Maintenance & Restoration

blwells45 · 07-14-2015, 02:18 PM

Just bought a FGRV. Previous owner said he had never replaced the tires (I believe he bought it in 2007). Tires appear to be in good shape (no cracks, weather checking, etc). I'd rather not change them if u don't have to. But, I also don't want to blowout while towing either. So, what is considered the age limit of an RV tire?

'78 Trillium 4500 (masquerading as a '79) owner since July '15

Alf S. · 07-14-2015, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blwells45

Just bought a FGRV. Previous owner said he had never replaced the tires (I believe he bought it in 2007). Tires appear to be in good shape (no cracks, weather checking, etc). I'd rather not change them if u don't have to. But, I also don't want to blowout while towing either. So, what is considered the age limit of an RV tire?

'78 Trillium 4500 (masquerading as a '79) owner since July '15

Hi: blwells45... Go directly to your RV dealer. Do not pass go... Do not collect $200. Get them replaced with good dated new ST Radial trailer tires. Then you will know they're good and safe!!! Keep an old one for a spare if they're radials.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Bob Miller · 07-14-2015, 02:27 PM

For those that believe in tire aging issues (such as moi) as the general rule-of-thumb seems to be between 6-8 years, I try to replace my tires on or about their 7th birthday.

Unfortunately, a tire can look almost "Like New" on the outside, yet can have cord and belt breakdown inside.

Considering the high risk and cost of a blowout on the road, starting with new tires will not only add to the safety margin, but it will be one less thing to worry about with your new rig.

gordon2 · 07-14-2015, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf S.

... Keep an old one for a spare...

If they should not be used on the trailer, then they should not be used as a spare. They are still good for plating flowers however.

BTW, a little searching will show recent discussions on this very topic, including:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ire-70418.html

Byron Kinnaman · 07-14-2015, 02:36 PM

To me the cost of new tires compared to the cost of the trailer is not a lot. Yes I understand busting the budget in purchasing the trailer, common enough. However one has to ask one's self if a blow out and possibly trailer totaled is worth not getting new tires. As time goes on you'll learn how to budget for things like this.
If the tires were at the point of needing replacement when the previous owner bought it, you're really looking for trouble by not replacing them. At any rate it appears that they're at least 8 years old. I replace mine every 5 years whether needed or not.

**Jim Bennett** · 07-14-2015, 03:17 PM

My Goodyear Marathons bought new with the trailer are now just over 6 years old, and look great, though I understand that there is more than meets the eye. I asked my tire store manager about changing them, and he said they they don't start checking them out until 7 years. The ones on his own trailer were 8 years old this spring, and he was thinking of changing them despite them looking good.

Another thing to watch, is the valve stems. This spring, one of mine cracked when topping off the pressure, and had to be replaced.

Dennis mn · 07-14-2015, 04:00 PM

For my trailer, it's going to be Friday.

I recently check the build dates on mine and discovered that time had slipped away since I replaced the originals. I did; however, get ten good years out of them!

CampyTime · 07-14-2015, 04:08 PM

Where do you check the build dates? Is it stamped on the tire with the inflation pressures?

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Alf S. · 07-14-2015, 04:16 PM

Hi: CampyTime... Tire mfg. dates, 4 digit code, are usually in a raised oval area on the inside sidewall. (0115) would be the first week of 2015 etc.
On our 2007 5.0 Escape all the valve stems went bad...even the unused spare. $10. apiece to replace them...cheap insurance against blowouts.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie;wave

Dennis mn · 07-14-2015, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: CampyTime... Tire mfg. dates, 4 digit code, are usually in a raised oval area on the inside sidewall. (0115) would be the first week of 2015 etc.
On our 2007 5.0 Escape all the valve stems went bad...even the unused spare. $!0. apiece to replace them...cheap insurance against blowouts.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie;wave

They may also be on the outside sidewall, depending on how they were mounted, but you only find them on one sidewall. That is to protect the tire builder from burns as he changes the plate in a hot tire mould!

Cathi · 07-14-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: blwells45... Go directly to your RV dealer. Do not pass go... Do not collect $200. Get them replaced with good dated new ST Radial trailer tires. Then you will know they're good and safe!!! Keep an old one for a spare if they're radials.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

x2
Nothing to do with what they look like. Need replacing at about 5-6 years.

Bob Miller · 07-14-2015, 05:59 PM

Ooooh... I don't know if I would go to my RV dealer for tires though.
They are usually more expensive about everything and there is a good chance that the tires in their stock may already have more age on them due to low turnover.

Any decent tire dealer, if they don't have ST tires in stock, can usually get them in a day or two.
My favorite tire source, if youi have them in your area, remains America's Tire/Discount Tireday.

Cathi · 07-14-2015, 06:19 PM

Our RV place does not sell tires and probably many do not. The question though becomes --- Which tires? There are so many bad reviews on so many tires that I don't know what we would be getting. Marathon is what we last had and those are switched to Carlisles, both with great and awful reviews. Some like their Maxxis.

Alf S. · 07-14-2015, 06:43 PM

Hi: All... Last year I replaced the tires, Goodyear Marathon Radials, on our 2007 Escape 5.0. $75. ea and a pair of chrome wheels $75.ea with brass stems. I thought a good price from my RVTech. He ordered in the tires and they were dated within 6 months!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

rbryan · 07-14-2015, 06:59 PM

Tire life is also affected by the climate you live in, how the trailer is stored and for how long. In the desert southwest for example, if a trailer is stored in direct sunlight, the tires will deteriorate more rapidly. I agree that it should be kept as simple as possible, so the 'rule of thumb' of 8 years is a good one - regardless of what the tires look like. If it's in dry and high UV climate, maybe more frequently.

CampyTime · 07-14-2015, 07:02 PM

Thank you for that info, Alf and Dennis. I appreciate it.

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blwells45 · 07-14-2015, 09:16 PM

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment for inspection on Monday. I'll just have new tires put on as part of it. Having them wire the Forester for the 7 pin connector as well.

'78 Trillium 4500 (masquerading as a '79) owner since July '15

Darral T. · 07-15-2015, 08:58 AM

This subject has just came up in the Yahoo Scampers group. Most are swearing by the Kuhmo Tires.

I personally feel the major "destructor" of tires (if they're kept off the ground and covered from the sun) is not age, it's #1 Overloading #2 Under-inflation....not in a certain order.

**Jim Bennett** · 07-15-2015, 09:01 AM

My tires are designed to be on the ground, this is how they work.

Kidding aside, with our lightweight trailers, I too think that under inflation is definitely about the biggest wear factor. This is why manufacturers usually recommend max pressure, or at least not have them under inflated.