Tire Replacement

1fanman wrote:
Greetings fellow Rv'ers, 1fanman here looking for an opinion, my Bounder still has the original tires and batteries, the tires show hardly any wear at all and are always protected from the elements, the batteries are checked by-weekly when parked for the winter and weekly when in use, my question to you is, should I have them (tires and Batteries) replaced because the are out of service time limits? I would appreciate all serious replies. Thanks and happy camping.
1Fanman

No tire manufacture recommends running their tires after 10yrs, no matter what their condition appears to be on the outside.
Don't worry about the batteries until they're no good anymore. If the chassis bat goes, you have your aux start to get you going and if the house goes, then not a biggie either and both can wait until you find the nearest Sam's, Walmart or other. Last time I changed our house batteries out, we were on the other side of the country in WA state and decided to do so after a night of dry camping. Pulled into a Sam's, had some lunch and changed them out in the parking lot, while DW shopped inside for awhile. That was in 09 and they are still doing well for the most part.

Good advice to change tires. I have had good luck with Michelins. FMCA program saved me money! I had very poor Goodyears, blowouts, etc!

If you are considering Goodyears, Google "Goodyear Florida Lawsuit" and ask yourself if you want to spend a dime with these people.

Anecdotally, seems like most folks start to experience tread separation and/or blowouts at six years on MHs, and three years on TTs and FWs, the difference being towed vehicles are generally riding on ST tires. That doesn't mean that some folks don't get many more years, and you are a prime example. I don't know why that happens, but I think you're overdue for tire replacement.

If you are member of FMCA, look into the fleet tire program for Michelin RV tires, I saved about $100/tire the last time I bought tires (x6 tires - not trivial).

If you are not a member JOIN, you will recover the membership cost with your tire purchase several times over.

I appreciate the responses and will heed your thoughts and have the tires replaced before hitting the road again. Thanks again.
1Fanman/AKA Del

Mr.Mark wrote:
Del, I agree with the others. Replace the tires and check the batteries as stated from Wolf and Executive.

Just curious though, how many miles on the tires?

MM.

24000 miles

I replace my tires @ 6 yrs. A blow out can cost $$$$$ to fix the wheel well. I've seen the damage caused by this. Safety is the primary issue!

I would do the tires as soon as possible. A blow out at speed can be pretty scary and difficult or even impossible to control resulting in more than a trip delay waiting for your ERS to show up. Plus buying a tire on the side of the road can be pretty expensive. If the tread separates it could beat the coach to death and can cause heavy coach damage until you can get to the side of the road.

Dead batteries can more of an inconvenience than a life or death situation as with tires. Dead engine battery you can cross connect with the house batteries or get a jump. If the house batteries die you'll loose the fridge, HVAC, water pump and such unless your converter can pick up the slack. If you have two or more house/chassis batteries replace them all at once. A failing battery in a set could take the new battery with it.

Priorities - Tires (all six), house batteries then engine.

This is my experience batteries usually 4 years and tires usually 10 years.

Del, I agree with the others. Replace the tires and check the batteries as stated from Wolf and Executive.

Just curious though, how many miles on the tires?

MM.