On a Wanderlodge forum the endless subject of tires recently came up. I think it has been commonly agreed on B-Mobile that 6 years is the proper replacement timescale for tires on your RV, but Michelin has a different philosophy (at least according to members who have attended their talks at Rallies).

Michelin says on 22.5 and larger tires that ten years is acceptable as long as any sidewall cracks do not exceed the width of a US dime.

This is somewhat encouraging to me for two reasons, 1) my tires go for about $900 each, and 2) I used to think even a hint of cracking was terminal.

I've recently purchased tire covers for my RV and trailer to help preserve them from the Florida sun.

I might be inclined to go with the 10 year statement if it wasn't followed by the dime crack qualifyer. I wouldn't trust any tire with any sidewall checking whatsoever. Covering your tires from the sun will give a lot of protection against checking from UV rays, but rolling them down the road under proper pressure will keep them structurally sound better. [imho]

I also think they should be moved at least once a month. Tire covers are also a must have. my first pair went in a year because of the sun and heat.The side away from the sun will go this it means a lot down here.
lenny

The sun also does a number on interior surfaces. I have snap-on covers that you can see through from the inside that block most UV rays. The door has a curtain on the inside.

I have been quoted $2200 for 6 tires 265/80R 22.5 on my MCC which have bridgestones now that have very low mileage but are about 4 +? years old....is this reasonable? And if no cracks and good tread and they hold their air pressure, then going with the Michelin idea of 10 years in a more northern climate would be worthwhile??

What is the date code on the tires Doug?

Is it possible for tires to not have the DOT stamp? My Firestones were installed 3 yrs ago but I can't find any stamped codes. There is a spot labelled "brand lightly here" but no numbers. Are these bootleg tires? They are made in Japan but I thought they should still be stamped.
Since motor homes rarely wear out their tires I felt that a high mileage premium tire was not needed, especially on the tag axle. The tires I put on the tag axle in March were Advanced Radial (Chinese made, naturally) and these are not stamped either. Maybe only US made tires are stamped? I am a little nervous about the ages of these tires, I know when they were installed but how old were they then? Fortunately they all seem to be in good shape, sidewalls, etc.
I suspect that tires in the way North will last longer due to less UV, lower temps, less ozone but there are so many variables.

Did you look on the inside of the tires Steve? The backside I mean. It would not surprise me if a tire installer put them where they are hard to see, especially if they were already aged. Because they are stamped, I have only ever seen them on one side of the tire.

I looked again more closely. None of the tires are stamped in the part labelled "brand here." The Firestones are stamped nearer the bead among other writing, but they have DOT prefixes. The tag tires are stamped with some similar numbers but no DOT prefix.
It appears my 3 yr old Firestones are actually over 5 yrs old (bummer) and my "new" tag axle tires are already over 2 years old (maybe why they were so reasonably priced!) The Firestones actually look really good for that age, sidewalls are shiny and smooth, no cracks. Should get at least a couple more years. Paul (PO) used UV blocker on them and they were covered when stored.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
................................... I suspect that tires in the way North will last longer due to less UV, lower temps, less ozone but there are so many variables.

There are a lot of variables, but my firm belief is that sitting does more harm to tires than anything else. Tires are molded with a preservative in the rubber. Sun, ozone, just plain oxygen depletes the surface layer of this preservative. Driving generates internal heat as the tire flexes, and a little more preservative "blooms" out to add more protection. Also, sitting allows the bulge to stay in one spot, stressing one part of the sidewalls more than the rest for a long time.

That is why some tire makers say add air pressure for storage or put it up on blocks. Goodyear also says to move every three months, but to avoid moving in extremely cold weather. Having grown up just south of Luverne, I know the driving in winter can be a problem where you live.

I am doing this ass backwards in that I am here in Nova Scotia and the the MCC is at MCR being serviced and they are recommending for me to change tires but the don't take plastic but straight cheques... so I don't know what the tires are like and just going by their reputation
...well, maybe somewhere else??

...well I found out that they are Bridgestone? and were new in 2004 and that new tires will be around 2200...so if I go by the michelin rationale they should be good for another three years depending how much mileage is being put on them??

They're pushing the seven-year limit. You can change them there, do it at home, or somewhere on the side of the road.

quote:

Originally posted by Doug Smiley:
I found out that they are Bridgestone... new in 2004... so if I go by the michelin rationale they should be good for another three years...

Ok then... sounds like you made up your mind already.