On this weeks mini podcast I am sharing the tools I keep in my tire safety and maintenance bag.  Tire failure is one of the leading causes of RV accidents and it is a preventable one. I am also providing the links from my “go to” safety guru Mark Polk’s articles on tires and tire maintenance. Mark is an industry expert with hundreds of YouTube videos and articles on all things RV’s. I have read and shared these articles more times that I can say. Here is the link. 

Using a piece of chalk is a great way to highlight the small print on a tire. Remember that the number on the tire is the maximum PSI that the tire manufacturer recommends for that tire and is not the number you have to inflate your tire to. Look inside the drivers door for the tow vehicle manufacturers recommendation for that particular vehicle.

My Tire Tool Kit 

The Tekton 5941 Digital Tire Gauge. I have had several tire gauges over the years and this is one that I have used and liked. It has a four star rating out of over 4,800 reviews. It costs under $12 on Amazon and has been a great little tool with a built in light to be able to read the dial at night.

Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Gauge. I also have used and really like this   old fashioned analog gauge that has a large and easy to read dial. It is American made with heavy gauge copper and a woven covered hose. It has a a five star rating of over 500 reviews and retails for about $20.00. When I have used this and tested the readings over and over I get the same reading. That has not always been the case with other gauges. This is actually my favorite gauge.

Ryobi P731 One Dual Function Power Inflator/Deflator 18Volt     

Once you have determined that you need air you will need a way to get air without driving to the service station. You need to check the tires before you drive anywhere and then need to put air in them. I bought this Lithium battery operated tire inflator and deflator. It has several attachments for balls, bike tires and inflatable rafts,  beds and pool toys. It also has a built in tire gauge that takes a reading and then lets you press inflate. It automatically shuts off when you reach the desired PSI. The lithium battery holds a charge for a very long time and at $40 I thought it was a great value. It had a 4.2 rating for 565 reviews.

Mark Polk’s articles in the links above will help you determine what your desired tire pressure is. Keeping those numbers in your phone or a handy place where you can get at them when needed is important. It is also important that you take these readings the first thing in the morning before you drive anywhere. Forming good safety habits can make your travel not only safe but more enjoyable.

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