What to Do If You Have a Front Tire Blowout on Your RV

A front tire blowout on an RV is one of the most dangerous situations you can face on the road. With the sheer weight and size of your motorhome, losing a front tire at high speeds can cause panic and potentially catastrophic loss of control. But if you stay calm and follow the right steps, you can safely bring your RV to a stop and prevent serious damage or injury.

Recognizing a Front Tire Blowout

When a front tire blows, you’ll likely hear a loud bang followed by immediate changes in how your RV handles. Common signs include:

• Sudden pulling to one side (toward the blown tire)
• Loss of steering control or increased resistance in the wheel
• Vibration or thumping noise

It’s important to act decisively within the first few seconds to stay safe.

Step-by-Step: What to Do During a Blowout

1. Don’t slam the brakes. Braking suddenly can make the RV swerve or roll, especially with a blown front tire.
2. Firmly grip the steering wheel. Keep both hands on the wheel and steer straight. The RV may try to veer, so counter it gently.
3. Maintain your speed initially. This may feel counterintuitive, but letting off the throttle too fast can destabilize the vehicle.
4. Gradually decelerate. Ease off the accelerator slowly and let the RV coast down in speed.
5. Steer to a safe spot. Once your speed is reduced, steer carefully to the shoulder or a safe pull-off area.
6. Turn on hazard lights. Alert other drivers as soon as you are safely stopped.

After Stopping Safely

Once your RV is safely off the road, exit the vehicle only if it is safe to do so. Use road flares or triangles to alert traffic if needed. Then:

• Inspect the blown tire and surrounding area for damage.
• Call roadside assistance or use your RV insurance’s emergency service.
• If equipped, use a spare tire and follow proper jack and safety procedures—or wait for professional help.

Blowouts can happen to anyone, but being mentally prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Preventing Future Blowouts

While not all tire blowouts are avoidable, many are caused by factors you can control:

• Check tire pressure regularly – Underinflated or overinflated tires are a leading cause of blowouts.
• Inspect for wear and cracks – Tires degrade over time, especially in storage.
• Don’t overload your RV – Exceeding the weight rating of your tires puts them at risk.
• Replace tires based on age – Most RV tires should be replaced every 5-7 years, even if tread looks fine.

Need a tire inspection or pressure check? Our service team can help you spot issues before they become roadside emergencies.

Stay Safe, Stay Ready

A front tire blowout is scary—but it doesn’t have to end in disaster. By following these steps and maintaining your tires, you can keep your RV rolling safely toward your next adventure.