We have a 2006 Winnebago Outlook W31C that we bought new. It hasn't had a lot of use in the last couple of years. I have had tire covers on it trying to keep the tires from dry rotting and cracking but I noticed the other day that they are showing tiny cracks in the sidewalls. We are getting ready to be out a couple of months with the rig and now I'm not sure if I need to replace the tires on it or not. They only have 15400 miles on them but they are the original tires that came on the rig so they are 6+ years old. Is there a general rule of thumb on this cracking as or would I be better off just replacing them now? It currently has MICHELIN LTX M/S tires on it.

I replaced my Michelins 2 years ago on our 2006 at 5 years due to excessive sidewall cracking. jmho, have them inspected by a trusted pro tire shop.Replaced the Michies with Hankooks. Hankooks still look like the day they were put on after several thousand miles and going on 2 years.I just don't mess with tires. Years ago had a couple blowouts on 5+ year old tires. No major damage, but learned one thing. I don't mess with extending the age of tires. I get them inspected, and if need replacing, the piggy bank gets robbed.Personal peace of mind while going down the road = priceless.

Unfortunately, a lot of tire problems have recently been identified as being caused by lack of use. It happens that the elasomers that bind the different materials in the tires age out. Used or not, they go bad. Some evidence even suggests that used more is better for tire life. Michelin has even gone to recommending that tires over 7 years old be regularly inspected and replaced regardless of tread wear before 10 years. Did you hear that the NASA space suits that are no display are falling apart as the rubber parts fail?? Matt

they need to go, BUT there,s some kind of big discount if you buy thru a club thats on here. I don,t know much about it , maybe some body can explain it.

Tough call. Replacement would be the safest and for peace of mind. Because of the age, not the miles.

I just replaced my 22.5 rear rear dual tires through the michelin advantage RV tire program (FMCA) The tire shop manager told me that driving the motor home 25 miles a month would stopo the sidewall cracking. I am going to try to see if I can do,

Tires, replace or not | Good Sam Community

Bob___Ann
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
We have a 2005 and replaced ours last March. They were like new but were afraid of the age factor. We went with Michelins through the FMCA program.
deleted-2
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
We had a 5 year old tire separate last year on the way home from a trip.
It was a Towmax from Les Schwab.

Tires looked great, yet it still didn't hold up.
The tire was replaced under warranty.

Been trying to keep a close eye on air pressure and covering when parked.

I've been told more than once start worrying about tires when they're approaching five years.
zekegb
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
Replaced our Michelins with new Michelins at 7 years as recommended using FMCA discount program, even though tread looked good. Had a friend who didn't get around to it and had blowout going down freeway on 5th wheel. Not worth trying to stretch out wear for another trip. Being able to sleep at night is important.
golf_bears
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
RV Volunteers CONUS has it right. Take his advice and you'll enjoy your summer travels a lot more. You'll also sleep better not worrying about the tires.
wny_pat1
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
To quote Michelin concerning years of service for RV tires: "Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually."
www.michelinrvtires.com/assets/pdf/RVTiresBrochure.pdf
imgoin4it
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
I just replaced my 22.5 rear rear dual tires through the michelin advantage RV tire program (FMCA) The tire shop manager told me that driving the motor home 25 miles a month would stopo the sidewall cracking. I am going to try to see if I can do,
Jayco-noslide
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
Tough call. Replacement would be the safest and for peace of mind. Because of the age, not the miles.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2013
they need to go, BUT there,s some kind of big discount if you buy thru a club thats on here. I don,t know much about it , maybe some body can explain it.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2013
Unfortunately, a lot of tire problems have recently been identified as being caused by lack of use. It happens that the elasomers that bind the different materials in the tires age out. Used or not, they go bad. Some evidence even suggests that used more is better for tire life. Michelin has even gone to recommending that tires over 7 years old be regularly inspected and replaced regardless of tread wear before 10 years.

Did you hear that the NASA space suits that are no display are falling apart as the rubber parts fail??

Matt
RV_CONUS
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
I replaced my Michelins 2 years ago on our 2006 at 5 years due to excessive sidewall cracking. jmho, have them inspected by a trusted pro tire shop.

Replaced the Michies with Hankooks. Hankooks still look like the day they were put on after several thousand miles and going on 2 years.

I just don't mess with tires. Years ago had a couple blowouts on 5+ year old tires. No major damage, but learned one thing. I don't mess with extending the age of tires. I get them inspected, and if need replacing, the piggy bank gets robbed.

Personal peace of mind while going down the road = priceless.

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