Ok I know absolutely nothing about rv tires, tires, chemistry, oxygen, nitrogen but I thought this was interesting so I thought I would throw it out to see if anyone else heard of this.

Like other "new" technologies to save the planet or save fuel.... tests show the nitrogen doesn't make that much difference and when you throw the cost in, it's not cost effective. The experts say keep your tire properly inflated and protected from the elements when storing the RV and you will extend the life of your tires.

Search the web about nitrogen filled tires – especially in RVs - and you'll see a new order of religion. As far as the story you were told about that green RV, well, there are some seriously erroneous embellishments.

Yes, race cars use Nitrogen for its thermal expansion properties. Yes many tire stores have started to use it because 1) it is dry (unlike compressed air that can get condensate in it when they fail to check their filters) and 2) makes for a very fast tire fill (coming from a 2000psi nitrogen tank) and 3) it sounds cool thus making the buyer think they are getting something "better.".

Not sure how green that RV is given the energy it takes to produce 99% Nitrogen and compress it to 2000psi. Last I checked our Earth's lower atmosphere (the level we live in) consists of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen. So, the good old filling station air is already 78% Nitrogen. Your tires are exposed to the atmosphere so even with a 99% Nitrogen fill inside, the outside is exposed to the 21% Oxygen. No way around that. You are going to replace those RV tires at 7 odd years regardless of miles due to sidewall checking induced by UV in the sunlight and Ozone in the air.

I love these stories. They sound soo plausible... Besides, regarding the religion, if an RV driver can actually feel the difference in the thermal expansion of 99% Nitrogen over good old air at 78% Nitrogen, well, I’ll eat my tires...

But it does/did seem to be cool and fashionable to say I have Nitrogen in my tires, see the green valve caps? I'll bet today's reality/function based economy will change that perception in a hurry.

PS: Nitrogen typically comes in green painted tanks (hence the green valve caps), and should not be confused with Green environmentally.


-- Edited by RVDude at 16:54, 2009-01-27

I agree with everything RVDude said. The only thing I'll add is if anyone feels compelled to spend money on nitrogen, just give it to me instead. You will have my undying gratitude. That may benefit you more than having the nitrogen. :)

It's a marketing scam to get some extra money out of consumers, for something that has been free ever since automobiles were invented. The reason bottled Nitrogen is used in airplanes is that it's totally dry and in race cars because the pressure int the tank is 2200# and the tires can be filled in a second or 2. Save your money,

If I was going to fill my tires with something other than air, I would fill them with CO2. With CO2 you have 3 times the energy of Nitrogen in a given tank size. 1 tank of CO2 is like having 3 tanks of Nitrogen. A 20 pound aluminum tank will add 20 pounds of pressure to about 50 TT or 5er tires, and if you are going to carry a cylinder with you it will not become a missile if the head is knocked off like a nitrogen cylinder would. A 20 pound cylinder of CO2 would cost about $20 to be refilled. Unless you used a lot of air, you would only have to fill it up about twice a year.

Mac, I use a Powertank to fill my tires, both on the truck, Jeep and trailer. The liquid CO2 in the powertank allows for very high pressures and fills large tires to high pressues very fast.

I can fill my Jeep from 12psi to 28psi in about 25 seconds :)

I can also run air tools very easily with the tank and it can't get more portable. I LOVE my Powertank!! It is not cheap, but it is one of those things that once you have you will wonder why you waited so long.....

I have a 15 lb tank and have been using it for almost a year now without refill.

I bought mine from Mike and Pat McFall at http://www.pressureprosystem.com/


-- Edited by Jack Mayer at 10:59, 2009-01-28

I know this is an old thread, but I couldn't help but respond. My new car came with nitrogen filled tires. That was in 2006. I have never had to put more in or make any adjustment whatsoever to my pressure. My understanding also, is that there is no condensation which can contribute to pressure variations. Seems to me it would work the same on an RV as it does on a car

Wait until you have to buy tires. The cost does not out weigh the benefits.

Air is already 80 + % N2. 9% O2. Race cars use it to control the expansion of the water vapor H2O which is less than 1% of air. (There are other elements and compounds in air, like CO2, carbon dixoide.)

Nitrogen has benefits in tires used for air craft or race cars. For a vehicle at normal speeds, it serves no practical purpose. It is a profit center for the tire seller.

If it makes you feel better, spend the money on it. It won’t hurt, but remember that it is not as easy to find 100% Nitrogen for bring tires up to pressure.

Normal air contains 78% Nitrogen, so is it worth it for an extra 22%? I think not.

The next time I tow my trailer at 200 MPH or has the name Boeing on it, I will use nitrogen.