Proper RV Tire Pressure: Finding the Right PSI

Just because your RV’s tires say they can handle a certain PSI doesn’t mean the listed PSI is the ideal one for your vehicle. Proper tire inflation requires weighing your vehicle with the load you’ll be carrying, and filling to match that number. In this free video lesson, RV maintenance expert Dave Solberg teaches you how to find the correct RV tire pressure for your motorhome, coach, fifth wheel, or whatever else you drive.

We see RV owners make this mistake all the time, and for understandable reasons. Drivers are constantly told that the number on their tire’s sidewall is what you need to look for, but what they’re not often told is that that number is the maximum RV tire pressure at the maximum weight capacity. Unless you’ll be hauling max weight, you don’t need max pressure!

What happens when you fill your tires too much?

Overinflating your tires can lead, of course, to the unexpected and dreaded pop while working your way down the highway. But it can also cause lower fuel efficiency as well as poor braking and handling abilities due to incomplete tread contact with the road. To prevent all of these things, Dave recommends taking your RV to your nearest CAT scale to get an exact measurement, incorporating all weight that you’ll be carrying on your next trip. Just put your RV on the scale and see your precise readout!

Once you have that number, you can refer to your tire manufacturer’s conversion chart to find the ideal RV tire pressure for your model, no matter if you use a single or dual system. It’s that easy! Be sure to do your homework and spend about $10 to get the weight and inflation right, and you’ll enjoy a smoother ride with better fuel efficiency, reduced risk of accidents, and a longer tire lifespan. Ride safe out there!

3 Responses to “Proper RV Tire Pressure: Finding the Right PSI”

1. Gregg Corbitt July 25th, 2020

   We have a Monaco monarch.

   Should the motorhome have all the tanks full(gas, fresh water, black water, grey water tanks full when you do the weights of the axles?

   Reply

   • Customer Service July 25th, 2020

     Hello Gregg!

     That’s a great question!

     The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

     Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

     1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C23062
     2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
     3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
     4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
     5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
     6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.

     If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.

     We greatly appreciate your business!

     Sincerely,

     Jessica
     RV Repair Club Video Membership

     Reply

2. Dave July 20th, 2020

   This applies to trucks & cars also. You don’t put the pressure that is on that doorpost. That is the recommended pressure that should be in the tire, not the ideal for your load.

   Reply