RVs are a fun investment that can be ideal for road trips and exploring the world. Owning an RV can have a slight learning curve for those who’ve only been used to regular-sized vehicles. Understanding tire temperature can go a long way in preventing degradation and blowouts.
On average, RV tires can withstand temperatures of up to 156 degrees Fahrenheit. RV tires are usually 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature when they are being used. Taking this and other factors into consideration can prolong the life of RV tires and prevent risks.
If you are an RV owner and want to know more about how hot the tires can get, read on to find out about the usual temperatures that affect them.
How Hot Do RV Tires Get?
RV tires can take a lot of strain due to the increased weight they bear, which makes them, unlike regular-sized vehicles. Heavy usage and ambient temperature can have an impact on how hot RV tires get. Making sure they don’t overheat is the best way to avoid blowouts.
Depending on how hot the ambient temperature is, RV tires will usually be between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit higher. RV tires are, on average, built to withstand temperatures up to 156 degrees Fahrenheit. This suggests that tire overheating can become an official risk when the ambient temperature is above 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Keep Tires from Overheating
When tires overheat, it can lead to damage or full blowouts. To prevent this risk to safety, you should always make sure to do your best to keep tires from overheating. Here are some tips for how to do this:
- Don’t speed: The best way to keep your tires cool is to drive under 65mph. If you are driving in ambient temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, try to keep it under 55mph. This will keep friction levels down, which will, in turn, keep RV tires cool.
- Use tire covers: It is always a good idea to use tire covers for your RV when it is parked. This will prevent exposure to the elements and premature aging. Keeping RV tires in prime condition is the best way to avoid overheating on the road.
- Be mindful of RV weight: Check your manufacturer instructions when you get your RV. The RV tires are designed to only be able to withstand up to a particular weight. If that is exceeded, they will overheat and most likely be damaged from increased strain.
- Take care with tire pressure: You should always keep your tires well pressurized to avoid blowouts and other risk factors that could cause it. This will also have a beneficial impact on the tire temperature.
Are Trailer Tires Supposed to Get Hot?
Trailer tires will usually reach between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit when in use. If you notice that they are running warm, this is not an immediate cause of concern unless they feel very hot to the touch.
If you notice that your trailer tires are running hot, it may be due to increased friction, a lack of proper alignment, or issues with tire pressurization. Make sure to check the temperature, if possible, and then to see what may be causing it if there are signs of overheating.
How Hot Can Fifth Wheel Tires Get?
Fifth wheel tires can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit while driving on days with pleasant ambient temperatures. Trailer tires will usually remain in the 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit range.
If you notice that they are getting hotter than that, the most likely culprit is a lack of proper tire pressurization. Ambient heat can also affect tires, so it is not recommended to drive in extremely high temperatures.
Does Ambient Heat Affect RV Tire Pressure?
On hot days, the increased tire temperature will cause the air inside them to expand. Manufacturer instructions regarding correct tire pressure are made for cold weather. If you have an RV, expect to have to adapt those figures if you drive in hot temperatures.
You should never pressurize your tires to the figure specified in the instructions when driving in hot ambient weather. Calculate the temperature and keep in mind the correct pressure that should be used in these specific conditions. This will avoid a blowout.
Conclusion
RV tires are usually built to resist a temperature of up to 156 degrees Fahrenheit. This can vary depending on the RV, so you should always check before testing the RV. While in use, RV tires will be, on average, 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit higher than ambient temperature. Knowing this can put you in control of tire health.