Regular tire checks are the best way to keep an eye out for any potential problems before they become dangerous. That’s why Airstream experts recommend checking your tires before every trip. Set aside some time to walk around your travel trailer and do the following easy checks.
Check tire air pressure
Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can make tire and axel damage more likely and put you at a greater risk for a flat or a blowout. Proper air pressure (psi) levels for your tires are detailed in your Airstream owner’s manual. Use a pressure gauge to check levels all the way around your travel trailer. You should also check the air pressure on your spare tire(s).
Airstream Travel Trailer Model |
Tire Brand |
Max Load Infl. (PSI) |
| Classic | Michelin® LT225/75R16 Tires | 80 psi |
| Globetrotter | Goodyear® Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires | 80 psi |
| International | Goodyear® Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires | 80 psi |
| Flying Cloud | Goodyear® Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires | 80 psi |
| Caravel | Goodyear® Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires | 80 psi |
| Bambi | Goodyear® Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires | 80 psi |
| Basecamp | Goodyear 235/85R16 Off-Road DuraTrac Tires | 80 psi
|
Check lug nut torque
“Torque” refers to the tightness of the lug nuts that secure the wheels to the travel trailer. Under-tightened lug nuts can loosen via the vibration of the road and cause wheels to fall off at high speeds. Over-tightened lug nuts can strip the threads, damage the brake rotors, and damage the entire wheel itself. Check your Airstream owner’s manual for the proper torque, and use a manual torque wrench to loosen each lug nut until you reach that level.
Check for dry rot
As they’re exposed to high and low temperatures and rough weather, older tires can begin to rot or crack and become brittle. Regular tire inspections can catch dry rot early, when it’s just a hairline crack in your tires. If dry rot is advanced, it could result in chunks of your tires coming off in your hand. The earlier you catch dry rot, the sooner you can have your tires replaced and avoid blowouts or tire failures.
Check for uneven tire wear
Look at the wear on your tires and see if it’s uneven on the inside (closest to the the travel trailer) or outside (closest to the road), which could mean there is a problem with your travel trailer’s alignment. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for spotty patches or thinning in any areas of the tires that seem uneven with the rest. This could be caused by an issue with your travel trailer brakes.
Check tire tread
Tire tread should always remain 2/32 of an inch or thicker to be effective on the road. A good trick to measure the tread of your tires is to place a penny into the tread. If the tread comes up to Abraham Lincoln’s head or higher on the penny, you should be in good shape. Any lower and you’re ready for a replacement.
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