Tire maintenance might not be the most glamorous part of RV ownership, but it’s definitely one of the most important. After all, nothing ruins a road trip faster than a blowout in the middle of nowhere—unless, of course, you enjoy making new friends with tow truck drivers.
We recently asked our readers in the newsletter, “How do you handle RV tire maintenance?”
Whether you’re a hands-on DIY warrior or someone who prefers to let the pros handle the dirty work, everyone has their own approach to keeping those rubber donuts rolling smoothly. If you missed this poll, don’t worry—there’s always another one coming! Make sure to vote next time so your voice is heard (and so we can all judge each other’s life choices).
Now, let’s dive into the results and see how RVers are tackling tire maintenance—or avoiding it altogether.
The Poll Results: Who’s Getting Their Hands Dirty?
| Maintenance Method | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| DIY | 23% |
| Professional Service | 45% |
| Mobile Tire Service | 18% |
| RV Dealership | 14% |
The DIY Crew: The Proud (and Possibly Stubborn) 23%
Ah, the DIYers—the brave souls who see an RV tire and think, “I can handle this.” These are the same people who probably own at least three torque wrenches and consider tire pressure checks a form of meditation. There’s something satisfying about doing it yourself, especially when you save a few bucks. But let’s be real—some of these folks are just one stripped lug nut away from calling roadside assistance. Still, we salute your confidence (and your YouTube tutorial addiction).
Professional Service Fans: The Sane 45%
Nearly half of you said, “Nope, I’m paying someone else to deal with this,” and honestly? Respect. Professionals have the tools, the expertise, and—most importantly—the ability to not curse loudly when a tire won’t budge. This group understands that sometimes, the best DIY is “Don’t Involve Yourself.” Plus, there’s no shame in admitting you’d rather spend your time planning your next campsite happy hour instead of wrestling with a tire iron.
Mobile Tire Service: The Convenience Kings & Queens (18%)
Why drive to a shop when the shop can come to you? Mobile tire service voters are all about efficiency—rolling up in a van like the tire fairy, swapping out your rubber, and vanishing before you can even offer them a cold drink. This is the ultimate “I want it done right, but I also don’t want to put on pants” solution. For RVers who value their time (and their sweatpants), this is the golden ticket.
RV Dealership Loyalists: The Trusting 14%
Then we have the 14% who take their rig straight to the dealership. Maybe it’s brand loyalty, maybe it’s the free coffee in the waiting room—either way, these folks like the peace of mind that comes with OEM-approved service. Of course, dealership prices can sometimes feel like they include a “Because We Can” surcharge, but hey, at least you get a complimentary air freshener shaped like an RV.
Why Did the Results Shake Out This Way?
The clear winner here was professional service, and it makes sense—RV tires are big, heavy, and critical for safety. Most people don’t want to risk a mistake that could lead to a blowout at 65 MPH. DIY came in second, proving that there’s still a strong contingent of hands-on RVers who love the challenge (or just really hate waiting in service bays). Mobile tire service is gaining traction (pun intended) as a happy middle ground, while dealerships remain the go-to for those who prefer factory-trained techs—even if it costs a little extra.
At the end of the day, no matter which method you choose, the important thing is that you’re maintaining those tires. Because the only thing worse than a flat tire is explaining to your spouse why you thought you could fix it yourself.
So, which camp are you in? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for our next poll—where we’ll probably debate something equally critical, like “Paper plates vs. real plates: How fancy are you really?”
