RV Tire Pressure Calculating

RV tires are an integral part of your recreational vehicle and require special consideration when setting the pressure. Not only will it affect the comfort level of your ride, but it is also essential to ensure that you have a safe and efficient journey.

The proper tire pressure for RV tires can be determined by following a few simple guidelines. If you know how much weight your RV has, then calculating the correct amount of air to inflate each tire is relatively straightforward. In this article, we explain why tire pressure is so important for RVs and give step-by-step instructions on how to calculate the perfect pressure levels for your vehicle.

Why Tire Pressure Matters for RVs?

Tire pressure affects the performance and safety of your RV in a number of ways. Firstly, the proper amount of air pressure will ensure that your tires wear evenly, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Additionally, having the right tire pressure ensures that you have adequate grip on wet roads or other slick surfaces. This can be critical when driving an RV because it is much larger and heavier than a traditional car. Moreover, properly inflated tires provide superior stability and improved steering control, which can help to prevent accidents from occurring.

Finally, having the correct tire pressure levels helps to improve fuel efficiency. When tires are underinflated (or overinflated), it increases the amount of friction between them and the road surface, resulting in your RV using more fuel to overcome this resistance.

Calculating Tire Pressure for Your RV

Knowing the weight rating of your tires and the number of them on your trailer can help determine what maximum load you should put on when it comes time to haul. 

To figure out this max amount, simply multiply these two numbers – as demonstrated by an example with a tire rated at 2500 pounds supporting 2 wheels for 5000 total. 

Once you know how much weight is going into or onto the trailer, go to any truck scale or scrap yard to weigh it – for example 3000 pounds our the vehicle’s weight

From there all that’s needed is to divide that trailer capacity by its respective wheel/tire set-up rate (of 70psi/2500lbs).

3000/5000=0.6

Then timesed accordingly through 60% pressure power gives us exactly where we need to be before hauling away.

70psi x 0.6 = 42 psi

RV tire pressure chart

If you don’t want to do the math, then I have tables below with all the numbers Michelin provides:

Conclusion

It is essential to ensure that your RV tires are properly inflated at all times in order to optimize performance, safety and fuel efficiency. Calculating the correct air pressure for your RV tires is relatively simple as long as you know the load rating of your vehicle. Remember to always err on the side of caution and use a slightly higher tire pressure than what is recommended by the manufacturer if necessary. Following these steps will ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey every time!

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Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.

2 Comments
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  1. You could have used a more realistic example, most RV come to pressures in the 50 to 80 psi range.

    Then the lineair calculation is not that bad, but the officiall calculation comes to a bit lower pressure.

    Then you forget that always a reserve has to be build in, for things like
    Pressure loss in time.
    Unequall load R/L or between the axles, inacuracy of weight and pressure reading.

    In thevRV world often weighing per axle-end is done, fully loaded with also all the persons ( and animal) in it.

    Greatings from a ” pigheaded Dutch selfdeclared Tirepressure specialist”

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