The smooth and safe ride you expect from your RV is only possible when you have great tires.
Tires don’t last forever, so you’ll need to find a brand and model of tire that you like and trust. The good news is that the best RV tire brands don’t have to be the most premium or expensive.
Don’t strictly live by the “you get what you pay for” adage when weighing between brands. Instead, look at features like load range, speed rating, tread pattern, and safety.
For insight into the best RV Tire brands, check out our best-of list, which features both affordable and premium/high-end options for you to choose from.
Top RV Tire Brands: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the appropriate tire brand is crucial for the safety and performance of your RV. However, deciding on the best brand can be challenging, given the vast array of options. The answer isn’t black and white. What RV tire brand is best for your rig varies based on user reviews, industry opinions, and, more importantly, your individual needs and preferences.
Premium RV Tire Options
Michelin stands out among premium RV tire brands. Despite a higher price point, Michelin is valued for its diverse and high-quality range, making it a popular choice among RV owners who prioritize quality and durability.
However, despite its strong marketing and brand recognition, Michelin is not the sole contender in the high-end market.
Bridgestone and Continental are two other prestigious motorhome tire brands; these giants of the tire industry produce reliable and long-lasting motorhome tires.
Rounding out the top five, you will also see Cooper and Goodyear tires among the list of best motorhome tires for those seeking premium quality.
- Michelin: Known for its diverse and high-quality range, offering durability and performance.
- Bridgestone: One of its flagship products, the Duravis M700 HD, is recognized for all-season performance and a quiet, comfortable ride.
- Goodyear: The Unisteel G670 RV tire has excellent highway stability and low rolling resistance, making it a popular choice for large RV motorhomes.
- Cooper: The Discoverer HT3 is known to hold up in wet conditions and with prolonged highway use.
- Continental: Not specifically mentioned in the sources, but historically recognized alongside these brands for high-quality RV tires.
Budget-Friendly RV Tire Choices
Premium tire brands charge a high price for their products. Luckily, a few other companies are known for the affordability of their product. Remember, it’s possible to find an RV tire brand that is both budget-friendly and safety-forward,
One such brand is Toyo. This less expensive Japanese brand is often praised by RV owners for its performance and value, making it a popular choice among those looking to balance cost and performance.
Other brands like Hankook, Westlake, and Carlise have also received positive reviews from RV owners. These brands offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
- Toyo: Known for being one of the best budget RV tires, offers great performance and value, giving you complete confidence in a quality product.
- Hankook: Receives positive reviews for their cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on quality. These won’t have the longevity of Michelin tires, but the price point is right.
- Westlake: The SL309 Traction Radial Tire offers affordable and decent all-season performance for RV owners on a budget.
- Carlisle: Now known as “Carlstar,” this brand’s Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire is noted for its durability, stability, and all-weather performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious RV owners.
- Maxxis: The M8008 ST Radial tires are appreciated for their heat resistance, high-speed capability, and extended tread life, providing value for money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing RV Tires
The selection of RV tires extends beyond just brand names and budgets. There are a variety of factors to consider, including:
- The type of tire (all-season, summer, winter, all-terrain, trailer tires), each designed for specific driving conditions and terrain types
- Load range: which determines the weight capacity of the tire
- Speed rating: which indicates the maximum speed the tire can handle
- Tread patterns: which affect traction and handling
When shopping, keep these tips in your back pocket:
- Remember that an RV tire’s load range should meet or exceed your RV’s loaded weight requirements.
- Tread patterns and designs significantly influence performance, as specific designs enhance traction in wet conditions and improve overall handling.
OEM Tires vs. Aftermarket Tires
When shopping for new tires, you’ll likely come across terms like “OEM” (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and “aftermarket.”
OEM tires are those designed by the vehicle manufacturer with the intention of optimizing performance in the following categories:
- Ride noise
- Handling
- Longevity
- Fuel efficiency
Aftermarket tires offer customization options such as enhanced traction or comfort, allowing RV owners to prioritize tire performance attributes that OEM tires may overlook. While OEM tires are tailored to the vehicle type, aftermarket tires can be tailored to your specific travel preferences and performance priorities.
Though OEM tires are tailored for the vehicle, they are susceptible to durability challenges and may be discontinued after the vehicle stops production. If this takes place, you’ll need to purchase a full set of new tires to maintain consistent performance. It’s not considered best practice to mix OEM and aftermarket tires.
| Feature | OEM Tires | Aftermarket Tires |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive |
| Performance | Vehicle-specific optimization | Wide variety; performance-focused |
| Cost | Generally higher | More varied, often lower |
| Availability | May decrease over time | Broadly available |
| Compatibility | Guaranteed for specific models | Requires selection for fit |
| Innovation | Standard | Potentially more cutting-edge |
How to Determine the Right Tire Size for Your RV
Finding the right tire size comes down to understanding the tire code.
The type of RV tire is indicated by a letter at the beginning of the tire code. For example:
- ‘P’ stands for passenger
- ‘LT’ for light truck
- ‘ST’ for special trailer, commonly known as st tires
- ‘T’ for temporary tires
- no letter for metric-sized tires.
The first three-digit number in the tire code represents the tire width in millimeters measured from sidewall to sidewall.
After the slash, you’ll find the tire’s aspect ratio, a two-digit number that indicates the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. A higher number means a taller sidewall.
The construction of the tire is indicated by a letter (‘R’ for radial, ‘B’ for bias, ‘D’ for diagonal) followed by a two-digit number signifying the wheel’s diameter in inches. Deciphering these codes will help you select the appropriate tire size for your RV, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
If you want to replace your tires, check the owner’s manual to ensure you choose the proper replacement.
Where to Buy the Best RV Tires
After determining the type, brand, and size of your RV tires, you’ll need to determine where to purchase the best tire. You can purchase from a local brick-and-mortar shop or online. The choice is up to you!
Buying RV tires online offers benefits such as:
- Convenience
- Competitive prices
- A wider selection
Local tire shops are another great option. They often provide special deals, coupons, and promotions in addition to mounting and balancing services.
Authorized dealers, such as Camping World SuperCenters, not only sell reputable brands like Goodyear RV tires but also attest to their reliability and quality with satisfaction guarantees.
If you prefer online shopping, sites like motorhometires.com can ship your purchases to over 4000 installers nationwide, including local shops and mobile service providers.
Summary
A crucial part of extending your RV tire lifespan is proper storage. When not using your RV, it needs to be stored properly. Unfortunately, most RVs do not fit in a standard garage. Find an enclosed place where the tires can be raised using wheel blocks. You can look for a 10’x30’ or 10’x40’ storage unit or commercial-size garage. Neighbor —a peer-to-peer storage marketplace— provides safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage spaces for your RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Tires for an RV?
Consider Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental when looking for the best tires for your RV. These brands offer quality and performance, with a range of options to suit different RV types and travel preferences.
How Many Years Should RV Tires Last?
RV tires should last about five to seven years. However, the use and the maintenance will play into the longevity of an RV tire.
What Companies Make RV Tires?
Companies like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, and Hankook manufacture RV tires. There are both premium and budget-friendly RV tires on the market.
How Can I Extend the Life of My RV Tires?
To extend the life of your RV tires, maintain proper inflation levels, perform regular inspections for damage or wear, use tire covers to protect against UV damage, and ensure your RV is not overloaded. In addition, choose the proper place to store your RV where tires won’t be subject to damage—preferably an indoor storage space.
