A Recreational Vehicle (RV) is a motor vehicle designed with living conditions and features for long-distance travel.
Long-distance travel puts a lot of stress on the tyres. An Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides RV safety tips that can reduce the chances of unexpected tyre issues on the long road.
Distribute load evenly
In order to manage the weight of the vehicle, all tyres should be the same size and the capacity of the load should not exceed the load trailer weight. To maintain the pressure of the tyre it is important to distribute the load in the RV evenly. It is essential to balance the load on the vehicle so that it is distributed evenly on the axles and each tyre. If the load is unevenly distributed, it may cause a tyre to burst.
Inspect tyres
“Before one leaves for the long road, it is important to conduct an inspection of the RV from a specialist, whether the tyre requires inflation, rotation or repairs,” says Lett. This quick errand or detour to your local Branigans Tyres workshop is beneficial to the safety of long-distance travellers. For instance, a tyre blowout can be avoided by simply taking the necessary precautions.
Most of these tyre warning signals are overlooked by drivers during a self-inspection, hence the importance of having an expert, such as a tyre specialist. A tyre specialist will advise on whether RV tyres are safe to travel with or if there are any adjustments, replacements or changes needed to be made.
RV tyres need to be checked for signs of uneven tyre wear, as this could signal an axle problem, and if this is not fixed, “it could lead to overheating in the tyres – just like any other tyre,” says Lett. The use of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can assist in alerting RV drivers of any tyre pressure problems, including the overheated tyres or if there are any signs that the tyre may be overheating.
RV drivers must keep in mind that RV tyres need to be rotated just as is done with any motor vehicle. This will ensure that the tyres wear evenly and also help extend the lifespan of the tyres.
At Branigans Tyres, “tyre rotations are done with ease and precision to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers,” says Lett.
Cover tyres
When tyres are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, the tyres dry out. Tyre specialists advise that RV “drivers should cover their tyres to avoid damage from UV-light,” says Lett. A good investment is getting RV tyre covers that will not only protect tyres from the heat of the sun but also provide protection in cold weather conditions. RV tyre covers will also help prevent premature cracking of the tyres.
Tyre specialists at Branigans Tyres, are available for all RV drivers who are ready to take on their next adventure. Drivers are urged to consult with tyre specialists for advice on how to get the maximum life out of their RV tyres.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs. For guaranteed customer satisfaction when it comes to tyre servicing and vehicle maintenance, customers are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
