By Dustin Simpson
California RV Specialists – Lodi, CA
Contributing Author – RVTravel.com
Most RV failures don’t start with something complicated — they start with something simple that EVERY RV owner overlooks:
Tires.
Tire failures are one of the leading causes of RV sidewall damage, underbelly destruction, fender skirt loss, suspension damage… and debris hitting vehicles traveling behind you.
At California RV Specialists, we see tire blowouts weekly — and most of them could have been prevented with better tire date awareness, air pressure checks, and replacement timelines.
Why Tire Age Matters
RV tires age differently than passenger car tires. RV tires sit, bake in heat, are loaded heavier, and often get very few miles per year — but LOTS of UV exposure and weight stress.
Most RV tires should be replaced every 5–6 years regardless of tread depth.
How to Read Your Tire Date
The DOT date is a four-digit code molded into the tire sidewall.
Example: 4219
- 42 = 42nd week
- 19 = 2019
So that tire was manufactured the 42nd week of 2019.
If that tire is still on your RV in 2025 — it’s overdue.
What Tire Damage Can Destroy Underneath Your RV
When a tire blows, it doesn’t just shred rubber — it becomes a flail.
The damage we see most often:
- Fender skirts destroyed
- Underbelly material ripped open
- Plumbing lines torn, sliced, or cracked
- LP lines bent or damaged
- Electrical wiring torn out
- Slide seals damaged
- Body sidewall impact damage
- Suspension bent, shackles damaged, leaf springs cracked
This is why tire inspection is not optional. Tire failure quickly becomes multi-thousand-dollar repair damage.
What Dustin Recommends Before Every Trip
- Check ALL tire pressures cold
- Verify DOT date codes (replace 5+ year old tires)
- Look for sidewall cracking / dry rot
- Consider upgrading to a higher load range tire
- Invest in TPMS if towing
Small attention now avoids a full disaster later.
Need Tire Damage Repairs?
If you’ve experienced tire failure — or suspect your suspension, sidewalls, or fender area may already have hidden damage — California RV Specialists can help.
We repair tire damage weekly and know EXACTLY what to inspect, reinforce and rebuild — the RIGHT way.
Let’s keep you safe, rolling, and avoiding preventable failures.
Contact us to schedule a appointment today!
- Office Phone: 209-263-7040
- Hours of operation:
- 8 am to 4 pm Monday-Friday; Closed Saturday & Sunday
- Closed for lunch 12 pm – 1 pm
- Address: 200 S. Cherokee Lane, Lodi, CA 95240
Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and other social media pages.
