Tires - When to change

[rcp123]

We have a 2011 Jayco 314 BDS that still has the original tires.

We do seasonal, but also haul about 3-4 times per summer.

Since we have got it, we have put about 15,000 km ( 10,000 miles) on the tires.

They seem to be in good shape with no cracking, good tread, etc

When should I be looking to replace?

Thanks,

Ryan

[Vulcan_Rider]

Atlee wrote:
And why did you bust beemerphile1's chops.

beemerphile1 wrote:

I would think a senior member of these forums would know.....

I was just returning the jab that he sent my way.

"Senior member" means nothing really as each person reads and remembers different things.

And I DO think that too many abbreviations are used. There are new members every week and some people actually have lives outside of their RV.

[Atlee]

And why did you bust beemerphile1's chops. He wasn't commenting on the quality of, or why ST's should be used.

He was only answering a question. What does ST and MH mean? Nothing more, nothing less. And I see nothing in his post that is incorrect. ST does mean (special trailer) and ST's are the most common tire used on TT's. He doesn't claim there is anything "special" about them.

Vulcan Rider wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:

ST (special trailer) most common tires on trailers
MH (motor home) does not use trailer tires and they are expected to last longer

I would think a senior member of these forums would know.....

And you would be wrong.

So what is "special" about trailer tires ?
And what difference is there with a "motor home" tire ??

When I got mine replaced, I went to a truck tire dealer and got (I assume) truck tires (LT) of the proper size and load range.

I suppose someone will tell me that was the wrong thing to do.

[SprinklerMan]

If they are ST tires , I would change them after 6 or 8 revolutions of the tire ,or 6 days .

[Vulcan_Rider]

Huntindog wrote:

But the ST fans will try to scare you by saying that you must use the exact tire that is on the placard.

I suspect that mine probably says LT anyway.....because it IS built on a light truck/heavy van chassis.

[Huntindog]

Vulcan Rider wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:

ST (special trailer) most common tires on trailers
MH (motor home) does not use trailer tires and they are expected to last longer

I would think a senior member of these forums would know.....

And you would be wrong.

So what is "special" about trailer tires ?
And what difference is there with a "motor home" tire ??

When I got mine replaced, I went to a truck tire dealer and got (I assume) truck tires (LT) of the proper size and load range.

I suppose someone will tell me that was the wrong thing to do.

Yeah, there will be some that tell you that. IMO, and many others, using LT tires when possible is a very good upgrade. So good that quite a few high end TTs either come stock with them, or offer it as an upgrade.
But the ST fans will try to scare you by saying that you must use the exact tire that is on the placard.

[Vulcan_Rider]

beemerphile1 wrote:

ST (special trailer) most common tires on trailers
MH (motor home) does not use trailer tires and they are expected to last longer

I would think a senior member of these forums would know.....

And you would be wrong.

So what is "special" about trailer tires ?
And what difference is there with a "motor home" tire ??

When I got mine replaced, I went to a truck tire dealer and got (I assume) truck tires (LT) of the proper size and load range.

I suppose someone will tell me that was the wrong thing to do.

[rcp123]

No I didn't cover them while in seasonal site. Just never got around to it.

Either way, I think that this will be my last season with them.

Much easier to change them on my time, then sitting on the highway.

Thanks for all the advice.

Ryan

Any suggestion which tire I should buy to replace my current ones with?

[phillyg]

STs are good for 3-5 years if you're lucky, especially some of the poorly made Chinese tires. Yes, there will be some folks who've had STs last forever; it's an anomoly.

[CavemanCharlie]

3 to 5 years ??? I don't wear out a set of tires on my pickup or car in that amount of time. Heck, I would go broke just buying tires for everything I own. lol

[beemerphile1]

Vulcan Rider wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
Industry recommendation is seven years for ST tires and ten years for MH tires.

Too many abbreviations.
Please explain ST and MH.

And why there would be a difference.
Different rubber compounds; different construction ??

ST (special trailer) most common tires on trailers
MH (motor home) does not use trailer tires and they are expected to last longer

I would think a senior member of these forums would know the common abbreviations. If not, they are all listed in the 'Beginning RVing' section.

[Vulcan_Rider]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Industry recommendation is seven years for ST tires and ten years for MH tires.

Too many abbreviations.
Please explain ST and MH.

And why there would be a difference.
Different rubber compounds; different construction ??

[JIMNLIN]

Per Carlisle ST tire;

Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
– 3 to 5 years is the average life expectancy of a trailer tire,regardless of mileage.
– It is estimated that in approximately three years, roughly one-third of a tire's strength is gone
– After three years, depending upon storage and conditions of usage, consider replacing trailer tires even if they have tread depth remaining.

– After five years, trailer tires should be replaced in all cases
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

per Michelin LT tires;

michelin Q&A
**What is the expected service life of tires?
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.**

[Prowler_guy]

I am replacing our tires this week, but they are 25yrs old. We bought the trailer a month ago and towed it 115km home after airing them up. Just rural roads and a max of 80kmh. Totally expected a failure and it never happened. have towed it around town since then, but luck is wearing thin. I plan on changing every 5 years with this and future trailers.

[Campfire_Time]

abc40kids wrote:
I'd go with 5 to 6 years covered or not. If u keep the air up and speeds down and only short trips might get another year out of them.

X2.