Long road trip question.

DSDP Don wrote:
"eDUBz".....If you decide to replace them, don't go with trailer tires. Replace them with LT (Light Truck) tires. They'll hold up much better than any trailer tires you'll buy, especially on something like a toy hauler.

i have 15" wheels dont i need to get 16" wheels? Its only 5 lug who makes 5 make lug 16 inch wheels?

My Springdale TT started getting cracks in the original factory supplied tires after 3 years. I was a little concerned, but decided to wait. In the 4th year, the cracks didn't appear to grow, but didn't go away either. 5th year, I decided to change them. I never had problems simply because they began to form little cracks. I think if you use your camper, keep it rolling on the road, it will keep the remaining rubber pliable and slow down the cracking. Rubber needs to be flexed and used.

However, no one can make the decision for you. I will suggest though, if it troubles you, or you have any questions or doubts, then follow your gut instincts and get new tires. Worry on the road with the original tires can absolutely rob your joy and fun on your trip. So, if it will gnaw away at you, go ahead and change them, and travel with peace of mind.

If you have the money, I'd get new tires. Especially for the peace of mind you'll enjoy. It is no fun to drive white knuckled worrying about a blowout. I am replacing my tires and they are 4 years old. They are also China bombs. Did I mention, that I had a blowout that causes $3,000....?sigh...
I am choosing to replace all the tires with a fresh set on Saturday for the piece of mind!

I had not quite 4 year old tires on the fiver I recently bought, first trip out with it, blow out going to destination and another coming home. Was in the motor home thinking mode, 5 yrs as approx....had good tires for another year or two. Wrong. 3 tire places told me 3 to 4 year for trailer tires

Replaced all 4 before next trip and upgraded the load range.

Better safe than sorry. My tires looked almost new, were inflated correctly and sure I was not overloaded. Not fun sitting on side of Interstate, by myself with my pup. Good Sam did an excellent job for me both times.

My advice, after my experience...get new tires before you leave.

Another thought. When you buy your new tires, tell the dealer that you want tires with the date code in this year. Otherwise, you could end up with leftover tires a couple of years old. If you don't know about the date code, google "Tire date code". That will tell the dealer that you know something about tires.

tenbear wrote:
Another thought. When you buy your new tires, tell the dealer that you want tires with the date code in this year. Otherwise, you could end up with leftover tires a couple of years old. If you don't know about the date code, google "Tire date code". That will tell the dealer that you know something about tires.

Thanks. Didnt think of that. Im buying tires within the next week or so.

A couple thoughts.
There is quite a debate over ST vs. LT tires. Read and make your own decision on that. I stuck with Maxxis ST tires. So far I am quite happy.
Old date code and cracks would argue for replacement.
In any case, get a good TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). I use TST (truck systems technology). That alone brings some peace of mind. I had it for 2 or 3 years and nothing ever happened. Then twice in a month, the alarm went off and I was able to stop BEFORE hundreds of $ damage was done. Then I bought 4 Maxxis.
Good luck.

eDUBz wrote:

tenbear wrote:
Glad you looked at the tires and found the cracks. Still curious about the date.

1-19-12

Somehow I missed this post.

The date code is 4 digits. The first 2 are the week, the other 2 are the year. 1-18-12 would be 0312, the third week of 2012. Maybe the 1-18-12 is the purchase date. I am curious what the date code is.

tenbear wrote:

eDUBz wrote:

tenbear wrote:
Glad you looked at the tires and found the cracks. Still curious about the date.

1-19-12

Somehow I missed this post.

The date code is 4 digits. The first 2 are the week, the other 2 are the year. 1-18-12 would be 0312, the third week of 2012. Maybe the 1-18-12 is the purchase date. I am curious what the date code is.

Sorry it's 1912. I'm ordering Maxxis m8008 D rated tires in the next couple of days or so.

Someone mentioned using tires with visible cracks. I wouldn't. That is a sign of "dry rot" and the tires are definitely weakened.

BTW, the age of the tire and exposure to direct sunlight are only two factors. Tires deteriorate due to lack of use. I know that sounds crazy but I had an unused spare tire that cracked after about 4 years. The tire had been stored up under the bed of my pickup. A tire expert explained the issue. Tires have compounds to protect against UV light and oxidation. These compounds are weathered away but are replaced from within the rubber when the tire becomes hot and flexes.