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jesseannie's avatar
jesseannie
Explorer
Mar 10, 2016

Another tire question

I have a travel trailer that I purchased used. It was stored in a lot when not being used. Evidently the drivers side faced the sun. In the Hot Phoenix summers the tires on that side became checked and cracked.
The passenger side tires are just fine.
I am considering just replacing the damaged tires with an identical tire. There is a lot of tread on the good tires.
Question: Should I put a new tire and an old tire on the same side instead of both new tires on the same side? Or do you think it matters?

jesseannie
  • How old are all the tires?
    AMount of tread has litle bearing on useful life left in tire.
    The tires sit and bake in the sun or shade and the compounds in them are disapated into the atmosphere. in your scenario ANY TIRE OVER 5 years old should be replaced. Tires should be covered when not in use.
  • I would replace them all given that one side is badly deteriorated the others can't be great.
  • Jesseannie - I'm an AZ resident too. First thing, check the manufacturing date on the tires to see how old they are. You'll find a code with four digits. For example, if you see 3911, it means the tires were manufactured in the 39th week of 2011.

    My assumption is that your tires are older than five years. If so, please do yourself a favor and replace all of them. This includes the spare if it's over five years too.

    Even though the tires that had the most sun exposure show the serious damage, I'll bet you that the others are also showing signs of upcoming failure. You certainly don't want to have a tire failure while on the road. It can be very expensive, do damage to your trailer, and put you and others on the road at risk.

    Jim
  • Those good tire may look ok on the outside but inside is where the story is. ST tires need to be replaced every 3-5 years according to Carlisle anyway. They need to be broken down and the insides checked by a experienced tire tech that knows what to look for.

    Do to braking issues always put the new tires on the same axle. The new tires tread can have more grip especially on wet pavement. The older tires may slide first under those circumstances.
  • If those tire say made in china get rid of them immediately and replace with tires made anywhere else.
  • Minimal tread wear is not an indication of health for TT tires. The previous owner obviously didn't know how to take care of them, so I'd replace them all - spare too.
  • Max years for ST tires, if that's what's on the TT, is 3-5 years. I'm guessing they're all older than that, in which case you should change them all out. If you disagree and use the two good tires, put them both on the rear axle and put new ones on the front.
  • The tires are three years old that is why I was thinking of only buying two.
    Thanks for all your input most was helpful.
    I will probably just bite the bullet and replace all four, it is worth the peace of mind.
    jesseannie
  • Check the spare tire also!!! Many times that tire is neglected!!!

    Good choice on replacing all 4.

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