RV Tire Pressure Chart 2026: Find the Perfect PSI Fast

Tire failures are one of the most common preventable problems RV owners face. Unlike car tires, RV tires carry much heavier loads and often sit unused for months, so small mistakes with inflation can lead to big consequences on the highway. A good RV tire pressure chart gives you a fast reference point, but charts are only useful when you know how to use them.

This post starts with quick charts you can use, then explains why pressure matters, how to read load-inflation tables, how to calculate the correct PSI for your situation, and practical checks and tools to keep things safe. Throughout, I’ll show real examples and tips so you can apply this to travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.

For safety guidance and standards that inform recommended practices, organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association publish useful background information. Tire makers like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone provide load-inflation tables that the charts below are modeled on.

Table of Contents

Why RV Tire Pressure Matters

The single best practice for preventing tire-related failures is maintaining the correct pressure. RV tires are not the same as passenger-car tires. They carry heavier loads, sit unused for long stretches, and generate more heat under load. Wrong tire pressure creates three main problems:

Safety risks. Underinflated tires flex more, build up heat, and are far more likely to suffer a blowout at highway speeds. Overinflated tires concentrate load on the tread center and can lead to irregular wear or reduced traction.
Reduced tire life and increased cost. Improper inflation causes uneven wear patterns. Tires wearing out faster means more frequent replacements — expensive on RV sizes.
Lower fuel efficiency and worse ride quality. Wrong PSI increases rolling resistance (if low) or makes the ride harsh and unstable (if high), both of which affect fuel use and comfort.

Tire pressure should be matched to the actual weight each tire carries. Tire sidewall markings show the tire’s maximum inflation and load capability, not the everyday operating pressure for your RV. For exact load/pressure relationships, rely on the tire manufacturer’s load/inflation chart (manufacturers such as Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone publish these tables).

RV Tire Pressure Chart (Quick Reference)

If you want one chart to glance at before a trip, use this. These are recommended cold tire pressures — that is, check pressure before you drive or after the vehicle has sat for at least three hours.

Tire Size	Load Range	Max PSI	Typical RV PSI Range	Common RV Type
ST175/80R13	C	50 PSI	40–50 PSI	Small campers
ST185/80R13	D	65 PSI	55–65 PSI	Compact trailers
ST205/75R14	C	50 PSI	45–50 PSI	Lightweight travel trailers
ST215/75R14	C	50 PSI	45–50 PSI	Mid-size trailers
ST225/75R15	D	65 PSI	60–65 PSI	Larger travel trailers
ST235/75R15	D	65 PSI	60–65 PSI	Heavy travel trailers
ST235/80R16	E	80 PSI	70–80 PSI	Fifth wheels (mid)
ST235/85R16	E	80 PSI	75–80 PSI	Large fifth wheels
ST245/75R16	E	80 PSI	75–80 PSI	Heavy fifth wheels
LT225/75R16	E	80 PSI	65–80 PSI	Class B/C motorhomes
LT245/75R17	E	80 PSI	70–85 PSI	Some motorhomes
Commercial / Load Range G	G	100–110+ PSI	100–120+ PSI	Heavy-duty fifth wheels / RV axles

Important: these are general guidance points. The correct pressure for your specific tire depends on actual axle weight and the tire’s load-inflation table from the tire manufacturer.

RV Tire Pressure Chart by Tire Size

Below are charts grouped by typical RV tire sizes. Each table gives load range, maximum recommended pressure stamped on many tires, a typical usable PSI range, and the common RVs that use those tires. These charts are intended for quick guidance — always verify with the tire manufacturer’s load table and your RV’s weighted axle loads.

Travel Trailer Tire Pressure Chart

Tire Size	Load Range	Max PSI	Max Load Capacity (per tire)	Typical PSI Range	Common Use
ST175/80R13	C	50 PSI	1,360 lbs	40–50 PSI	Small teardrop and pop-up trailers
ST185/80R13	D	65 PSI	1,610 lbs	55–65 PSI	Compact trailers
ST205/75R14	C	50 PSI	1,760 lbs	45–50 PSI	Lightweight travel trailers
ST215/75R14	C	50 PSI	1,870 lbs	45–50 PSI	Mid-size trailers
ST225/75R15	D	65 PSI	2,540 lbs	60–65 PSI	Larger travel trailers
ST235/75R15	D	65 PSI	2,830 lbs	60–65 PSI	Heavy travel trailers

Fifth Wheel Tire Pressure Chart

Tire Size	Load Range	Max PSI	Max Load Capacity (per tire)	Typical PSI Range
ST235/80R16	E	80 PSI	3,420 lbs	70–80 PSI
ST235/85R16	E	80 PSI	3,640 lbs	75–80 PSI
ST245/75R16	E	80 PSI	3,640 lbs	75–80 PSI
ST235/85R16 (G)	G	100+ PSI	4,080 lbs+	100–110 PSI+ (heavy loads)

High-end or heavy fifth wheels sometimes run Load Range G tires that operate at very high pressures. When working with G-rated tires, precise weighing and following the manufacturer chart are especially critical.

Motorhome Tire Pressure Chart (Typical Ranges)

Motorhomes often use light-truck (LT) or commercial tires. Because vehicle weight varies widely, the typical ranges below are broad.

Motorhome Class	Typical PSI Range (cold)
Class B (van conversions)	55–65 PSI
Class C	65–75 PSI
Class A (gas)	80–95 PSI
Class A (diesel / heavy)	95–120 PSI

If your motorhome uses dual rear tires, be mindful of dual-tire weight distribution and follow manufacturer guidance for inflation differences, if any.

RV Tire Load vs PSI (Load Inflation Chart)

Tire pressure must be set to support the load placed on the tire. The table below is an illustrative example: match the per-tire load (what you weigh on a scale divided by tires on that axle) to the needed PSI. Manufacturer load-inflation charts will give exact numbers for each tire model and size; use this as a practical reference.

Load on Each Tire (lbs)	Recommended Cold PSI
1,600	40 PSI
1,800	45 PSI
2,000	50 PSI
2,200	55 PSI
2,400	60 PSI
2,600	65 PSI
2,800	70 PSI
3,000	75 PSI
3,200	80 PSI

How to use this: weigh the RV on public truck scales or at a service center (axles separately). Divide the axle weight by the number of tires on that axle. Use that per-tire load to find the recommended PSI in the manufacturer’s chart or this table.

RV Tire Pressure by RV Type (Simple Guide)

Here’s an easy lookup for everyday use. These ranges assume typical loads and average gear/cargo levels.

Small travel trailers: 45–50 PSI per tire cold.
Large travel trailers: 60–65 PSI per tire cold.
Fifth wheels (mid-size): 70–80 PSI per tire cold.
Heavy fifth wheels (luxury/loaded): 100–110 PSI per tire cold (Load Range G).
Class B motorhomes: 55–65 PSI cold.
Class C motorhomes: 65–75 PSI cold.
Class A motorhomes: 80–120 PSI, depending on gross vehicle weight and single vs. dual rear wheels.

These are starting points, not substitutes for weighing the vehicle and checking the tire maker’s load tables.

How to Find the Correct RV Tire Pressure — Step by Step

Here’s a simple, practical process you can follow before each long trip or when loading the RV for a vacation.

Read the tire sidewall for size and load range. The sidewall gives the tire size (e.g., ST235/80R16) and often a load range letter (C, D, E, G). Remember sidewall PSI is the maximum — not automatically the correct everyday pressure.
Weigh your RV. Visit a certified scale (truck stop or public scales). Aim to get:
- Left and right corner weights (or at least per axle weights).
- Full-load weight (with water, gear, passengers, and cargo as you’d travel).
Calculate per-tire load. Divide each axle weight by the number of tires on that axle. For single rear axle: axle weight / 2. For duals: axle weight / 4 (per tire) unless manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Consult the tire manufacturer load-inflation chart. Find the exact tire model and size and match per-tire load to required cold PSI. If you don’t have the chart, use the illustrative Load vs PSI table above as a temporary guide.
Adjust pressure when cold. Check pressure before driving (after the vehicle has been parked for several hours). If you check after driving, add about 3–5 PSI to the cold recommended reading to estimate cold pressure.
Recheck after a short trip. After the first 50–100 miles, stop and visually inspect tires and verify pressures. If tires feel hotter than expected or pressures have changed dramatically, pull over and investigate.
Document pressures. Keep a simple log in the glovebox: date, axle weights, and PSI set. That record makes future adjustments easier.

Example: You weigh your trailer and find the rear axle reads 5,200 lbs. The axle has two tires, so each tire carries 2,600 lbs. Looking up the tire chart, 2,600 lbs per tire corresponds to 65 PSI cold. Set both rear tires to 65 PSI before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PSI should RV tires be?

There is no single PSI for all RVs. The correct pressure is determined by tire size, load range, and the actual weight on each tire. Use the tire manufacturer’s load-inflation chart and weigh your RV.

Should I inflate RV tires to the maximum PSI printed on the sidewall?

Not necessarily. The sidewall shows maximum limits. Your operating PSI should match the tire’s load chart based on the weight each tire carries.

How often should I check my RV tire pressure?

Before every long trip and at least monthly during the camping season. Also check anytime you change loads significantly (add gear, fill tanks, etc.).

Do RV tires lose pressure over time?

Yes. Tires typically lose 1–3 PSI per month through normal permeation and valve stem leakage. Regular checks pick this up.

Can I use a regular passenger car gauge on RV tires?

You can, but make sure it measures accurately at the higher PSI range RV tires require. Many passenger car gauges are optimized for lower ranges and may be less accurate above 80 PSI.

Final Thoughts: Using an RV Tire Pressure Chart the Right Way

An RV tire pressure chart is one of the simplest tools for keeping your RV safe on the road. By matching tire pressure to the weight your RV carries, you reduce stress on the tire structure and improve overall stability.

Taking a few minutes to check pressure before each trip can prevent costly damage and dangerous blowouts. It also improves fuel efficiency and helps tires last longer.

Whether you travel occasionally or live full-time on the road, understanding tire pressure gives you more confidence and control over your RV’s safety. A good chart, combined with regular maintenance and proper tire inspections, can make every journey smoother and safer.