Forum Discussion

binary_harbinge's avatar
binary_harbinge
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015

Sidewall Tire Repair

Hello all!
I've recently acquired a 1975 Dodge Executive and thus the beginning of my adventure in RVing! The RV is need of some cosmetic work but the engineering is pristine. I'm very excited.

My question is about tires, though. It has 8R19.5 size tires on it and have plenty of thread on them. With exception that on the sidewalls, there is some cracking due to the extreme Las Vegas heat. The tires hold air fine and as I mentioned, practically no tread wear. The previous owner just had it parked and let the sun get to the sides.

I'm trying to avoid investing in a new set of 6 tires. Especially with this oddball side. I've considered using some sealant and/or that Flexseal stuff. I've read good reviews of it and thought it might be a good fix for otherwise good tires.

Any suggestions for this newbie on sidewall tire repair or just tires in general?

Your help is greatly appreciated!
Class C
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    I sure hope you are joking. Your life depends on those tires and I would not drive across town on them. RV tires rarely ware out the tread, but just rot as yours have done. Replace them.
  • Hemi_RT's avatar
    Hemi_RT
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    If the side walls are cracked there is nothing you can do except replace them. There is nothing you can buy/do to prevent them from blowing out and you sure don't want a blow out at highway speeds. Be safe for yourself and the other people on the road and replace them.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    Welcome to the forum.
    If you are going to drive the MH, you will need new tires. RV tires age out before they wear out.

    A blow out can cause a lot of damage.
    I would start looking for the best deal on your size tires.

    Post some pics of your Executive when you have time.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    No way to repair sidewalls. If you plan on driving it anywhere, a set of tires will be a lot cheaper than what could happen. I would even be really cautious about driving even a short distance to a tire store. You will be lucky if it rolls at all.
  • binary_harbinge's avatar
    binary_harbinge
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    I will post pix soon... thanks!


    Thank you for those who chose to not be all snarky about it. You're seasoned road warriors, I get it. I'm not, so deal.

    Meh... new tires it is...

    The tires are holding air fine, but I totally get the possibility of disaster at speed. It's a 30ft Class C beast so I don't want anything happening.

    I've read about being able to convert from the 8R19.5 to the 225/70R 19.5 tires. They're more affordable and I'm reading that they're more stable.

    Anyone have experience with this?
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    It's a bit of a hard pill to swallow. The tires have plenty of tread and look good. But, they need to be replaced due to age.

    If you're not familiar with it, there is a code on the side of the tire that tells you when they were manufactured.

    Also, check your roof. You want to avoid all leaks. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if not repaired quickly.

    For roof leaks, Eternabond and Dicor Self Leveling Caulk are excellent choices for repairs.

    Definitely check with a tire shop about changing size.

    Please, keep us updated on your progress. Including Pictures. :)
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    binary_harbinger wrote:

    I've read about being able to convert from the 8R19.5 to the 225/70R 19.5 tires. They're more affordable and I'm reading that they're more stable.



    I feel that a good tire shop would be able to tell you if they would interchange with the older tires. I am not a tire expert but, I have heard that there needs to be certain distance between the two tires due to heat buildup. JMO
  • Vulcan_Rider's avatar
    Vulcan_Rider
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    binary_harbinger wrote:

    Thank you for those who chose to not be all snarky about it.

    Anyone have experience with this?


    Stating the facts in a clear and straightforward manner is not being "snarky". Chill.

    I had a similar situation when I got my used C. Tires were about 8 years old and the tread looked perfect. Threw a tread after only 100 miles.

    Replacements cost me $150 each, installed, at an independent truck tire dealer. No reason that you can't go with an equivalent replacement size....as long as it fits the rim properly and is the right load range or higher.

    P.S. When you are going down the road and hear a strange noise....clunk, thump, hiss, etc. STOP as soon as you can safely and do an inspection. NOT stopping can cost you TONS sometimes.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    8R 19.5 tires are not expensive or hard to find.
    Big O tire can get them.
    But I order from Chicago tire they run about $200.00 each including Shipping.
    In fact 6 are $1055.00 delivered at
    http://chicagotireinc.com/8r19-5-tires-GL283A/
    Tell them you want recent date on the tires.
    Find someone to install them and have them shipped directly to them.

    You ,might want to consider buying the motorhome balance beads online instead of balancing. The truck beads did not work for me
    I buy the Samson 8r19.5 and they serve me well

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