Inflation
Correct tire inflation is a key component in tire care. Since RVs can be loaded with many different configurations, the load on each tire will vary. For this reason, air pressure should be checked based on the load on each individual tire. Inflation pressure should be adjusted to handle the maximum tire load, and all tires on the axle should carry the same inflation pressure. Remember to check the air pressures of the inside tires in dual fitments and make sure the valves and caps are free of dirt and moisture.

Tire and Wheel Balance
The weight of the tire-and-wheel assembly must be distributed uniformly around the tire's circumference. A heavy spot in the assembly should be counter-balanced by wheel weights. Otherwise, out-of-balanced tires tend to "cup" and wear excessively at the heavy spot. Wingfoot centers use off-the-vehicle computer balancers which correct for both static (single plane) and dynamic (two plane) imbalance. Radial tires should always be dynamically balanced.

Balance:

• All wheel positions
• When new tires are mounted
• When tire and wheel are moved to another wheel position
• When used tires are installed on existing wheels
• After a flat repair or any time a tire is dismounted and mounted
• Dynamic balancing should be done:
  • When new tires are mounted
  • When tire and wheel are moved to another wheel position
  • When used tires are installed on existing wheels
  • After a flat repair or any time a tire is dismounted and mounted

Tire Storage
The best place to store tires is a clean, cool, dry, sunless area away from strong air currents. Even though the rubber used to make tires is formulated to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone, and water, the life of a tire can be extended if exposure to these elements is minimized during storage.

• Stack tires flat so that the bottom tire will maintain its shape
• Wrap each tire with an opaque polyethylene covering to minimize the effects of oxygen and ozone. Most Goodyear retailers have storage bags made specifically for this purpose
• If tires are being stored outdoors, they should be raised off the storage surface
• If tires are stored while mounted on rims, they should be inflated to 10 psi
• If they are put in storage during warm weather, the initial inflation pressure should be about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months

HOW NOT TO STORE YOUR TIRES

• Don't store tires in an area that is wet, oily or greasy
• Don't store tires where they are subjected to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
• Don't store tires near electric motors or other ozone-generating sources
• Don't store tires on black asphalt or other heat-absorbent surfaces
• Don't store tires on or adjacent to highly reflective surfaces such as sand or snow

STORING YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT REMOVING THE TIRES

Ideally, a vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove all weight from the tires. If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire protection:

• Completely unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires
• Inflate tires to recommended operating pressure plus 25%. Ensure that the rim manufacturer's inflation capacity is not exceeded
• Be sure the storage surface is firm, clean, well drained and reasonably level
• Avoid moving the vehicle during extremely cold weather
• Move the vehicle at least every three months to prevent ozone cracking in the tire bulge area, as well as "flat-spotting" from the prolonged strain of sidewall and tread deflection
• Adjust inflation before putting the vehicle back into service