Chassis Information
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EXECUTIVE
7•236
To accurately determine the proper inflation pressure, the motorhome
should be weighed after it has been fully loaded. First, position the front
wheels on the scale and take a weight reading. Divide this reading by 2 to
determine the load carried by each tire/wheel. Next position the rear drive
wheels on the scale and take the weight reading. Divide this reading by 4 to
determine the load carried by each tire/wheel to determine the proper tire
pressure.
Now that you have found what the correct air pressure per axle needs to
be for your RV, you need to know when to check your air pressure. You
should check the air pressure every two weeks or at least once a month, and
before any major trip. Your RV tire air pressure should be checked every
“drive” morning on long trips. On short trips, driving a day or less, your tires
should be checked before you leave on your trip and again before you start
your trip home. If your motorhome is stored for any length of time, air pres-
sure should be checked prior to storage, but more importantly, when it comes
out of storage.
Check your tires when they 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 you must check your tires when
they are warm or hot, do 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.
Never let air out of a hot tire.
To maintain the inflation pressure in your tires you will need the proper
equipment. It is recommended you purchase a quality truck tire air gauge
which has an angle dual head. This type of gauge allows you to check infla-
tion on the inner dual wheel which has the valve stem pointing toward you,
and on the outer wheel which has the valve stem pointing away from you.
Nothing should restrict your ability to check your tire’s air pressure daily
when you are driving your RV. Pressure sealing valve caps should always be
used to prevent air from escaping from the valve stem. If you use valve stem
extension hoses, make sure they are good quality stainless steel braid rein-
forced and are securely anchored to the outer wheel. If your RV has a wheel
cover which must be removed to check the inflation, consider removing them
as the extra time and effort required may lead you to avoid checking your air
pressure.
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. An accurate tire gauge
should be used to check the cold tire pressure. Cold tire pressure can be
defined as a tire that has been dormant for three or more hours, or a tire that
has been driven less than one mile.
Inflation & Weighing
When to Check the
RV’s Tire Pressure
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