When it comes to car tyres, most of us simply slip on the cheapest, safest tyres we can find and hit the road, but choosing tyres for an RV can be a little more complex. Even the smallest RV is a bulky, heavy vehicle that can become a dangerous liability without the proper set of tyres fitted, and whether you're having tyres fitted to a new RV or replacing aging tyres on a well-used and well-loved RV, you'll need to ensure the tyres you fit are up to the task.
Different types of tyres can help or hinder your RV driving experience, depending on the type of RV you drive and style in which you drive it. To help steer you in the right direction when picking out new tyres, ask yourself the following questions before you buy:
Should I choose ST tyres, LT tyres, or a combination of the two?
Tyres used on RVs can be sorted into two categories: ST (special trailer) tyres, and LT (light truck) tyres. These tyres differ in the way they are constructed; ST tyres are braced with rigid cords and stuff, thick sidewalls, while LT tyres are less rigid (although still significantly more robust than the average car tyre).
Many RV drivers fit their RVs out with LT tyres on all wheels, and this tends to give a smoother, more comfortable ride and improve handling. However, LT tyres are less durable and can be more vulnerable to excessive wear and dangerous blowouts. ST tyres are tougher and are generally best suited to larger, heavier RVs; however, their stiff sidewalls mean they cannot be used safely on steering axles.
As such, the best solution in many cases is to fit your RV with LT tyres on the forward steering axle and ST tyres on the rearward drive axle(s). This combination gives you an excellent compromise between safety, maneuverability and durability, and is suitable for almost all types of road and terrain.
Should I choose high-pressure or low-pressure tyres?
Different types of RV tyres also have differing optimal pressure ratings. Tyres designed to run at high pressures tend to be more durable and provide sharper handling, but will also make for a less comfortable ride. Lower-pressure tyres give better traction due to more of the tyre's surface area touching the surface of the road, but are also more vulnerable to tread wear.
Deciding between high and low-pressure tyres will depend largely on the nature of the RV journeys you intend to take. Long-distance drives down smooth highways tend to suit high-pressure tyres, while low-pressure tyres are better for journeys that will take you offroad or through rainy or snowy climates. Be aware that the heavier your RV is, the higher its tyre pressure will need to be to run safely, so owners of larger RVs may be limited to choosing high-pressure tyres by default.
Should I choose radial or bias tyres?
Most RVs are fitted with radial tyres,, which are fitted with braces that run perpendicular to the wheel's centre line. These tyres are durable, long-lasting and provide excellent grip, and are generally the most suitable type of tyre for long-distance journeys. You may be tempted to purchase bias tyres due to their significantly lower cost, but while these tyres are generally adequate for shorter, infrequent journeys, their reduced longevity usually makes radial tyres a far better investment for RV owners intending to take longer journeys.
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