Goodyear Endurance is 5 years too old?

I wouldn't recommend it, but I put a new set of Firestone HT's on our new fiver in 2006 and didn't change them out until 2018. We had just arrived and got set up when I noticed a nail in one of the tires and took the tire to a shop for repair. When they removed the tire from the wheel, a chunk of the tire broke off along the inside bead. Manager came out and looked at the date on the tire and couldn't believe it. We replaced all four that day! Fiver is stored inside unless in use and tires had minimal wear and still looked good. Not advocating anything here, just sharing my "dumb luck" story. I would like to think I'm a little older and wiser now.

They sell a lot of them as that is why the date codes are so new. Nine were very new in 2017.

I bought 4 Endurance 205 75R14 two weeks ago. $642.00 out the door, mounted, balanced, and with new metal HP stems. Date code 7-23 which made them about 2 months or so old. I did not request the date when I ordered them as the tire guy would of probably looked at me like some kind of anal busybody if I had done so, and probably have told me to take a hike..

marpel wrote:
StirCrazy,

Not sure if it makes a difference, but my tires are 205/75/14.

Anyway, I have just finished getting quotes from 4 or 5 tire dealers here in the greater Vancouver area, and the most expensive was approximately $1200 (Fountain Tire), while the others were a couple bucks either side of $1000 (OkTire, KalTire etc), with the cheapest, I just ordered from, was a local small auto shop which I have been a customer of for the last ten or so years, at just over $900. All these prices include tax, all fees, and included installation.

Maybe the tire size is the difference, but I'm surprised they are that expensive up there.

Marv

ya that will probably make a huge difference.

For reference on SoCal prices, mine are 235/80/16 and the $1212 includes $150 worth of certificates for replacement if the tire is damaged beyond repair for any reason (sidewall punctures, blowouts, etc.). I purchased the same tires from the same dealer almost exactly 5 years ago for $149/ea. They are now $223/ea.

StirCrazy,

Not sure if it makes a difference, but my tires are 205/75/14.

Anyway, I have just finished getting quotes from 4 or 5 tire dealers here in the greater Vancouver area, and the most expensive was approximately $1200 (Fountain Tire), while the others were a couple bucks either side of $1000 (OkTire, KalTire etc), with the cheapest, I just ordered from, was a local small auto shop which I have been a customer of for the last ten or so years, at just over $900. All these prices include tax, all fees, and included installation.

Maybe the tire size is the difference, but I'm surprised they are that expensive up there.

Marv

Thanks for the responses. Some answers to your questions...

The trailer lives in SoCal. Weather is very mild. Sun exposure is minimal as trailer is stored parallel to my house with one side within about 4ft of the north side of the house and the other side up against a cement block wall. The awning up high gets some sun exposure but not much down where the tires are. Awning was replaced earlier this year with a model that has the metal shroud.

I only put about 2k miles per year on the trailer. Usage is on the low side. I always inflate the tires to 80lbs before traveling and it has never taken more than a couple of lbs to "top them off".

No visible cracks or bulges.

All that said, I have decided to replace them now instead of waiting another year. It hurts to pay $1200 for the same set of tires I bought for $800 5 years ago. Welcome to inflation. Although even new tires can fail, I won't worry as much about that happening with new shoes.

I'll give you my advice from my bar stool (is forum advice really any different?)

So, since you'll take advice from a gin mill patron, do you live in Arizona or similar where the tires are baked in the sun? Northern climates where you store and use your trailer? Makes a difference.

Cheers!!

MarkTwain wrote:

marpel wrote:
I am of the same mind as Mark Twain, to me tires are the most important items on a trailer (and tow vehicle for that matter).

The last set of tires (also Goodyear Endurance) I bought 4 years ago, arrived at the dealer with two year old production date. I was not happy, but the dealer said "take em or leave em". Unfortunately, I was about to leave on a trip so had no choice.

So, they are now 6 years old (even though only 4 years of use) and I am shopping for replacements (at $1000 CDN, for 4 trailer tires...jeeez). Under different circumstance (short trips, easy speeds), I would likely let them go another year or two, but our trips are always long distance (BC, Canada - Denver, Co) on Interstate Highways at 64-65 mph and I won't take a chance getting a high-speed blowout in the middle of nowhere.

As others have suggested, it probably should depend on your anticipated use (short vs long trips etc) and how well you have cared for them, among other things.

Marpel - It is good to know that other people share my opinions of RV tires. I had the same problem with tires not being more than 1 yr. old. I called my tire dealer 6 months before I planned on buying new tires and told them I would not accept any tire more than 1 yr. old. Les Schwab in Calif. They had to search for them but finally got them.:)

I found a deal on new Provider tires, mounted on quality higher rated Vesper wheels online at Gallagher tire in PA. I chatted with sales guy online, asking about date code, and online wheel picture being accurate.

He was ready to go for lunch, and he said "if you give your email, I'll check date code, send pic of code, and pic of exact tire/wheel combo, from warehouse".

About 2 hours later, I received perfect pics in my email. He added that all 4 would be same code, which indicated 10 months old. I emailed my info back, and in a few days UPS delivered them. All was as described, including free shipping.

My experience was great, an honest sales person, a tire dealer I'd recommend.



Jerry

marpel wrote:
(at $1000 CDN, for 4 trailer tires...jeeez).

Where are you finding them that cheap? They are just under 400 a tire out here.