I'm planning a cross-country trip in my Tiffin Allegro motorhome and I'm concerned about what would happen if I got a flat tire, especially after hearing about my recent experience with a double blow out on the back axle. When this happened to us, we found that regular AAA and typical roadside assistance don't always help with RVs. We were stranded and eventually had to use a service called Driving Solutions, who charged us $1600 for used tires after eight hours of waiting.
What's the proper procedure if this happens? Should I try to move to a safer location first, or stop immediately? Who should I call for help - are there specialized services that handle RV tires? I want to be prepared with the right contacts and know the safe steps to take, because I imagine regular tow trucks and tire services might not have the equipment or expertise to handle a large motorhome tire emergency on the interstate.
Handle RV flat tires on the interstate. Covers safe procedures, who to call for motorhome tire service, and why regular roadside help may not work.
Your experience with the Tiffin Allegro double blowout highlights a major gap in roadside assistance coverage for Class A motorhomes. The $1600 you paid to Driving Solutions was indeed excessive - those used tires should have cost around $400-600 total with reasonable mobile service fees. For future incidents, your best strategy is to establish relationships with commercial tire services that handle big rigs, as they have the equipment and expertise for your dual-wheel rear axle. Companies like Loves do service RVs despite what that location told you - you need to specifically ask for their commercial roadside division, not regular automotive service.
Double blowouts on Class A motorhomes like your Tiffin Allegro typically occur due to tire age rather than road hazards. RV tires often fail due to sidewall deterioration from UV exposure and ozone damage, especially if the coach sits unused for extended periods. Even with good tread, tires over 6-7 years old are prone to sudden failure.
Overloading is another major factor. Your Tiffin's rear axle likely carries 15,000-20,000 pounds when loaded, and exceeding the tire's load rating even slightly can cause rapid heating and failure. Under-inflation compounds this problem - RV tires should be checked monthly. The pressure shown on the sidewall is the MAXIMUM at maximum load - your actual required pressure depends on your axle weights. Weigh your RV at a certified truck scale or RV weigh station, then use the tire manufacturer's load/inflation chart to determine correct pressure for your actual load.
Extended highway driving in hot weather creates the perfect storm for dual blowouts. When one tire fails, the remaining tire on that side immediately becomes overloaded and overheated, often failing within minutes. This is exactly what happened to your rear axle.
Before your next trip, research and save contact information for commercial tire services along your planned routes. Companies like TA Truck Service Centers, Pilot Flying J's roadside division, and independent commercial tire dealers often service RVs. Call them directly to confirm they handle Class A motorhomes and ask about their mobile service areas.
Consider upgrading your roadside assistance coverage. Coach-Net and FMCA Emergency Road Service specifically cover motorhomes and have networks of commercial-grade service providers. Good Sam's basic plan clearly failed you, but their higher-tier Platinum coverage includes commercial vehicle referrals that might have helped.
Carry essential emergency equipment: tire pressure monitoring system to catch problems early, infrared thermometer to check tire temperatures during stops (temperatures significantly higher than ambient or uneven between tires may indicate problems - consult tire manufacturer specifications for safe operating ranges), and emergency triangles or flares. Also maintain a list of truck stops and Camping World locations along your route - while they may not come to you, they can often accommodate emergency repairs if you can limp to their location.
Most importantly, weigh your RV fully loaded at a CAT scale to determine actual axle weights, then set tire pressures according to manufacturer load/inflation charts. Have your tires professionally inspected annually and replace them based on age, not tread depth. Budget $2,000-3,000 for a complete tire replacement on your Allegro - it's cheaper than emergency roadside service and much safer than risking another double blowout.
When you experience a blowout, immediately pull over as far right as safely possible and activate your hazard lights. Don't attempt to drive on a flat tire - you'll destroy the rim and potentially damage the coach's suspension or brake lines.
Start calling commercial tire services immediately, beginning with the closest truck stops within 50 miles. Explain you have a Class A motorhome with dual wheels and need mobile tire service. If the first location says no, ask to speak with their commercial service department or manager - policies often vary by location and individual representatives.
While waiting for service, set up emergency triangles at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind your coach (as required by DOT regulations for large vehicles on interstates). If you have a tire pressure monitoring system, check the remaining tires for proper pressure and temperature. Take photos of the failed tires for insurance purposes and to help the service technician understand what size and type of tires you need.
When the service arrives, insist on new tires if possible, or at minimum tires with matching tread depth and manufacture dates within two years. For your dual-wheel application, it's critical that both tires on each side have similar wear patterns to prevent handling issues and premature failure.
Call for professional help immediately when you experience any tire failure on a Class A motorhome. Unlike smaller RVs or cars, changing tires on a heavy coach requires specialized equipment including high-capacity jacks, impact wrenches, and often tire machines. The dual-wheel configuration makes roadside tire changes particularly challenging and dangerous.
Don't attempt to drive to a service location on a flat tire, even short distances. The weight of your Tiffin will quickly destroy the rim and potentially cause suspension damage costing thousands more than the tire replacement. If you're quoted excessive prices like your $1600 experience, try to negotiate or get quotes from multiple providers before agreeing to service.
Consider calling local RV dealerships or independent RV service centers in the area, even if they don't offer mobile service. They often have relationships with commercial tire services and may be able to arrange reasonable assistance. Some dealers will even send their own service trucks for tire emergencies if you explain your situation and offer to pay their standard labor rates.
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