RV tires carry a heavier load range — often E, F, or G — because a loaded coach weighs far more per tire than a truck does, and the wrong rating risks sidewall failure at highway speed. Milwaukee Tire Shop checks the date code on every RV tire, rated 4.6 stars across 60 Google reviews.
A motorhome loaded for a trip — full water and waste tanks, a generator, gear packed into every bay — weighs a lot more than the same coach sitting empty on a dealer lot, and the tires have to be rated for the loaded weight, not the sticker weight. That's the first thing worth checking before a big trip: whether the load range on the tire actually matches what the coach carries full.
The second thing is age. An RV that only comes out a few times a year can have plenty of tread and several years of sun and weather sitting on the same tires at once — and on a coach this heavy, an old tire that finally gives out doesn't do it quietly.
What load range does an RV actually need?
Load range is a letter — commonly E, F, or G on a motorhome — that tells you how much weight the tire is built to carry at a given pressure. A coach loaded with water, propane, and everything packed for a trip can weigh considerably more than its curb weight, so the load range needs to match the loaded number, not the empty one.
Why do the dual rear wheels on a Class A need extra attention?
If the inner tire on one side of a dual setup wears or loses air faster than the outer, that axle starts carrying weight unevenly without anyone noticing until it shows up as uneven wear or a tire failure. Class A coaches with dual rear wheels are the ones this matters most for, since the mismatch is hard to see without checking both tires directly.
What should I check before pulling an RV out of storage?
A motorhome that's been parked for a season needs a walk-around before it goes anywhere, and the tires are the first place to look — sun and cold do more damage sitting still than a summer of driving does.
- Sidewall cracking or a chalky look from UV exposure during storage
- Flat spots from sitting in one position for months
- A date code older than the coach's last few trips
- Uneven wear between the inner and outer tire on a dual setup
How often should RV tires be replaced if we don't drive much?
Age matters more than mileage here — a tire that's been sitting through several seasons of sun and cold can need replacing even with plenty of tread left. Check the sidewall for cracking and the date code before assuming low mileage means the tires are fine.
What's the difference between RV tires and truck tires?
RV tires carry a load range built for a loaded coach's weight, which is usually higher than what a pickup truck carries. Running the wrong load range on a motorhome can mean the tire is underrated for the actual weight it's carrying full.
Do both tires on a dual rear wheel setup need to match?
Yes — mismatched tread depth or air pressure between the inner and outer tire on the same axle makes that axle carry weight unevenly. It's worth checking both, not just the one that's easiest to see.