Trailer tires are not made for motorhomes. Both of these are manufactured differently according to their specific models. Motorhomes usually require tires of larger size, groovy tread, and better traction to achieve stability during driving.
Can You Put Trailer Tires on a Motorhome? You should not put a trailer tire on a motorhome because of different sidewall construction, poor steering response, less load rating, poor handling, heat buildup, rubber material quality, size difference, less durability, braking system response, chances of blowout, and different tread design.
Using trailer tires for motorhomes leads to safety concerns or voids the warranty of several components because of the increased risk of damage. It poses safety issues because of the increased braking distance, poor steering and braking response, and reduced stability and handling.
However, you can put LT (Light truck) tires in them because they can hold heavy loads and increase ride comfort while maintaining stability.
Differences in sidewall construction
Motorhome tires have different side wall construction because of the heavy construction. It is thick and made up of stiff rubber to hold heavy loads.
It can handle higher loads while maintaining stability during driving. You cannot feel the issue while moving at sharp turning points and curbsides.
However, trailer tires are comparatively smaller and do not have thick sidewall construction. It is made up of lighter and more flexible material, which affects motorhome stability and handling.
The weight of different components causes the bending of the sidewall because of the thinner and more flexible material. You can also feel vibration on the steering wheel because of the poor stability.
Flexible sidewalls do not allow the tread surface to maintain contact with the road surface, leading to poor traction and stability.
Poor steering response
Motorhomes are different from trailers because of the presence of the truck’s chassis and steering components. Their wheels move in several directions according to the specific steering response.
The steering column is also connected to the wheel assembly so they can turn in different directions. Trailer tires have poor steering response, and you cannot efficiently move them while turning the steering wheel.
These have poor steering response because they are designed according to the trailer components, which do not have steering, and you have to tow them with a pickup truck or SUV.
Less load rating
Motorhomes require tires with a higher load rating and carrying higher loads of interior components. These are heavier because of the truck chassis, steering parts, axles, differentials, and engine components.
These components are the major contributors to the increase in gross vehicle weight. Trailer tires are designed according to their interior and have less load rating.
You cannot install them in motorhomes because of their less weight-holding capacity. The weight carrying capacity is mentioned on the side wall, and you should check it before purchasing.
Poor handling
Motorhome tires have different designs and specific features to provide better handling while driving to ensure safety.
You cannot achieve better handling and stability after installing the trailer tire because of its different design features. It is challenging to attain stability while maneuvering your vehicle because of poor stability.
The tread surfaces cannot contact the road while turning because of the different tread designs. Motorhomes require wheels with larger tread designs and prominent grooves, which enhance the grip on the road surfaces.
You cannot do this because of unequal load distribution, which leads to uneven wear and tear.
Heat buildup
Motorhome tires are made of specialized rubber, resistant to heat and certain environmental elements. These vehicles generate more heat than trailers because of the different weight considerations.
Their wheels are designed to absorb the heat generated from their weight and speed limits. They also generate because of their higher speed.
You can drive these at more than 50 mph, which causes more heat production because of increased rolling resistance on the road surface.
Trailer tires cannot handle the excessive heat and can blow out and ruin your road trip.
Rubber material quality
I had a motorhome and trailer a few years back because I love recreational tours. I bought these two vehicles from my retirement fund to enjoy the rest of my life while moving on the roads.
I noticed that the tires installed in my trailers are low-quality, and their sidewalls are not thin enough. Moreover, these are also vulnerable to cracking because of the drying of rubber material.
I stored both RVs in the same place, but the trailer tire rubber cracked when I prepared it for a trip with my friend in the spring season. I replaced it with a new one of better quality to increase the durability.
You cannot interchange their tires because of the different rubber materials.
Size difference
Motorhomes usually require tires of larger size because of their weight and larger chassis. Smaller ones cannot hold higher loads and maintain the stability with a larger frame.
These are 17 to 20 inches, depending on their different models. On the other hand, trailers require tires of 14-14 inches, depending on their size.
You cannot interchange them because of the significant difference in their size, which can affect the handling of these vehicles.
Less durability
You have to install durable tires in motorhomes because these come under different stressful situations during road trips. They resist wear and tear and last longer under several road conditions because of their stiff rubber material.
You should install the wheels that are specifically designed for them. Trailer tires are not durable and strong enough to handle heavy loads and higher speeds.
In addition, they cannot handle certain steering responses and braking conditions for their maneuverability in different directions.
Their flexible rubber tread surface is vulnerable to wear and tear because of frequent braking.
Braking system response
Motorhomes are usually built on truck chassis and have components similar to those of cars. They have a braking system to stop the vehicles and decrease the accident cases.
Their tires are also designed according to the braking response. You cannot install the trailer tires because of their reduced braking response.
They do not stop quickly, which increases the braking distance and risk of collision between two vehicles and compromises the passenger’s safety.
They cannot stop when you apply the brakes because of the different design of their tread surface and flexible rubber material, which has less rolling resistance.
Chances of tire blowout and wear and tear
The chances of tires blowing out and tread surface wear and tear increase when you install trailer tires in motorhomes. Sidewalls can also get damaged because of the thin surface, which cannot hold higher loads.
In addition, the issue also comes because of the unequal weight distribution in the interior cabin. Worn-out tires not only disturb normal driving conditions but also decrease fuel economy.
Moreover, it can also affect the suspension parts and increase the risk of bending the axle because of the extra stress on these components. Air pressure in them also decreases frequently because of the heavy loads.
Different tread design
Motorhome manufacturing companies install high-quality tires with specific tread designs, which are different from other recreation vehicles.
They use the wheels that are specifically designed for them. Moreover, they use the steering tire with more prominent grooves on the tread surface for easy turning and maneuverability.
The specific tire has better-rolling resistance to decrease fuel consumption while moving on highways, city areas, and off roads.
You can also select them according to a particular area’s weather and road conditions. Traction is a major consideration because of the increasing acceleration of the steering response.
Related Articles: