Should RV Tires Be Rotated?

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Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Should RV Tires Be Rotated?

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the tires, it is essential to understand the need for rotation, the benefits it offers, and the potential risks if it is overlooked. This discussion aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the necessity of rotating RV tires.

• Tire rotation is crucial for extending tire life.
• Evenly distributing wear ensures optimal performance.
• Front tires wear faster due to steering and braking.
• Rotation reduces risks like poor traction and blowouts.
• The recommended frequency is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
• Rotate tires if uneven wear is noticed.
• Some RV tires can’t be rotated due to differences.
• Professional handling ensures correct and safe rotation.

Whether or not to rotate RV tires has been asked for decades. The answer is straightforward, but first, you need to understand the benefits and disadvantages of each side of the argument.

Should RV tires be rotated? Yes, RV tires should be rotated. The Rubber Manufacturers Association recommends that all drivers rotate their RV tires every 6-8 thousand miles for optimal performance!

Benefits of rotating your RV tires:

Your tire tread will wear evenly.

You’ll have more traction in wet weather conditions.

You can extend the life span on all four wheels.

Disadvantages:

It costs money to be done professionally.

How often should you Rotate Trailer Tires?

Many people will tell you that the tires on your trailer should be rotated every three months. This is not always necessary, depending on how often you use your trailer.

Tires in service for less than a year can be rotated as little as once per year or less frequently if stored indoors over the winter season. An annual rotation would likely suffice if you have been rotating them annually.

We recommend rotating your travel trailer tires every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

What happens if Tires aren’t Rotated?

If your tires are not rotated, they will wear out unevenly. That means the outside of each tire may have more or less tread than the inside of that exact tire.

This could lead to poor handling on rainy days or when turning sharply; an even bigger problem is what happens if a tire blows out while driving at highway speeds.

This can be dangerous, and you’ll want to avoid it by rotating your tires as your manual recommends.

Also, uneven wear means your tires must be replaced sooner, costing as much as $500 per tire.

This is less than ideal, so spending a small amount of money on rotating your tires is right.

Can Rotating Tires mess up Alignment?

When it comes to tire rotation, there are many schools of thought. Some believe tires should be rotated whenever air-filled, and others say never.

Both theories have some truth because rotating tires can change the alignment when done incorrectly or if an RV has had significant suspension problems; however, most RVs will not suffer from these issues, so you don’t have to worry about them too much.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, then it’s worth paying a professional to do it for you to avoid any of these issues.

Why do Trailer Tires Wear out so Fast?

Travel trailer tires wear out so quickly because of the trailer’s constant movement over time. The tires are always turning, so they are not relieved, causing increased wear and tear on the tread area.

There’s another reason this happens: when you have uneven tire pressure in one or more tires (under-inflated), it forces your trailer to turn harder than expected, increasing wear and tear as well.

Since most travel trailers sit stationary during winter, they’re perfect candidates for rotation before heading out next summer.

An additional benefit would be that rotating your tires could extend their life by up to 50%.

Do you need to Rebalance Tires after Rotating?

It would be best if you had the tires balanced after rotating them. We recommend that you have the tires balanced at least once a year and ideally every time they are replaced.

Can I Rotate My Tires?

You can rotate your tires, but it takes time and effort. You’ll need to jack up the RV at its four corners to get under it with your tire-changing equipment.

You will also have to use two jacks if this is a large vehicle like an RV because there won’t be enough room on one side for both the wheel that needs rotating and the other three wheels (the ones not being moved).

If in doubt, get it done professionally.

How much does it Cost to get Tires Rotated?

Expect to pay about $130 for tire rotations.

The cost of the work will depend on your tires and where you go to get them rotated, but it’s a service that should be done every six months or so as part of routine maintenance.

You can do this at home with access to jack stands, metric wrenches, and an air-powered impact wrench. Replacing a tire is just one step in this process.

If your car needs more than new tires—and most cars these days do because they’re wearing out faster thanks to modern materials like steel belts instead of natural rubber—you may need another visit from the mechanic before you head back onto public roads again.

Before jacking up each wheel, loosen the lug nuts with a wrench. Then, use your air-powered impact wrench to remove each one from its respective wheel hub.

The first step in getting tires rotated is removing and installing new ones.

There’s no need for additional tools beyond what should be found inside your car or truck’s toolkit; have it handy to tighten down the lugs when they’re reinstalled later.

Once all four tires are removed, install them back onto their appropriate chassis slots following this order: front left (L), rear right (R), front right (F), and rear left (B).

What Does an Unbalanced Tire Feel Like?

An unbalanced tire may cause vibration or shake when you drive.

An unbalanced tire can also lead to uneven wear and tear on your tires, making them more likely to fail prematurely.

Frequently Ask Questions

Why is tire rotation less common in RVs compared to standard vehicles?

RVs often have different tire sizes on the front and rear axles or may be equipped with dual wheels on the rear axle, making rotation less straightforward or necessary than in passenger cars. RVs are typically used less frequently, so tire wear patterns may develop differently.

Can rotating tires on an RV affect its handling and stability?

Yes, improperly rotating tires or rotating tires that have developed significant wear patterns can affect the handling and stability of an RV, especially at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Is there a specific pattern for rotating tires on an RV with dual rear wheels?

For RVs with dual rear wheels, the rotation pattern might involve switching the inner and outer rear tires with each other while also considering any front-to-rear rotations depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and tire wear patterns.

Should tire rotation be considered more frequently for RVs in full-time living situations?

Full-time RV living can lead to more constant and potentially uneven tire wear due to continuous use and varying load conditions, making regular inspections and potentially more frequent rotations necessary.

Are there any special considerations for rotating tires on an all-wheel-drive (AWD) RV?

AWD RVs require careful consideration when rotating tires to ensure that all tires have similar tread depth to avoid putting undue strain on the drivetrain. This might mean more frequent rotations or replacing tires in sets.

Should the spare tire be included in the rotation pattern for an RV?

Including the spare tire in the rotation can extend its life and ensure it’s in good condition when needed. However, this depends on whether the spare is the same size and type as the other tires and if it’s easily accessible.

Summary

Tire rotation is a critical maintenance task that significantly extends the lifespan of your tires by ensuring wear is evenly distributed across all tires.

This ensures optimal performance and significantly reduces the risk of tire-related issues such as poor traction and blowouts. The front tires, which are subject to more wear due to steering and braking, particularly benefit from rotation.

Rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or as soon as uneven wear is noticed is advised. However, it’s important to note that not all RV tires are suitable for rotation due to tire design or specifications variances.

Therefore, it is always advisable to perform this task by professionals who can ensure correct and safe rotation.

So, if one asks, “Should RV Tires Be Rotated?” the response should undoubtedly be yes, but with the caveat of professional handling for safety and effectiveness.

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