Tires

I have seen enough damage to MH's, 5'ers, TT's, trailer's, auto's due to tire failures to wonder why people mess with marginal tires. Unlike a bottle of wine, tires do not improve with age. I have to wonder how many people pay to have the tires removed from their rims and inspected inside, that is the only inspection that is worth a dam and even that visual inspection is suspect. I have yet to meet anyone with X ray vision. As far as Michelin's claim that their tires are good for 10 years with inspections, what do they care it's a sales tool, they won't warranty a tire that blows in 2, as it is always customer abuse to them. In the long run it is a fools bet to mess with tires.

Recently, a friend had a blowout on a rear tire on his MH, a 7 y.o Mich, which had been recently inspected and was told they were still good to go, $4100 later he's on the road again. One new tire and rim and body damage repaired, still driving on the other 5 tires. I walked away shaking my head and wishing him luck. So much for inspections.

Have a nice day.

Ummm... I am looking at older gas class A's. should I expect to spend 6 grand on new tires? Is that normal?

Thanks

Topher80, our old tires had date codes of 2006-4306. So, I decided to go through the FMCA Michelin program. The tire center gave me $50 per tire for the take offs.

My total bill for eight tires (295/80R/22.5) XZA2 Energy tires was $5,884.45 plus another $200 for stems, balance and installation (after $400 credit).

The tire center said my old tires at 7.5 yrs. old and 57,700 miles were in good shape.

MM.

5-6 years is a bit extreme, but many will post that they start losing sleep at 5 years old. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. If my tires pass inspection at 7yrs, I'll have them checked annually until 10yrs, then replace them.

Of course, visually inspect them regularly, regardless of age and keep the correct pressure all the time. If a visual problem is discovered, it's time for a change.

fla-gypsy wrote:
The NHTSA states that rubber degradation increases exponentially after 5 years primarily from ozone. Tires should be inspected regularly regardless of age and have more frequent inspection at 5 years. Tires should be replaced at the first signs of problems developing.

And yet, NOBODY has any real limit on tire age! Not the NHTSA, not the DOT, not even the FAA! Yes, the FAA is fine with 20-year-old tires (capped 4-5 times) on the 757 you flew on! The DOT is fine with 15 year old tires on a school bus or a gasoline tanker!

I installed Yokohama 255-70-22.5 tires 3 years ago and have 50,000 miles on them.
Way cheaper than Michelin. Am satisfied.

Mody n Domy wrote:
I had Toyo tires installed on my MH have put on about 2,000 miles so far and I think they ride nicer than the old Goodyear tires.

I had my Toyo's installed a couple of years and 15,000 miles ago. I also think they provide a great ride.

I would have the tires inspected. Mine were manufactured in 06 (7 years in August), and I have them inspected when it is in for it's annual service. They said there are no concerns or reason for me to replace them this year. They have no cracks or bruising, and so far no patches or cuts. If you keep the air pressure up, pass on the tire dressing, they should be good for 7-10 years.

PF&PM wrote:
The tires on my single axle dump truck are 12 years old . They passed inspection .

Thats nice, but your single axle dump truck doesn't have any fiberglass to tear up if one blows. And no fresh or waste water tanks with plumbing, and no where near the electrical wiring!

PF&PM wrote:
The tires on my single axle dump truck are 12 years old . They passed inspection .

Apple & Oranges.
Even with "extensive" motorhome traveling, my sense is that your dump truck usage & mileage is WAY different from the road demands put upon your Kountry Star. IMHO, I just couldn't rest at night if MY coach sported 12 year old rubber.