RV Tire Safety & Proper Inflation
This page is dedicated to providing the correct information about RV tire safety and proper inflation. This page will be updated with more information as questions are asked and be updated with any information that is incomplete or inaccurate.
TPMS Systems
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitor System. It’s a device that sits in the cab of your truck of motorhome that shows you the current PSI and temperature of each tire. These devices are critical because they can detect and alert you of a leak prior to a blow saving you from an accident or costly repair to your RV.
When we first started, we bought a cheap $100 TMPS system and it routinely didn’t connect to all four tires. We actually got a blow out on one of the tires it was not monitoring. Yet, this system didn’t have the ability to monitor the temperature so it likely would not have caught it anyway.
After having three different TPMS systems, the one we like the most is TST Cap System. It is easy to program after watching TechnoRV’s programming video that is emailed to all their customers after purchasing.
D & E Rated Trailer Tires
As mentioned in the videos, ST (Specialty Tires AKA Trailer Tires) have come a long way in the last few years. When it comes to D and E rated tires, the Goodyear Endurance Tire seems to be the most reliable and most trusted by the RV community.
There are several things I like about the Goodyear Endurance Tire.
- It’s available at Discount Tire for $127.00 depending on your wheel size.
- Its speed rating is 87 mph which is great when towing with a diesel truck.
- ST tires provide additional sidewall stiffness preventing the tires from bending on sharp turns.
- ST rubber compound doesn’t break down as fast making it ideal for storing an RV
*Neither Discount Tire or Goodyear are sponsors of KYD.
G-Rated Tires
Goodyear sure charges A LOT for their G-rated tire. When we were running G-rated tires, we went with the Sailun 637. It’s less money and offers a full steel belt making it incredibly sturdy.
It’s important to mention that the China-made OEM G-rated tires have had little to no known issues on the RV related Facebook groups and as a result, I didn’t change my G-rated tires on our Toy Hauler.
I suggest you read the material list that is molded on the sidewall of ALL tires. Most LR-D and LR-E tires will say something like “Sidewall 1 ply (layer) Polyester – Tread 1 ply Polyester plus 2 ply steel plus 1 ply Nylon”
Many LR-G tires ae “All-Steel” So their material list will say something like “Sidewall 1 ply Steel – Tread 3 ply steel plus 1 ply Nylon”
Also the country where the tires were made is molded on the tire sidewall “Made in Vietnam” or Made in Mexico”
I am a retired tire design engineer w/40 years experience
You can learn more by reading my blog http://www.RVTireSafety.Net
I am looking to replace the tires on my truck soon (F150) and was wondering if you had any thoughts on going up on rating there as well?
If u r towing use a quality tire on the truck and trailer heat is tremendous and blow outs r not fun
I saw a video you did that had the Tire Minder 77 you recommended. I can’t find where you talk about it now. Can you please post the link here? We just purchased our first RV. Reflection 312BHTS. We’re now living the dream. Yippee!
Curious if you tried Ford’s TPMS trailer sensor kit that integrates with the existing on-board monitoring.
Will these work in a school bus?
Looking forward to using TPMS. Is a repeater needed for TST 507 TPMS for small truck (2020 Ford Ranger) and 23ft travel trailer?
I am planning on installing the “Tst 507 Series 6 Flow Thru Sensor Tpms System with Color Display” on my 38′ motor home. Two questions? One, is this a good tire monitoring system, AND Two, should I place the sensor on my tow vehicle?
The most advantages, such as increased performance, longevity, and durability, are highlighted by the best RV tires. Investing in high-quality RV and travel trailer tires will help guarantee the occupants’ safety while driving.
I’m in Las Vegas and just got a used 2018 Fr3 I’m wondering is using nitrogen in the tires would be a good move to keep them at a more consistent pressure with less fluctuation due to the temps. .
Where can I find the appropriate tire pressures for both my truck and trailer?