Tire Replacements

[coldspiderrave]

Me and my wife have never owned an RV, but we are seriously looking at a Class C. I heard that no matter what you will need to replace your tires every couple years. Is this true? I would intend to cover them when we are not using it, but I am told that won't save them. I also understand they are EXPENSIVE. Thanks a bunch!!

[DaHose]

RV tires are supposed to be good for 7 years. The Firestones I just took off of ours were still rolling fine, but had a date code of 1998. YIKES! I bought a replacement set of 6 Firestone's for $1200.

Be warned that L/T (light truck) tires have expected duty life of 5 years. My understanding is that the plasticizers (sp?) in MH tires are different than L/T, which is where you get the extra 2 year life span. YMMV.

Jose

Jose

[Bordercollie]

Tires on an RV slowly go bad just from sitting still for weeks with the weight of the RV, sun and weather damage. I have had Michelins develop sidewall cracks in 4 years. Wise to keep them covered to protect from sun damage and to drive the rig once a week just to keep the tires rotating and for engine, transmission and brake health. Try to learn all of the cost factors of owning and maintaining a new or used RV before you get into RV'ing. It's like owning an airplane or a cabin cruiser boat. Buying an old used motorhome can be expensive depending on how much DIY you can do and what it needs currently and will need eventually. Be aware of roof leak damage and what it costs to fix. Air Conditioners,Fridges, and Generators are expensive to have repaired or replaced. This forum has a wealth of information but you will need to use the search engine and ask the right questions sifting through brand loyalty opinons, etc.

[snowdance]

Like others said 5 - 6 years for all RVs is wise. Most often when a tire blows the tread comes off and flings around often doing thousands of dollars of damage. Tires have a date when made. You can search and find lots of info. Some times you may buy new tires that are years old. So need to watch what they sell you. Cost of new tires on most RVs is not near as much as fixing the rig after a failed tire tears it up. Our C got all new tires last year and cost about $1200 dollars. Friend just fixed his trailer where a 8 year old tire came apart and took out the heater, fridge and stove. Cost was $12,000 and off the road for 3 months. New tires would have saved him time and money.

[skipnchar]

You're not likely to burn the rubber off of them and as long as alignment is kept in good shape there should be no reason to change tires anywhere NEAR that often. Pretty much the same rules apply to RVs as any other vehicles. when tread wears down or they reach 5 or 6 years after the manufacture date.

[rvten]

Tires should be good for 5-6 years.
Some people keep them longer.