Motorhome tire age

July 06, 2020, 05:07 PM

Bucky

Motorhome tire age

I have some 2013 tires that were installed in 2014 on my pusher. Never close to overloaded, fairly light pusher. Mostly local racing with one or two out of longer distance races a year. In northern IL. Stored in barn 6 months a year and shaded from western afternoon sun.
Tires "appear" to be in excellent condition with no cracking or other issues. Hankooks.
I'm getting the itch to replace them but don't want to be premature about it.
Thoughts?

July 06, 2020, 05:21 PM

Curly1

I would definitely replace them.

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July 06, 2020, 05:21 PM

imakehp

Weather and underinflation usually kill off MH and trailer tires long before the tread is gone.... if it's in your budget, 5-6 years is good service life and certainly earned new skins for the safety factor...

IMHO of course

July 06, 2020, 05:28 PM

Bucky

quote:
Originally posted by imakehp:
Weather and underinflation usually kill off MH and trailer tires long before the tread is gone.... if it's in your budget, 5-6 years is good service life and certainly earned new skins for the safety factor...

IMHO of course

I knew underinflation....so I'm strict about using the inflation table and tire monitors. And keeping them out of the sun.

But they sure make a mess when they come apart, and I would rather avoid that.

Speaking of messes.....racoon at midnight last night sure left his mark on the front of the trailer. Nasty. bet he won't do that again.

July 06, 2020, 05:39 PM

RPROGAS

Like Dave said, 5 to 6 is about the average life expectancy. Here in the land of Oz I was told by the CHP that 7 is the maximum.

Certainly not a cheap purchase, mine cost me about $3100 plus the Governors cut.

Bob

July 06, 2020, 08:09 PM

ferndaleflyer

All the RV sites seem to suggest no more than 7. I think I to am getting pretty close so probably next spring

July 06, 2020, 09:20 PM

Bucky

What about factors like heat and sun exposure? Does a California tire take more of a beating than an Illinois tire that spends half the year inside?

July 07, 2020, 08:22 AM

Canted Valve

quote:
What about factors like heat and sun exposure? Does a California tire take more of a beating than an Illinois tire that spends half the year inside?

Fair question. The suggested time frames are likely based on valid experience but I can't help but wonder what aspects of the tire is failing? It's not the tread, it's not UV crack checking on the sidewalls. So it must be internal, the carcass or the belts or......?

July 07, 2020, 09:22 AM

Bucky

quote:
Originally posted by Canted Valve:
quote:
What about factors like heat and sun exposure? Does a California tire take more of a beating than an Illinois tire that spends half the year inside?

Fair question. The suggested time frames are likely based on valid experience but I can't help but wonder what aspects of the tire is failing? It's not the tread, it's not UV crack checking on the sidewalls. So it must be internal, the carcass or the belts or......?

My thoughts too. They give a specific life, and then tell you to keep them out of the sun and not underinflate, and keep speeds reasonable and protect from hot weather. So I do those things......but why?

July 07, 2020, 11:29 AM

RacerVX54

Change the steer at a minimum

July 07, 2020, 11:33 AM

Bucky

I might break it up that way.

July 07, 2020, 01:15 PM

TD3550

Safety first Always steers first. Nothing worse than blowing a steer. Care,custody and control.
Popped a steer in the dually. Put me in the other lane. I should of known better on the age since i used to sell truck tires. Stupid me. Dummy me.

July 09, 2020, 08:57 AM

69dart

Change the steer tires for sure and keep one for a spare.

We had a dual blow last year and other than the 'bang' we never knew anything happened but they can do some damage. Nursed it 35MPH to the track and changed it.

I read RV guys selling 8 year tires on ebay/craigslist for a decent amount ($1200 for 6) to dumptruck drivers.

July 10, 2020, 08:36 AM

Mike Nitzsche

quote:
Originally posted by 69dart:
Change the steer tires for sure and keep one for a spare.

We had a dual blow last year and other than the 'bang' we never knew anything happened but they can do some damage. Nursed it 35MPH to the track and changed it.

I read RV guys selling 8 year tires on ebay/craigslist for a decent amount ($1200 for 6) to dumptruck drivers.

I finally put tire pressure monitors on all my tires after deciding I didn't want to tear up the trailer I just built. Cool deal, shows pressure and temp for each tire.

July 10, 2020, 12:08 PM

ferndaleflyer

I got $125 each for my take offs last time

July 10, 2020, 01:15 PM

Bucky

quote:
Originally posted by Mike Nitzsche:
quote:
Originally posted by 69dart:
Change the steer tires for sure and keep one for a spare.

We had a dual blow last year and other than the 'bang' we never knew anything happened but they can do some damage. Nursed it 35MPH to the track and changed it.

I read RV guys selling 8 year tires on ebay/craigslist for a decent amount ($1200 for 6) to dumptruck drivers.

I finally put tire pressure monitors on all my tires after deciding I didn't want to tear up the trailer I just built. Cool deal, shows pressure and temp for each tire.

I have one now too.

July 10, 2020, 11:35 PM

Goob

7 years is drop dead time on top tier tires, regardless of exterior appearance.
Could they last 9 years? Maayyyybee?
Even Michelin only guarantees their casing integrity for 7 years.

Lots of options out there. Michelin will be the softest ride for your coach. You can typically run a Michelin with 10-15 psi less pressure than a comparable brand. They contain more natural rubber than any other tire.

My .02