As noted in the thread title this isn’t your typical tire thread. I would like input from others on whether or not to replace my tires. I have a 2010 Jayco 5th wheel with just under 6500 miles on it, 3000 of those miles are one round trip to the California coast and the rest on numerous trips within 30-125 miles from home.In March and likely again in July I will be taking the rig to Phoenix which will be about 2000 miles round trip each time. The tires on the Jayco are the original Goodyear Marathons made in the Goodyear Gadsden, AL plant. The date code on the tires are 3909 which means they were made in the 39th week (September 21st) of 2009. So the tires are just over 5 years old with about 6500 miles on them and I’m getting ready to put at least another 4000 miles on them. I’ve inspected the tires very closely, there is no evidence of cracking or weather checking, they have between 6.5/32nds and 8/32nds of tread remaining on them and they have a TPMS on them.Should I replace them? My gut tells me it’s time. My pocketbook tells me to wait. Your input is appreciated.

The ultimate catch 22 situation.If you use them and have problems on your trip, the total costs could probably be more and ruin your trip/vacation.Do it now,in an effort to avoid problems, and the tire warranty may cover repairs to your 5th wheel.

Personally, I would have replaced them last year.I have had a perfectly good looking tire give out on year 5. From then on they never see year 5.

I think the best time to get new tires is when you start agonizing and losing sleep over the dilemma.Most of your tires have several good years left in them but since the only unpredictable end point is a blow out.........refer back to first sentence.

I think 5 year is the magic number, replace them, and you are good for another five years as long to you check the date on the tires you get....you did not say what type of axle, and bearing....if bearing has not been replaced might as well do it all as about 10k you should replace the oem bearings.

Time is the only known here, and most would say it is time to change them. You are the only one that knows how the tires have been cared for. If they have been in the sun a lot, twisted hard on pavement when backing, bounced over the curb, run low on air, or often towed over 65mph.Replacing with new ST tires, just before a long trip is no guarantee. Even a new tire can be defective. I'd be more comfortable running new ones closer to home, until proven. The only time I ever blew a tire, was a new tire just replaced before a trip.If $$$ are tight, the old tires well cared for, you aren't loaded to the max, and will be driving under 65mph, I would run the old tires, at least on the March trip.You asked for opinions, that is mine.Jerry

Not Your Typical Tire Thread | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Krease
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
Executive wrote:
You asked for opinions....here's mine.

They are speed rated at 65MPH. Assuming they were broken in properly for their first 500 miles, never run over the speed rating, never bashed up against a curb or rock, were never overloaded and generally babied all their life, they're still nearing the end of their useful life as a tire.

I can almost assure you that if you didn't pick up you unit at the factory and bring it home yourself at 65mph, I guarantee your tires have been in excess of 70 mph being transported to the dealership all the way from the Elkhart, IN area.

That being said, to the OP, I had 3 marathon failures within the first 2.5 years from the tires stamped date. If you got 5 years out of yours, I'd say you're on borrowed time and much luckier than I.
MFL
Nomad II
Dec 27, 2014
Road Runners wrote:
That's interesting about changing the bearings. My fiver has over 110,000 miles on it and they are still the original bearings. I repack them every year and they still look good. Any opinions from others?

OK, another JMO, but I would not be changing a good bearing at ten thousand miles.

In your case, with well over 100K, I would likely change them, as there has to be some wear in that amount of miles. They are not expensive. I'd replace at next repack.

Jerry
Road_Runners
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
That's interesting about changing the bearings. My fiver has over 110,000 miles on it and they are still the original bearings. I repack them every year and they still look good. Any opinions from others?
tvman44
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
You are at the limit. Just remember that if one does blow the damage could exceed the cost of a new set of tires. :)
Executive45
Explorer III
Dec 27, 2014
You asked for opinions....here's mine.

They are speed rated at 65MPH. Assuming they were broken in properly for their first 500 miles, never run over the speed rating, never bashed up against a curb or rock, were never overloaded and generally babied all their life, they're still nearing the end of their useful life as a tire. As most of us know, have experienced and/or have witnessed, the above rarely occur in the life of a trailer tire. That said, new tires will set you back about $500.

If one tire blows while on my trip, several things happen. First, the vacation is certainly ruined to a certain extent. Second the trailer will suffer some sort of damage that may need to be corrected before the trailer can be safely towed again and third, even if neither of the above occur, you will spend the rest of the vacation worrying about the other three tires.

To me the choice is simple...replace them now...and enjoy a worry free vacation. You'll be away from home quite a few miles traveling in unfamiliar territory with your family. Err on the side of caution.....Dennis
MFL
Nomad II
Dec 27, 2014
Time is the only known here, and most would say it is time to change them. You are the only one that knows how the tires have been cared for. If they have been in the sun a lot, twisted hard on pavement when backing, bounced over the curb, run low on air, or often towed over 65mph.

Replacing with new ST tires, just before a long trip is no guarantee. Even a new tire can be defective. I'd be more comfortable running new ones closer to home, until proven. The only time I ever blew a tire, was a new tire just replaced before a trip.

If $$$ are tight, the old tires well cared for, you aren't loaded to the max, and will be driving under 65mph, I would run the old tires, at least on the March trip.

You asked for opinions, that is mine.

Jerry
sail2liv
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
I think 5 year is the magic number, replace them, and you are good for another five years as long to you check the date on the tires you get....you did not say what type of axle, and bearing....if bearing has not been replaced might as well do it all as about 10k you should replace the oem bearings.
rockylarson
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
I think the best time to get new tires is when you start agonizing and losing sleep over the dilemma.
Most of your tires have several good years left in them but since the only unpredictable end point is a blow out.........refer back to first sentence.
2112
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2014
Personally, I would have replaced them last year.
I have had a perfectly good looking tire give out on year 5. From then on they never see year 5.
Brodie3Az
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
The ultimate catch 22 situation.

If you use them and have problems on your trip, the total costs could probably be more and ruin your trip/vacation.

Do it now,in an effort to avoid problems, and the tire warranty may cover repairs to your 5th wheel.

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