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!

if you are looking at 2 or 3 year old units, I wouldn't be concerned with tires quite yet. whether they have been driven for 18,000 miles or sat parked most of the time.bumpy

If you're looking at a 2015 or 2016 DP, you're looking at double or triple your $40K price range. And I wouldn't worry about tires on a 15 or 16, you may have to deal with tires on a DP that will be older in the $40K range.Bill

I think he meant 40 foot plus range. I would just check the date codes on the tires to make sure no one has swapped a tire or two. If they're current you're good to go. I would also look to see what kind of annual maintenance was done on the DP.

Trackrig wrote:If you're looking at a 2015 or 2016 DP, you're looking at double or triple your $40K price range. Good point. I thought the OP was talking about length, 40+ feet.I would still check the age of the tires, maybe the original owner changed them before it was traded or sold?

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!

taking the plunge - sortof | Good Sam Community

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
if you are looking at 2 or 3 year old units, I wouldn't be concerned with tires quite yet. whether they have been driven for 18,000 miles or sat parked most of the time.
bumpy
Trackrig
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2017
If you're looking at a 2015 or 2016 DP, you're looking at double or triple your $40K price range. And I wouldn't worry about tires on a 15 or 16, you may have to deal with tires on a DP that will be older in the $40K range.

Bill
Roadpilot
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
I think he meant 40 foot plus range. I would just check the date codes on the tires to make sure no one has swapped a tire or two. If they're current you're good to go. I would also look to see what kind of annual maintenance was done on the DP.
gbopp
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
Trackrig wrote:
If you're looking at a 2015 or 2016 DP, you're looking at double or triple your $40K price range.

Good point. I thought the OP was talking about length, 40+ feet.
I would still check the age of the tires, maybe the original owner changed them before it was traded or sold?
RLHAMILTON
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
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!
bobkatmsu
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
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?
Trackrig
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2017
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
tomthyme
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
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!
tomthyme
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
Apologies for not being clear. Yes I meant 40+ feet. Pricing is floating between $225k and $300k.
Mile_High
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
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.

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