Dick_B wrote:
After two years off for the pandemic we decided to check out the trailer in preparation for our August trip. Our tire guy noticed that our Michelin XPS Ribs were made in 2008 which is when we installed them.
Pretty good service we thought so we bought five Rib replacements which should last a lifetime since we are both in our middle 80's.
Someone in their 80's should know better. There are a lot of factors that can lead to premature wear or failure:
Road hazards - A pothole or other hazard can result in immediate failure. Even something such as driving on gravel roads can take a toll.
Punctures - Anything that punctures the sidewall will result in instant failure and cannot be safely repaired. I even had a major slice in the center of the tread due to a piece of sharp volcanic rock.
Heavy loads and underinflation, especially at high operating temps can greatly reduce life or even result in immediate failure.
Tire age - tires dry rot due to UV light but mainly just oxygen. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacement at 7 years or less. That is especially true for tires operating at high loads, but dry rot can kill a tire regardless of load. For reasons I will not try to explain, RV tires are often at much higher risk for dry rot because they are not used frequently and will dry rot faster than tires that are used frequently.
Maybe at 80 years you just don't care anymore. I am in my 70s and would like to live considerably longer.
