Should RVers use nitrogen in their tires?

Ron and Ginny, fellow New Horizon 5th wheel owners who also went to Alaska this year, replaced their truck tires in Grand Junction, CO on their way back to Florida. Ron did not realize that Big-O Tires filled them with nitrogen. On the way home, Ron let out a little air for a smoother ride while not towing the 5th wheel. However, when he went to add air, he was told they were filled with nitrogen and he should not add air. The green valve stem caps indicated nitrogen.

Back in Florida, there is no nitrogen readily available, at least in their area, and so, to put air back in, Ron has to have the tires removed, cleaned and dried before doing so. 

Pros and cons

Using nitrogen in your truck or RV tires is supposed to have some advantages. Having nitrogen-filled tires will increase fuel mileage by about 3 percent since leakage is less. Under-inflated tires don't get as good fuel mileage. The lack of moisture in nitrogen also helps tires to maintain a steady pressure. Tires have normal leakage -- estimated by some at 1 to 2 pounds per square inch a month - and most drivers don't check the tire pressure. Nitrogen could make a difference for these drivers.

Nitrogen is less flammable, though some would question how often a regular automobile or RV would be used in such a way to catch fire. Now an airplane or race car- that's a different story.

However, as Ron found, getting your tires filled with nitrogen can be a hurdle. If it is available, there is usually a $10 per tire charge to fill it.

Many experts don't feel that nitrogen makes a significant difference, though it could be cool to have those green valve stems!

Two articles that go into more detail about the pros and cons are at Bankrate.com and The Straight Dope.

I don't pretend to be an expert on this topic. In fact, hearing from Ron and Ginny was my introduction to using nitrogen in tires. Anyone want to share knowledge or experience on this topic? Would this make a difference for RVers. Would it save money in the RV lifestyle? Please join in by leaving a comment. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[Linda Cox]

Why do the tires have to be removed and cleaned to refill them with air??? Air is 78% nitrogen.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Beats me. In my research, I did read that an uneven amount of nitrogen in the front tires could cause steering problems, though I don't know when that gets significant. Or, maybe it's a way to get even more money. :-)

Jaimie

[Dennis M]

An uneven amount of anything in the front tires can cause steering issues! No reason to remove and "clean" the tires to go from nitrogen to air, as Linda said, air is mostly nitrogen. Only reason would be to separate you from your money. And, no, there are no benefits to pure nitrogen.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Thanks for your comment, Dennis. There does seem to be differing opinions on this topic.

Jaimie

[Jim Schrankel]

Bought my tires at Costco, where they fill them with nitrogen. When I did need to add to the tires, I contacted Costco and they said I could add air with no problem.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Thanks, Jim. I wonder if nitrogen is standard at all Costco locations.

Jaimie