Check the tire pressure regularly. If a tire is punctured by a nail or screw,
creating a slow leak, it may eventually be spotted if it is a front tire or an
outside rear dual. However, if there is a leak on an inside dual the chances of
noticing it without an air pressure check are very slim.The vehicle is driven
and an inside dual tire has a low air pressure or is flat, very quickly (in most
cases a few miles) the outside rear tire (next to the low air pressure tire) will
heat up from carrying double the load, leading to failure of the outside dual tire.
The motorhome will end up with two flat tires on the same side on the same
axle.
The air pressure should be checked every two weeks or at least once a
month and before any major trip. The RV tire air pressure should be checked
every “drive” morning on both long and short trips (driving a day or less).
The tires should be checked before leaving on a trip and again before you
start your trip home. If the motorhome is stored for any length of time the air
pressure should be checked prior to storage. More importantly, check the tire
pressure when it is pulled out of storage. Check the tire pressure when the
tires are “cold” and have not been driven for more than one mile. The stated
load capacity for a given cold inflation pressure is based on ambient outside
temperature. If the tires are checked when they are warm or hot, allow for a
slight increase in air pressure and make sure they are within a couple of
pounds of each other on the same axle (does not apply to slide-out equipped
motorhomes). Never let air out of a hot tire.
To check or maintain the inflation pressure in the tires, use a quality truck
tire air gauge which has an angle dual head. This type of gauge will enable a
check of the inflation of the inner dual wheel which has the valve stem
pointing outward. The outer wheel has the valve stem pointing inward.
Nothing should restrict the ability to check the tire’s air pressure daily when
traveling in the motorhome. Pressure sealing valve caps should always be
used to prevent air from escaping from the valve stem. If there are valve
stem extension hoses, confirm they are good quality stainless steel braid
reinforced and are securely anchored to the outer wheel.
Optimum tire performance is achieved with proper inflation pressures for
the loads being carried. The air pressure of all tires should be checked and
corrected prior to travel, or daily if in full time use. Tires of different patterns
should not be mixed on the same axle. The difference in tractive force
could cause rear end gear fight and mechanical damage to the drive train.
Tires of different size or construction must never be mixed on the same axle.
Higher than recommended pressure can cause:
• Hard ride.
• Tire bruising or carcass damage.
• Rapid tread wear at center of tire.
WARNING: Improperly inflated tires can affect recreation-
al vehicle handling or may fail suddenly, possibly resulting
in loss of vehicle control. Use an accurate tire pressure
gauge.
Driving & Safety
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DIPLOMAT 2•55
Inspecting &
Pressure
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