tire rating by the number of tires. If you’re trying to find the tire rating you should purchase, divide your total GVWR rating by total the number of tires. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for recommendations on whether the rear tires need a higher weight rating than the front, but this is rarely the case.
The Best Tires For Your Motorhome
As you consider your tire options, there are some particular model types that are best suited for the RV class. These particular model types are what’s needed to achieve the weight capacity needed for your rig while also offering the best handling.
Class A
All-position commercial tires are the best option for Class A motorhomes. This is the only type of tire that will give you both the weight and speed ratings necessary to keep your rig safe. Further, they are the kind of tire that will give you the steering and control you need to operate it safely in the different types of weather you may encounter on your adventures.
Class B & C
Class B and C motorhomes are built on van and truck chassis. At the high end, these may weigh in at about 12,000 pounds, which means that LT tires may be sufficient for these rigs. You want to look for 10-ply tires, which is the “E” ply rating.
Think about the kind of adventure you’re going to have. If you’re planning to stay off-grid, such as on Bureau of Land Management sites, you may want to consider upgrading to all-terrain or AT tires.
5th Wheel RVs
5th wheel rigs are a little different than motorized RVs because you don’t have to control steering with the tires. That means special trailer or ST tires may work for these trailer rigs. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the proper tire specification for your particular model.
You don’t have to get an appointment at an RV repair shop to get proper replacement tires. Schedule your appointment with MTS Express and we’ll come to your Springfield area home to replace your tires while you continue preparing for your adventure.
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