RVing is a fantastic experience, letting you see and experience the beauty of our country. But few things will ruin an RV trip more quickly than a flat tire when you’re halfway to your destination. No worries — you’re all set up with a spare in good condition, right?
Here’s how to make sure your spare tire is ready when it’s called into service.
Should an RV Have a Spare Tire?
Unfortunately, not every RV comes with a spare tire. This is something to double-check when you’re buying, especially when you’re getting a used RV. Even more so if you’re buying from a private seller.
We highly recommend getting a full-size spare tire — not just a “donut” like some cars include.
Many RVs will get you far off the beaten path. You need to be confident your spare tire can get you out of the wilderness, back to civilization, and to a tire shop. Considering the weight some of these RV tires handle, full-size is the way to go.
A quick note for larger RV owners, particularly large Class A motorhomes:
With a vehicle as large as some of the Diesel Pushers on the road, the reality is you’re probably not going to be able to change your tire on your own. The real benefit of keeping a spare camper tire in this case: the tire shop you find may not have the correct size tire you need. Having a spare will get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Learn how to change a tire on a travel trailer and what equipment you’ll need to do it.
Tips For Keeping Your Spare Camper Tire in Good Condition
Avoid neglecting your spare RV tire by following these simple care tips. Doing so will ensure you have a reliable replacement tire to get back on the road and find the nearest tire shop so your adventure doesn’t get completely sidetracked.
Inspect Your RV’s Spare Tire Regularly
Your RV’s tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles. Every time you get a tire rotation, make a point to inspect your spare.
Here are a couple things to take a look at:
- Check the tire pressure. If your spare is easy to access, it’s a good idea to check this whenever you check the pressure on your tires in use.
- Check for any cracking or dry rot.
- Check the birth date of all your tires. Most RV tires age out before they wear out. 7-10 years is the maximum useful life of most tires, regardless of usage.
Now that you’re confident you’ve got a good spare on hand. Here are a couple more things to do so you’re ready when you inevitably get a flat tire.
Pack the Tools You Need to Change a Spare Camper Tire
If you’ve got an RV where you can change the tire, make sure you have all the tools you need to make that happen.
This might include:
- Wheel chocks (you’ve got a set of these already, right?)
- An appropriate jack for your size RV
- An extendable lug wrench or cordless impact driver with the right size attachments to remove the lug nuts
- Mechanics or leather gloves, so you don’t tear up your hands
- Flares or road reflectors for safety on the side of the road
- An old towel or blanket, so you don’t need to get down in the mud
Read our full list of must-have RV tools and maintenance supplies.
Enroll in a Roadside Service Plan
This is the best way to ensure your trip can continue if you have a flat.
As mentioned before, changing a tire on a larger rig can be a tricky, or even dangerous, proposition. The absolute best-case scenario in a flat tire situation is that you have the correct spare on hand and a roadside service provider with the network and experience to handle the tire change on-site.
Keep Your RV’s Spare Tire Covered
Your travels will often take you off developed roads and onto dirt roads, and sometimes no actual “roads” at all. So, it’s important to keep your spare tire covered and protected from all that dirt and grime with a spare tire cover.
When it’s time to store your RV for the winter, or even if you’re going to take a couple months between trips, cover all your tires, including the spare. This will help protect your tires from sun and snow damage over time and keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
Our Favorite RV Trailer Spare Tire Covers
Keep it simple, or display your personality and creativity with your tire cover selection. The choice is yours, but here are a few of our favorites:
Let Freedom Ring Spare Tire Cover
- Sizes: 27″ and 29″
- Material: UV-Resistant Marine-Grade Vinyl
- Closure: Elastic Hem
Home is Where You Park It Spare Tire Cover
- Size: 27″
- Material: UV-Resistant Marine-Grade Vinyl
- Closure: Elastic Hem
Paw Print Spare Tire Cover
- Sizes: 27″ and 29″
- Material: Heavy-duty Vinyl
- Closure: Elastic Hem
Happy Camper Spare Tire Cover
- Sizes: 27″ and 29″
- Material: UV-Resistant Marine-Grade Vinyl
- Closure: Elastic Hem
A spare tire is only useful if it’s in good shape and you have the tools or help to use it. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to quickly get back on the road after a flat tire.
