There are so many steps you can take to protect your RV travel budget! Of course, you’ll at least have the required minimum liability insurance, but this only goes so far. Maybe you have some savings allocated specifically for RV repairs, or you have an RV extended warranty plan. Tire blowouts and wheel damage represent some of the most common issues that RVs incur. For those with larger rigs such as motorhomes and 5th wheels, repair and replacement can be very expensive. That’s why it’s worth considering securing additional coverage in the form of RV tire and wheel protection.
RV Wheel and Tire Coverage
Insurance will cover you in the event of an accident, and an RV extended warranty will cover you if your RV suffers an unexpected mechanical breakdown. However, because tire maintenance and replacement is fairly routine, both coverages typically exclude tires.
At Wholesale Warranties, our RV Tire and Wheel Protection policies protect you from the costs of a tire blowout as well as any rim damage that occurs as a result. This plan is especially valuable for those who have RVs with six or more tires. However, you will be covered regardless of whether you tow a small two-wheel trailer or drive a massive rig with 8 wheels. Our coverage also extends to the vehicle towing a trailer or vehicle being towed by a motorhome. That vehicle will be covered if it experiences a blowout either while towing or being towed.
Similar policy administrators will require a deductible or cap the amount of claims you can make on a single event. With us, there is no limitation on a single claim. This means that if you blow multiple tires in one incident, you will be covered. Our policy offers total coverage for tire and rim repair or replacement. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This package includes additional benefits too, such as some roadside assistance perks, mounting aid, and emergency travel expense reimbursement.
Tips for Preventing Tire Blowouts
While many blowouts are caused by unavoidable road hazards, some many blow-outs occur due to lack of maintenance as well. Work to protect yourself from the avoidable issues by following maintenance hacks such as:
- Proper Tire Inflation
The majority of tire blowouts are caused by underinflated tires. When a tire doesn’t contain enough air, this adds pressure to the tire sidewall. The sidewall isn’t as flexible as the tread and therefore cannot handle much additional pressure. Mechanics suggest checking your tire pressure once a month. Tire gauges are inexpensive—and easy to use! Also, if you’re planning an especially long trek, it’s safe practice to check your tire pressure before you head out. If your tires are underinflated, don’t worry; you can inflate your tires at most gas stations.
- Weight Overloading
Another tip is to be conscious of your RV’s weight. This will help prevent other breakdowns as well. Trailers and motorhomes are big vehicles, and all that weight is resting on the tires. Be mindful of limits—there is plenty of reason not to exceed them! If you’re unaware of how much your vehicle weighs with all your belongings, commercial truck weigh stations allow you to weight your RV. If you exceed the weight limit, reconsider what you really need to bring along with you.
- Tire Care and Prevention
For part-time RVers, your rig will likely spend significant lengths of time in storage. Proper RV storage will help prevent breakdowns in general. As for tires, you will want to avoid dry rot. This occurs when the tire rubber breaks down due to sun exposure, underinflation, or excessive heat. Common signs include cracks in the tread or sidewall, gray discoloration, and a dry, brittle texture. Also, as a general rule, you should be replacing tires over six years old. Proper storage and simple, routine maintenance will prevent this condition.
Yet another way to prevent tire blowouts or damage is to be mindful of the terrain you are driving or towing on. If you’re spending a lot of time driving on the highway, then you will need a different type of tires than folks who spend most of their time on dirt roads. If you’re driving on a combination of terrains, then all-terrain tires are likely the best fit for your rig. Make sure you have the tires best suited to your road trip style!
Regardless of how proactive you are with maintenance and other preventative measures, sometimes road hazards are unavoidable. Sometimes, larger obstacles wipe out multiple tires. It’s important to have some sort of protection plan just in case. Our protection plans have the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on unnecessary repair expenses. For a great rate and guaranteed protection, you should consider our RV tire and wheel protection plan. Just fill out the form below to receive a free quote!
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