Best Places To Buy Camper Tires

When it comes to buying camper tires, there are several options available. Online retailers such as RVTires.com offer a convenient way to purchase tires by allowing customers to select tires based on vehicle type or size, and even offer free shipping and installation at local dealers. For those who prefer in-person shopping, stores like Walmart, Camping World SuperCenters, and Discount Tire also sell camper tires, although availability may vary by location. It is worth noting that some shops may have limitations on accommodating larger vehicles, so it is advisable to check with the manager beforehand. Additionally, commercial tire dealers are recommended for motorhomes as they can handle medium-duty trucks and have the necessary equipment for installation.

Buying camper tires online

When it comes to buying camper tires online, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to consider the type of tire that best suits your needs. Camper tires can feature radial or bias ply constructions, each offering different advantages in terms of handling, fuel consumption, and durability. Radial tires, for example, tend to be easier to handle and offer lower fuel consumption, while bias ply structures provide enhanced durability.

Another important factor is ensuring the tires can handle the weight and load of your camper. Camper tires are designed to handle heavy loads, but it's crucial to match the tire's specifications to your camper's requirements. This includes considering the maximum PSI, ply rating, and weight limit of the tires. Overpacking or exceeding the weight limit of your camper tires can be dangerous and impact their longevity.

When purchasing camper tires online, you have a few options. Some websites, like RVTires.com, offer an easy-to-use tire selector. You can either find tires by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model or by specifying the tire size, including width, sidewall ratio, and wheel diameter. They also offer installation services, with the option of selecting a local tire dealer or having a mobile installation at your preferred location. Additionally, they provide a one-year road hazard warranty with every tire purchase and free shipping.

Amazon is another option for buying camper tires online. They offer a wide range of motorhome and RV tires, with detailed product pages and customer reviews. Free shipping may be available for certain products or through Amazon Prime. It's important to carefully read the product descriptions and reviews to ensure the tires match your specific needs and vehicle requirements.

While Camping World offers Goodyear RV tires, they cannot be purchased online and must be bought in-store at one of their SuperCenters. However, they do provide free shipping on orders over a certain amount for members, and they offer a 30-day or 1,000-mile guarantee on their tires, allowing returns or exchanges if you're not satisfied.

Walmart is another option for purchasing camper tires online, with a selection of motorhome and RV tires available. They provide product ratings and reviews, and some tires may be available for installation or shipping.

When buying camper tires online, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your camper, including its weight and intended usage. Additionally, taking advantage of online tools, customer reviews, and guarantees offered by different retailers can help ensure you make the right choice.

Choosing the right tire size

Understand the Importance of Camper-Specific Tires:

Camper tires are specifically designed to handle heavy loads and diverse terrains that regular vehicle tires cannot. They have thicker sidewalls and stronger construction than standard car tires to support the weight of your fully loaded camper. This ensures better stability, safety, and durability during long trips.

Consider Your Camper’s Load Capacity:

Understanding the weight of your camper is critical when selecting tires. Every camper has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which indicates the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo, passengers, and the trailer itself. Ensure the tires you choose are rated to support this load. Check the load range, typically indicated by a letter (e.g., Load Range C, D, or E), with higher letters indicating greater load capacity.

Match Tire Size with Camper Requirements:

Tire size significantly impacts your camper's safety and efficiency. Tires come in various sizes, specified by their width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. It is essential to match the size of your new tires to the original specifications provided by the camper manufacturer. You can usually find this information on the sidewall of your existing tires or in the owner's manual. Deviating from the specified size can affect handling, stability, and ground clearance.

Select the Right Tire Type Based on Terrain:

The type of terrain you'll be driving on is a crucial consideration. Different tire treads are designed for specific conditions. If you primarily drive on paved roads or highways, highway terrain (HT) tires offer a smooth and quiet ride. For gravel paths, dirt roads, or off-road terrains, consider all-terrain (AT) tires with more aggressive tread patterns for better grip. For extreme conditions like snow or mud, mud-terrain (MT) tires provide deeper treads and wider grooves for maximum traction.

Opt for Durable, High-Quality Tires:

Durability is key when choosing camper tires, especially for long trips or rough roads. High-quality tires tend to have stronger sidewalls and longer tread life, ensuring they can handle the stresses of towing a camper. Look for reputable brands known for reliability and performance, such as Goodyear, Michelin, or Bridgestone, which offer camper-specific tires with warranties.

Maintain Proper Tire Inflation:

Proper tire inflation is vital for tire longevity and performance. Under-inflated tires cause uneven wear, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase the risk of tire failure. Over-inflated tires can lead to a harsher ride and a greater risk of blowouts. Regularly check your tire pressure and maintain the manufacturer's recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). Consider investing in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to stay on top of tire pressure changes.

Tire brands and their pros and cons

When it comes to buying camper tires, there are a variety of brands to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here is an overview of some popular tire brands and their advantages and disadvantages:

Goodyear

Goodyear is a well-known tire brand that offers a range of options for RV and camper tires. One of their popular products is the Goodyear Unisteel G614 RV Tire, which is designed to handle demanding operations and provide a smooth ride. These tires have a combination of shallow tread patterns and improved rib stability, which helps control the temperature. They also offer good traction in wet weather conditions. However, Goodyear tires can be on the heavier side and may come with a high acquisition cost. Additionally, some users have complained about receiving old stocks.

Another option from Goodyear is the Wrangler Silent Armor RV Tire, which is designed for a quiet ride and improved fuel efficiency. This tire offers superb traction and is suitable for towing/hauling applications. It also comes with a rim protector to prevent curb damage. The Wrangler Silent Armor is affordable and comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. However, it may not perform as well in snowy conditions and has limited size options.

Michelin

Michelin is another reputable brand known for its high-quality automotive tires. The Michelin XPS RIB RV Tire is a durable option, featuring rugged tread and tough steel casing. It is available in multiple sizes and includes a tread wear indicator. This tire also improves fuel economy due to its low rolling resistance. Additionally, the XPS RIB is designed to allow retreading, reducing waste and expenses. However, it is not suitable for use in snow or icy conditions.

Boto Tyres

Boto Tyres offers the BT926 RV Tire, which is designed for both short and long-haul operations. This tire produces negligible noise thanks to its quiet tread and is suitable for high-speed highway driving. It effectively manages heat build-up, prolonging its lifespan. The BT926 excels in wet conditions and offers good mileage. It is also versatile and can be mounted on drive wheels or steering wheels. However, some users have reported receiving old stocks.

Bridgestone

The Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD RV Tire is a good choice for those who frequently drive on off-road or all-terrain conditions. It has a thick tread that provides excellent traction in various weather conditions, including light snow. The tire is available in multiple sizes and offers protection against punctures and bruises. However, it is not suitable for heavy snow conditions.

Dunlop

The Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 RV Tire is an all-season tire suitable for year-round travel. It provides persistent traction and stable performance in different weather conditions. The tire has low rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency, and features a tread wear indicator. The Grandtrek AT20 offers a smooth ride and handles elements and curves well. However, occasional tire blowouts have been reported, and it may not perform as well in curve driving.

Carlisle

Carlisle offers the Radial Trail HD RV Trailer Tire, which is compatible with a wide range of recreational vehicles. This tire provides a quiet operation and wears evenly over time. It has a well-designed tread pattern that manages heat at high speeds and includes weather protection. The Radial Trail HD also improves fuel efficiency due to its low rolling resistance. However, it does not come with a wheel, and some users have found the installation process difficult.

Freestar

Freestar's M-108 RV Trailer Tire is a budget-friendly option that offers good value for money. It features deep grooves for effective water repelling and optimal traction in wet conditions. The M-108 includes an innovative cooling layout and is resistant to UV rays, prolonging its lifespan. It is adaptable and can be installed with spacers. However, the quality control of this tire has been questioned by some users.

Trailer King

The Trailer King ST RV Trailer Tire is a straightforward and reliable option, providing a smooth ride in various weather conditions. It has an improved shoulder design that dissipates heat efficiently and enhances the tire's lifespan. This tire offers good stability and tight grips for sharp turns. It comes in multiple sizes and includes a nationwide warranty. However, it may develop bulges on the sidewall and wear out faster when subjected to heavy loads.

Kenda

Kenda offers a range of trailer tires, including the Karrier S-Trail, Loadstar, and ST205/75R15 Load Range C Radial 14-inch Trailer Tire. These tires are known for their durability, reliability, and performance. Kenda tires have a high load capacity and are designed to fit different trailer sizes. They are also affordable and easy to install.

Other Brands

In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are other tire manufacturers that offer camper tires, such as Hi-Run, Rainier, Americus, Power King, and Hercules. These brands may provide specialized tires for specific camper or RV models, and it is worth considering their options as well.

Commercial vs. passenger vehicle tires

When it comes to choosing tires for your camper, it's important to understand the differences between commercial and passenger vehicle tires. Here's a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Size and Width

Commercial tires are typically larger and wider than passenger vehicle tires. This is because they are designed to support heavier loads and withstand the demands of commercial applications. Passenger car tires, on the other hand, are designed for lighter vehicles and focus more on providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Steel Belts

Passenger car tires usually have two steel belts, while commercial truck and bus tires have four. The additional steel belts in commercial tires make them more robust and durable, enabling them to handle heavier loads and rough road conditions.

Tread Depth

Commercial tires often have deeper treads, with a minimum of 20/32nds of tread. This is because they need to provide traction and grip for heavier vehicles. Passenger car tires typically have shallower treads, as they are designed for lighter vehicles and everyday driving conditions.

Regroovable and Re-treadable

Commercial tires are often marked as "REGROOVABLE," which means that when the tread wears down, deeper grooves can be carved into the remaining tread rubber to extend the life of the tire. Additionally, commercial tires can be re-treaded, where a new layer of tread is sewn onto the tire, allowing for continued use. Passenger car tires typically do not have these options and are usually replaced once the tread wears out.

Inner-liner

The inner-liner of a commercial tire is thicker and has a higher halobutyl content compared to passenger car tires. This is to prevent pressurized oxygen from the inner chamber of the tire from permeating into the body of the tire, which could cause degradation of the tire components.

Service Life Recommendations

Manufacturers usually provide service life recommendations for passenger car tires, suggesting that they be replaced after a certain number of years, even if they haven't been used frequently. Commercial tires, on the other hand, are built to last longer and may be used for an unlimited number of years as long as they have sufficient tread and are not damaged.

Sidewall Construction

Commercial tires often have steel-reinforced sidewalls to handle the stress of heavy loads and frequent cornering. Light truck tires, designed for personal use, feature more flexible polyester and nylon sidewalls to provide a smoother ride and improved handling.

Fuel Efficiency

Commercial tires are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, as fuel costs are a significant expense for businesses operating large commercial fleets. The construction and tread design of commercial tires aim to reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel economy. Light truck tires also consider fuel efficiency but focus more on balancing fuel economy and performance for personal use vehicles.

Noise and Comfort

Commercial tires, with their ribbed tread patterns, may generate moderate road noise. Their primary focus is on durability and load-carrying capacity. Light truck tires, on the other hand, prioritize a quiet and comfortable driving experience, with varied tread patterns that minimize road noise and vibrations.

In conclusion, when choosing tires for your camper, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and its intended use. Commercial tires offer high load capacity, durability, and stability, while light truck or passenger vehicle tires provide a balance between performance and comfort for personal or light-duty applications.

Tire installation services

When it comes to tire installation services for your camper, there are several options available to you. Many companies offer installation services at your home, workplace, or campground. Here are some detailed options for you:

RVTires.com

RVTires.com offers a convenient way to buy tires for your RV or camper online. They provide a simple tire selector tool where you can search by vehicle or tire size. Once you've chosen your tires, you can select a local tire dealer for installation or opt for mobile installation at your preferred location. They offer guaranteed installation prices nationwide, and you can also purchase valve stems and wheels at great prices. Their website also provides valuable information on tire safety and warranty information.

GCR Tires

GCR offers a full range of RV, motorhome, and camper tire maintenance services. They provide complimentary tire inspections to check every wheel position and help you make informed maintenance decisions. If your steering wheel vibrates or your vehicle shakes and sways while driving, GCR can balance your tires and wheels to improve performance and fuel efficiency. They also offer alignment services, adjusting the angles of your tires to ensure proper contact with the road and prevent expensive suspension repairs.

Amazon.com

Amazon offers tire installation services through selected service centers or at your home or workplace. You can get your tires shipped to a service center or opt for convenient installation at your preferred location. Amazon also provides a wide range of automotive products and services, making it a one-stop shop for all your vehicle needs.

Tires-easy Truck

Tires-easy Truck offers a selection of tires for Class A, B, and C motorhomes and RVs. While they don't directly provide installation services, they allow you to enter your zip code to find local installers near you. This ensures that you can purchase your tires and easily locate a nearby service provider for installation.

Remember to research the specific services and availability in your area to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions