7 Year Old Tires

[Mike In NY]

The tires on my Class A are now 7 years old.
The Michelin tires only have 24,000 miles on them.
There is no checking or cracking, dry rot etc on side walls.
Is it really critical to replace them at 7 years, or is it just a sales gimmick.
Interested in your opinions.

[tedgard01]

Hummmmm.... I don't think anyone has asked that before.....

[Old-Biscuit]

RV tires AGE OUT............

Replace NOW
OR you can do it along side the road AND then have body shop repair damages to RV

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Mike In NY

The tires on my Class A are now 7 years old.
The Michelin tires only have 24,000 miles on them.
There is no checking or cracking, dry rot etc on side walls.
Is it really critical to replace them at 7 years, or is it just a sales gimmick.
Interested in your opinions.

I don't know where you get the idea it's a "sales gimmick" because Michelin doesn't say that. The 7 year "rule" is an Internet myth.
Here's what Michelin and TOYO put out in print:

Michelin Technical Bulletin

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
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.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

Toyo RV Safety

Tire Damage and Aging (Non-Commercial Use)
Vehicle operating conditions and tire maintenance practices vary widely. Tires should be routinely checked for damage or signs of fatigue or aging. This should be done at scheduled vehicle maintenance intervals and preferably on a lift so that the tires can be thoroughly inspected by a tire professional.
Tire longevity is extremely dependent on factors such as air pressure maintenance. It is recommended that tires be thoroughly examined by a tire professional after reaching five years of service. Even tires with serviceable tread remaining may require replacement prior to wearing out. Tires which have reached a remaining tread depth of 4/32nd should be replaced.
The age of your tire can be determined by reading the sidewall. Every tire has a 10 or 11 digit DOT (Department of Transportation) identifying number on one sidewall.
The last 3 or 4 digits are the most important to you. Older tires have 3 digits, the first two identifying the week of manufacture and the third digit the year when the tire was made. Tires made between 1990 and 1999 may have a triangle alongside the numbers. As from January 2000 4 digits are used, the first two give the week of manufacture and the last two digits tell the year the tire was made.

I recently replaced all 8 tires on my rig, all were dated '07. Both inside and outside they looked great and I feel I could easily have gone another year or so. But the 365/70 tires were in short supply (had to wait 2 months for them to be preduced and shipped) so I went ahead with the change.

[tedgard01]

Do you store inside or outside?

Is it parked on asphalt, concert, dirt, grass or other?

Do you rotate the tires each year and have them internally and externally examined by a tire expert?

In seven years you only have 24,000 miles, which equates to < 3,500 / yr, and tires wear better when used than when sitting for long periods of time.... Have you heard of tires getting flat spots... Did you drive 24,000 miles the first year and park it for six years?

Do you store with the jacks down or up?

Do you have a few thousand dollars to spend?

How often do you change the tires on your cars and how many miles do you put on them per year, or do you just wait until the tread depth says that they need to be replaced?

[stepside454]

I had a tire blow last year , inside right rear . I knew they were old , 7 years actually , but they were in great condition , no visible cracks , good tread , always checked pressure .

[tedgard01]

I have a friend that got new tires and after pulling out of the shop, and driving down the freeway a few miles, he had a tire blow out.

Inside tires many times blow out because the valve stems get a leek and deflate more than they do from age...

With all the blow outs you hear about, there are millions more tires that never blow out....

[SuperGewl]

you can pay them now or you can pay them and the MH repair shop later
It's up to you, but at lest take it to a tire shop and have them checked if you willing to take that chance.

[Unplanned]

Looks like you may or may not have 3 more years left in those tires??? At least put new fronts on and keep the speed reasonable.

[Bowserdoug]

I just replaced all 6 tires on my rig. Four of them were 8 years old and the two inside rears were 13 years old. Those oldest ones and the others still looked fine from the outside and the inside, no cracks or apparent wear other than tread depth. ( inspected by tire shop ). I know I will sleep better knowing the tires are new but sometimes I wonder about the 5-7 year limit we all hear about.

[Clomok]

I run a commercial truck fleet up here in Oregon, (we also run capped tires) I have my drivers replace tires basset on age over wear...I have thrown away a lot of in used tires that were in storage because they aged out. We have tried running older tires and they have ALL blown out.

I will not run a virgin tire passed 5 years, cap passed 7, after that time they get pulled and trashed regardless of tread


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[tedgard01]

Originally Posted by Clomok

.... commercial truck fleet up here in Oregon.....

We have tried running older tires and they have ALL blown out.

I will not run a virgin tire passed 5 years, cap passed 7

Well, there you have it... No need to question the all knowing man of experience....

You heard him, every tire that is "older", ALL have blown out.... I guess we are all doomed!!!! Run for your lives to get ALL "new" tires today! Don't pass go, don't collect $200...

I hate to tell you, if used for 5 years, they lost that status a long time ago....

Hummmm, now let's me think, does driving an RV for < 15K miles per year truly compare with commercial fleet driving conditions??? If the fleet driving is every day, 8 to 12 hours a day, for five years, would that be the same as 500 miles, then stop and camp in one place for a month....

Hummmm, just thinking.....

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

Well, there you have it... No need to question the all knowing man of experience....

You heard him, every tire that is "older", ALL have blown out.... I guess we are all doomed!!!! Run for your lives to get ALL "new" tires today! Don't pass go, don't collect $200...

I hate to tell you, if used for 5 years, they lost that status a long time ago....

Hummmm, now let's me think, does driving an RV for < 15K miles per year truly compare with commercial fleet driving conditions??? If the fleet driving is every day, 8 to 12 hours a day, for five years, would that be the same as 500 miles, then stop and camp in one place for a month....

Hummmm, just thinking.....

Doomed!!!

It's more the rubber then actual miles, we've had bad luck with older tires and replacing is cheaper then a road call. Tires are expensive and that's why we run caps too (thicker tread, longer mile life)



But that being said, I'm sure you could run out drive tires longer then Steers (for a blow out senerio


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[OLYLEN]

An attitude adds nothing to the conversation. Options were asked for. I replaced mine the last time with about 6 years on them, reason doing Alaska and wanted to lower my possible problems, but would have replaced anyway. You could as recommended by the manufacturer pull the tires and inspect, but be prepaired to replace. Non use ages tires as does wear.

LEN

[select55]

Originally Posted by Mike In NY

The tires on my Class A are now 7 years old.
The Michelin tires only have 24,000 miles on them.
There is no checking or cracking, dry rot etc on side walls.
Is it really critical to replace them at 7 years, or is it just a sales gimmick.
Interested in your opinions.

there good to go even Michelin says 10 years as long as a full inspections finds no faults
as even the price of eggs here opinions will vary some say 7 years I have even heard the odd 5 year person I run mine 10 if still like new as yours sound
go talk to a hi volume heavy truck tire dealer and get their opinion

[Pepper2]

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

An attitude adds nothing to the conversation. Options were asked for.

LEN

[Cooperhawk]

A few years ago I had 8 year old Michelons blow out. the inside dual blew and took the outside with it. I replace all when they are 7 years old now.

A good friend blew his duals and the explosion took out the bathroom floor with it. Pretty expensive fix.

Do what you want, but for me I will replace them at 7 years.

Also I now run with TPMS on all tires.

A while back I was towing my boat on a fishing trip when a trucker pulled alongside and motioned me to stop. The boat had blown a tire and all that was left was about an eight inch rim. The rest had worn off and I never felt a thing driving the motorhome. TPMS!

[select55]

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

An attitude adds nothing to the conversation. Options were asked for. I replaced mine the last time with about 6 years on them, reason doing Alaska and wanted to lower my possible problems, but would have replaced anyway. You could as recommended by the manufacturer pull the tires and inspect, but be prepaired to replace. Non use ages tires as does wear.

LEN

actually opinions were what the op asked for and that's what he,s receiving;; I don't see where he asked for any options??

[tedgard01]

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

An attitude adds nothing to the conversation.

LEN

But it does... It brings attitude.... Making a comment and brining attitude is expression of thought with feeling... Regardless, having an opinion sometimes means that you don't agree with another opinion...

Be happy.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

I have a friend that got new tires and after pulling out of the shop, and driving down the freeway a few miles, he had a tire blow out.

Inside tires many times blow out because the valve stems get a leek and deflate more than they do from age...

With all the blow outs you hear about, there are millions more tires that never blow out....

Sounds like a poor install job: damaged bead, leaking stem or something of that nature.