taking the plunge - sortof

[tomthyme]

Ok.....I think we're going to do this thing 🙂

We are moving from a 5th wheel to our first Class A. We are looking at pre-owned diesel pushers in the 40+ range. Most of what we are looking at is 2015 and 2016. The miles are typically low, but other than interior wear and tear, I'm not sure what else to look for.

One of my concerns is tires. I know there is something called "lot rot", but I don't know how to spot it. If these rigs have been sitting in storage or on a lot (or a campground for that matter) for a couple of years (under 15,000 miles) how do I be sure the tires are ok? I can see and feel lots of tread, but what else should I be looking for in terms of good, safe tires?

Product lines are Tiffin, Newmar, Entegra, Winnebago btw.

Thanks for your thoughts, ideas and experience!

[Mile_High]

DryCreek wrote:

Trackrig wrote:
That was my early morning humor. The Jeep weighs less than 3,500#.

Bill

YJ? Or possibly a CJ. I think that the TJ line is where the pounds really started adding in to the build. I know my YJ scales in at 3,490 with a full tank (no back seat), but my "Walrus" (JK/Sahara) tips the scale at 4,275 lbs - even with no back seat and the dog on a leash by my side.

Of course, like the weight, the ride and capabilities are a world apart too.

Ya I'm anxious to see how my JKU tows this year. We had a TJ last year. I may be cussing the weight.

[True_temper]

I wouldn't worry about 5 year old tires, I have underwear a lot older than that.

[DryCreek]

Trackrig wrote:
That was my early morning humor. The Jeep weighs less than 3,500#.

Bill

YJ? Or possibly a CJ. I think that the TJ line is where the pounds really started adding in to the build. I know my YJ scales in at 3,490 with a full tank (no back seat), but my "Walrus" (JK/Sahara) tips the scale at 4,275 lbs - even with no back seat and the dog on a leash by my side.

Of course, like the weight, the ride and capabilities are a world apart too.

[dave17352]

Tire age is real. I just came back from a fishing trip about 700 miles round trip. My tires on boat trailer are 8 years old. I tried to buy new ones before we left but they could not get them in. On the way back the tread came off and ripped off one fender. Didn't blow just all the tread came off. Changed to my spare and lucked out with a great tire shop just north of Saint Joseph MO. Tods tires I think. I told then I would take two I was going to use the remaining tire for the spare til I looked at it. It was also coming apart. So I bought 3 tires. Good for another 6 to 8 years. Over the years I have had several come apart on trailers. Also on my previous Class C. For most these tires just sit way to much. JMHO
Dave

[C20]

Dont be afraid of one with some miles. We bought ours 3 years old with 8k on it. First three years we had a lot of problems with it. We retired 4 years ago and now have 70K and the more we drive it the less that goes wrong. These diesels like to get down the road! My point is I'd take a higher mileage one, for less money!

[Trackrig]

tomthyme wrote:

Trackrig wrote:
..... and a hitch rated for 15,000#, that would handle my Jeep.

Bill

I don't understand the 15k hitch requirement for a Jeep. Is it trailered? Or perhaps you are also towing something else?

Thanks again!

That was my early morning humor. The Jeep weighs less than 3,500#.

Bill

[anakindogwalker]

tomthyme wrote:

Trackrig wrote:
..... and a hitch rated for 15,000#, that would handle my Jeep.

Bill

I don't understand the 15k hitch requirement for a Jeep. Is it trailered? Or perhaps you are also towing something else?

Thanks again!

10 K hitch should be enough for a Jeep. Depending on the model, the jeep weighs about 5000 lbs. If putting the jeep on a trailer, add about 2000 lbs for the trailer.

[tomthyme]

one other thought for you guys to weigh in on....if you have time....

There seems to be about a 3-5 year breakpoint when I dip into 2012, 2011, etc. That shaves some cash off the deal for sure. However, mileage seems to be around 40-60k. I don't think there can be too much to worry about chassis wise, but what do you guys think you would look for?

Thanks so much!

[gbopp]

bobkatmsu wrote:
Seems like the correct time to change tires gets shorter and shorter. I remember when I first got on the sight the recommended time was 8 years, then seven, now 5-7. What do manufacturers recommend?

If it was up to the tire manufacturers it would probably be the same as windshield wipers, every six months. :B

[Mile_High]

We bought our 2013 last May, the tires were date coded 2012. I'm thinking I've got until 2019-2020 to start worrying about them. Figure $5k for Michelin (tag axle), others brands for less.

There are tons to look at - gets overwhelming. Wear and tear wise, you probably aren't going to see a lot at 3 years old unless it was really mistreated. Batteries are probably still fine (ours are gas mat and still doing well).

Look for the floorplan you like best, and then you can find it in pretty much any brand and decor.

[tomthyme]

Apologies for not being clear. Yes I meant 40+ feet. Pricing is floating between $225k and $300k.

[tomthyme]

Trackrig wrote:
..... and a hitch rated for 15,000#, that would handle my Jeep.

Bill

I don't understand the 15k hitch requirement for a Jeep. Is it trailered? Or perhaps you are also towing something else?

Thanks again!

[Trackrig]

You're probably right on length vs cost.

I probably had costs on the the brain as we recently looked at new DPs. We're not buying new but our current DP is a 2005 so in another five years we'll be ready to buy a 2015 or 2015. Did like the new Fleetwood Revolution with over 600 HP and a hitch rated for 15,000#, that would handle my Jeep.

Bill

[bobkatmsu]

RLHAMILTON wrote:
A good bet is to replace your tires between 5-7 years from the DOT date on the tire, unless you see cracks before. Good luck!

Seems like the correct time to change tires gets shorter and shorter. I remember when I first got on the sight the recommended time was 8 years, then seven, now 5-7. What do manufacturers recommend?