How to Read and Choose RV Trailer Tires

When it comes to RV's, tires are the most crucialyour trailer (dual tire configurations will count as 1
element to the whole RV system. The tires you puttire). Another way to think about this is to count the
on your RV must be correctly chosen and configuredaxles rather than the tires. 1 axle will divide the total
properly so that the weight of your RV is sustained.weight by 2 and 2 axles will divide the total weight
The following 5 steps will go through how to readby 4. For example, you have a 4 tire 2 axle
your tires so that you can choose the best ones forconfiguration for your trailer. Your total weight of the
your RV:RV is 8000lbs. 8000/4 = 2000. 2000lbs is the load
1. ST Tire Coderange you require for each tire.
RV tow-able trailers have special tires designated for4. Consulting Tire Load Charts
them. They are called Special Trailer (ST) tires and willLook up a tire load chart to see which size tire and
have an ST on the tirecode which is located on theinflation pressure you will require. You can find one at
sidewall, near a series of other numbers. ST tires arethe Goodyear RV website.
constructed with RV trailers in mind. The sidewalls are5. Tire Dates
much more rigid than regular tires and they are greatNow that you know which tire to choose, head to
for your trailer when cornering and backing up.the tire store and select the right tires for your RV
Always look for the ST code for your RV.trailer. When looking at the tires, you are choosing
2. Load Rangetires that have been manufactured a few months
Fully load your RV trailer and weigh it. If you cannotago, so that you are choosing the best and newest
fully load your RV unit and weigh it, use the Grosstires available. To do this, look at the 4 digit number
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer, foundthat follows the DOT code letters i.e. "DOT PDHH
on the weight specifications sticker. It is important toMLOR 3403". The first 2 numbers of the date code
fully load your vehicle, the maximum weight that itrepresent the week that it was made. The last two
will be travelling at when you take it out. This will helpnumbers represent the year. So in our example, the
us determine the weight capacity that each tire musttire was made on the 34th week of 2003. Always
handle, which will help us pick the right one.pick the newest tires available.
3. Determining Load RangeThese are the steps for choosing and reading RV
With simple maths we can figure out the load rangetrailer tires. You can find more information about RV
for each tire. Take the total weight of your trailertrailer tires below.
and divide by the number of tires that will support