tire age

Only blowouts I have had were on tires less than 2 years old.

I disagree, 'EXECUTIVE". A qualified tire technician will know where and what to look for with the tire inflated and jacked up so a 360 degree check can be made. Mostly you are looking for cuts or belt separations. Cuts are obvious, belt separations will begin showing up in the tread grooves nearest the shoulders.
I suppose in a very, very minor number of cases you may discover a problem inside, but in my many years I found most cases signs of problems with radials will transfer and make itself known on the outside, again if you know what you are really looking for..

'40 years in the tire industry; seen it all and done most of it"

One thing not mentioned is to "properly" inspect a tire, that tire must be DISMOUNTED, that is, removed from the rim and inspected from the INSIDE. Few people want to go thru that hassle so the tires are really never inspected properly. I believe it's irresponsible to suggest driving on 10 yr old tires without that caveat.....Dennis

I am constantly amazed at how many people immediately place responsibility for a blowout on age. What about underinflation/overoad, pinch shock that happened a few hundred miles ago but just now decided to let go, etc., etc.

In my many years I have done hundreds of "s**** tire analysis", and can honestly tell you a vast majority of the blowouts were due to maintenance problems, and not age. If I was to name the primary cause it would be cheap radial tires.

"40 years in the tire industry; seen it all and done most of it"

parkmanaa wrote:
Obviously, if they are the original tires on that 1999 unit, they are in bad need of replacement.
After you have determined the age, don't fall into that marketing gimmick of replacing at "5 or 6 years". If they are a major brand, go to that manufacturer's website and review their age recommendations. If they are not a major brand, go to Goodyear or Michelin's website and check their recommendation.
You will probably find something to the effect "inspect thoroughly annually and replace at 10 years, regardless of visual condition."

While at that major co. website suggest you check their pressure/load chart to determine, by axle, the pressure you should be carrying in your tires. Size & load range are all you need; brand doesn't matter.

"40 years in the tire industry; seen it all and done most of it"

Except that if you do not know how the tires where maintained then the tire makers recommendation flies out the window.
Better to replace them to soon than wait to long. I speak of experience. Waited had 3 blowouts on one trip.
IT IS CALLED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE or replace them earlier waste a little money have a blowout risk your rig.

If after you read the tire. they are more than 4 years old. Replace them. Tires that sit dry out. Rolling makes the side walls flex, and the flexing oils the tire. A tire used often will last much longer than a tire sitting.

Obviously, if they are the original tires on that 1999 unit, they are in bad need of replacement.
After you have determined the age, don't fall into that marketing gimmick of replacing at "5 or 6 years". If they are a major brand, go to that manufacturer's website and review their age recommendations. If they are not a major brand, go to Goodyear or Michelin's website and check their recommendation.
You will probably find something to the effect "inspect thoroughly annually and replace at 10 years, regardless of visual condition."

While at that major co. website suggest you check their pressure/load chart to determine, by axle, the pressure you should be carrying in your tires. Size & load range are all you need; brand doesn't matter.

"40 years in the tire industry; seen it all and done most of it"