Tire replacement time?

[DougC]

I have a 2003 diesel pusher with 32,000 miles. Tires are 275/70R22.5 Michelins. The tires have good tread remaining. I've been told about sidewall cracks, and I have some hairline cracks on the sidewalls. But what is a normal? Do I just change tires anytime there is a crack?

Thanks.

DougC

[Xplorer]

I have read a lot of opinions on tires, age, cracks, etc.....

That said,,,the best advice which makes the most sense to me is have a Michelin Dealer evaluate the tires...............

When all else fails,,,,,I follow the directions ,,,,OR,,,,,,get the opinion of a Pro!!!!

[wolfe10]

First, determine the true age of the tire. Coach model year is NOT a good indicator. There is a complete DOT number molded into ONE sidewall of each tire-- it may be facing out or toward the inside.

The last 4 digits indicate the WEEK and YEAR of tire production. So, DOT..................0602 was built the 6th week of 2002 and is now over 7 years old.

Tire failure rate goes up exponentially after 6 years. And as already suggested, tires over 5 years old should be inspected by a QUALIFIED tire professional. Unlike on car tires, tread depth is NOT AN INDICATOR OF REMAINING TIRE LIFE.

On side wall cracks, basically if you can see them, but not get your fingernail in them, you are OK (OK in terms of that crack, anyway).

My recommendation is if you are planning on keeping the coach, put on new tires NOW. Why risk tire failure/an accident only to give the next buyer a new set of tires.

Brett Wolfe

[DougC]

Xplorer,

Thanks for the quick reply and feedback,

DougC

[DougC]

Brett,

Thanks for information... the fingernail quick check is useful. As we are getting ready to take our first trip, a 7,000 mile trip, I'm a bit nervous about everything.

Thanks again,

DougC

First, determine the true age of the tire. Coach model year is NOT a good indicator. There is a complete DOT number molded into ONE sidewall of each tire-- it may be facing out or toward the inside.

The last 4 digits indicate the WEEK and YEAR of tire production. So, DOT..................0602 was built the 6th week of 2002 and is now over 7 years old.

Tire failure rate goes up exponentially after 6 years. And as already suggested, tires over 5 years old should be inspected by a QUALIFIED tire professional. Unlike on car tires, tread depth is NOT AN INDICATOR OF REMAINING TIRE LIFE.

On side wall cracks, basically if you can see them, but not get your fingernail in them, you are OK (OK in terms of that crack, anyway).

My recommendation is if you are planning on keeping the coach, put on new tires NOW. Why risk tire failure/an accident only to give the next buyer a new set of tires.

Brett Wolfe

[garykd]

Hi DougC,

Consider calling Michelin (800-847-3435). They will send you a book about RV tire maintenance. Ask for the chart that shows pictures of side wall cracks and what they mean.

[DougC]

Hi DougC,

Consider calling Michelin (800-847-3435). They will send you a book about RV tire maintenance. Ask for the chart that shows pictures of side wall cracks and what they mean.

Thanks Gary,

I called Michelin and they are mailing a RV tire book.

DougC

2003 Newmar KSDP 3702

Cat. 350 with Cummings 6 spd, Jake Break, Freightliner Chassis

32,000 miles current mileage

Planning first long trip, Palm Springs CA to Washington DC and back, June 2009 (est. 7,000 miles)

[deenad]

Here's Michelins "official" stance on cracking. This is from the Michelin RV Tire Guide.

"If the cracks are less than 1/32" deep the tire is fine to run. Between 1/32" and 2/32" the tire is suspect and should be examined by your Michelin dealer. If the cracks are any deeper than 2/32" (1/16") the tire should be replace immediately"

[DougC]

Thank you for the information, it is helpful.

DougC

Here's Michelins "official" stance on cracking. This is from the Michelin RV Tire Guide.

"If the cracks are less than 1/32" deep the tire is fine to run. Between 1/32" and 2/32" the tire is suspect and should be examined by your Michelin dealer. If the cracks are any deeper than 2/32" (1/16") the tire should be replace immediately"

[jjgnn@yahoo.com]

Facing the same thing on my 2003 Country Coach, same size tire.

Seven years is my limit, so I am replacing the Toyo tires that came on it. Tread still good, and no cracks, just too much age. I figure one blow out will cause a set of tires cost in damage, even if I do not wreck, so will replace them this week.

Looked at Michelins, have them on all my cars, but found some questionable comments on that size tire, 22.5R12.

My coach is first class, and the folks that built it really knew what they were doing, so I am going with Toyo that originally came on it, and cost about $1,200 a set less than Michelins.

YMMV

[DougC]

Thanks Jack for the information.

I just received a Michelin RV Tire manual... they state changing tires at least every ten years... sooner with cracks, etc.

Doug

Facing the same thing on my 2003 Country Coach, same size tire.

Seven years is my limit, so I am replacing the Toyo tires that came on it. Tread still good, and no cracks, just too much age. I figure one blow out will cause a set of tires cost in damage, even if I do not wreck, so will replace them this week.

Looked at Michelins, have them on all my cars, but found some questionable comments on that size tire, 22.5R12.

My coach is first class, and the folks that built it really knew what they were doing, so I am going with Toyo that originally came on it, and cost about $1,200 a set less than Michelins.

YMMV

[wolfe10]

I just received a Michelin RV Tire manual... they state changing tires at least every ten years... sooner with cracks, etc.

Doug

Actually, the operative information from Michelin is PAGE 1 of Michelin RV Tires:

"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 access 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."

Brett

[windchaser]

Hi all:

I have 2004 Goegia boy Landua. (24.5 CLASS A) After all this talk and info about tires I went an checked the date of manufacture and to look for side wall cracks.

I have mich 270rv 19.5 tires, the front tires dates are 3602 and 4202 -so this means the tires where made in the last weeks of 02-

the back tires on the out side( cn't see the inside) have had the dot dates remove with a grinder/sander.

I guess the date where removed to hide when they where made. Is this legal?

I halso noticed that the tire tread on the back tires are like mud tires and the front tires are smooth straight line like a steering tire, is this normal?

i have had my tire/mechanic look at the tires, he said for me to keep an eye on them and check often.

I think the manufacture of my unit cut corners on my unit. Do I have any recourse with the seller (dealer)of my second hand unit? Or am I just screwed over.

Jim Moore

Catawba, nc

[wolfe10]

Hi all:

I have 2004 Goegia boy Landua. (24.5 CLASS A) After all this talk and info about tires I went an checked the date of manufacture and to look for side wall cracks.

I have mich 270rv 19.5 tires, the front tires dates are 3602 and 4202 -so this means the tires where made in the last weeks of 02-

the back tires on the out side( cn't see the inside) have had the dot dates remove with a grinder/sander.

I guess the date where removed to hide when they where made. Is this legal?

I halso noticed that the tire tread on the back tires are like mud tires and the front tires are smooth straight line like a steering tire, is this normal?

i have had my tire/mechanic look at the tires, he said for me to keep an eye on them and check often.

I think the manufacture of my unit cut corners on my unit. Do I have any recourse with the seller (dealer)of my second hand unit? Or am I just screwed over.

Jim Moore

Catawba, nc

Jim,

The chassis builder chooses and installs the tires. I have not seen different trear design tires fit on a particular chassis as OE equipment by either Ford or Workhorse. Sounds like someone may have replaced the rear tires. Tell us exactly what tires you have-- if all Michelin XRV's, they should all have the same tread pattern.

Be aware that the complete DOT number (with molded in date code) is only on one side of each tire sidewall. Have you verified that it is not facing inward on the rear tires? With your concerned, I would crawl under and verify what tires and build dates you have on all tires.

Brett Wolfe

[windchaser]

Hi All:

Thank you for your concern. I crawled under the coach and you'll never guess No numbers on the inside tire either.so both tires are with the dot date of manf. on the inside of the tires

but your right they are the same tires

[windchaser]

boy my finders slipped they are MICHELINE XRV 225/70R 195. RADIAL

one of the back tire had a strange number pattern PV 147 06-55026-01 in the area of the dot date.

my front tires are HJYB AV 9 DOTX 3802 and DOT 4602

I think I will have my tires removed on the back and check for the dot dates next time i am in a rv shop

however my other concern is I have a tire insurance policy. I wonder if the insurance company will cover me if I have to need them? As they are colsed for business today i will call and report back--i.e. i can report the need for emergency repain but not the business side.

thank you again for your concern.

Hppy trails

fair winds and following seas

jim moore

squid,

[wolfe10]

Hi All:

Thank you for your concern. I crawled under the coach and you'll never guess No numbers on the inside tire either.so both tires are with the dot date of manf. on the inside of the tires

but your right they are the same tires

Grab a flashlight and mirror. You can usually see "between the duals" well enough to read the date code.

Brett Wolfe