Recreational vehicles (RVs) run on tires specific to their class. Discover tips for choosing tires to keep you safely motoring for kilometres to come.
What type of RV do you have?
To get the right tires, first you need to determine what class of vehicle you have by identifying the different features. In fact, there are three major class categories of recreational vehicles.
Class A: The first category includes large, motorized recreational vehicles. Generally, they are the size of a bus and are particularly heavy.
Class B: These recreational vehicles are smaller and more resemble a van. This type of RV is lightweight and economical. The sleeping space is usually a convertible table or couch. They often measure about 17 to 19 feet (approximately five to six metres) long.
Class C: Vehicles in this category are mainly distinguished by their style. It is somewhat comparable to a class A motor home, but differs because it has a distinctive camper bed that extends over the cab.
By identifying which class of RV you have, you can choose the appropriate type of tires to install.
Choosing the right tires
Several factors come into play when choosing the right tire for your RV. The main criteria guiding your choices are:
- The weight bearing capacity of the tires
Indicated in the RV owner's manual, the ideal load range for your tires is critical to safely supporting the vehicle's weight during the trip.
Note: Your vehicle’s manual will recommend a particular tire type. However, be aware it often fails to include the weight of the occupants and their belongings.
- The climate conditions where you travel
When selecting your tires, consider the climate you’re travelling in. Heat wears tires out more quickly, so you’ll need more resistant tires if you drive your RV in the summer or plan to take it someplace hot.
In contrast, you can also buy tires designed for driving in colder winter conditions or on uneven terrain.
It’s a question of security
A recreational vehicle equipped with the wrong type of tires will not only lead to premature wear and tear, but they can cause damage to the vehicle and put its occupants in danger.
Tires that are too small or cannot support the weight of the RV and its contents may overload and fail. If this happens, your RV may become seriously unbalanced, thereby increasing the risk of an accident. Also, too much air pressure can cause a weak spot in the tire to burst.
