RV Tires

[georgetown50]

How often do RV tires need to be replaced? We bought our RV 4 years ago and haven't travelled much at all. We just live full time with it parked in one spot. I had someone in the park tell me that the tires on an RV need to be replaced every 5 years regardless of how many miles are on them. I do have tire covers on the tires but he said it didn't matter. Does anyone know anything about this? Is he correct?

[camper1999]

I always change mine every 4 to 5 years. Trailer tires need to be changed more due to age then wear. Check for cracks in between the threads and the side walls. If i see cracks i change them, it is not worth the risk. Tires are meant to be driven on and age usually gets them before wear. I change my truck tires also around 5 years and earlier if i see cracks.

[wm1964]

RV tires should be changed every 5-7 years. Mileage is not really a factor as most do not see more then 5000 miles a year. The breakdown of the rubber compounds over time are the real concern. If you keep the sun exposure to a minimum ie: tire covers when not traveling, you may be able to get 7 years out of them. One thing you dont want is a blowout traveling 60 + mph on a heavy RV believe me I know it aint fun. The tires at the time had 28000 miles and they were 6 years old. Another thing that has a big effect is the actual wieght they carry. This is also why it is important not to overload your RV. I hope this helps you, when in doubt change them.

[VinceU]

Keep in mind the 7 year figure is based on date of mfg. Not use time. It's stamped on every tire when made in code.

[wnytaxman]

Vince,

Where does the date appear on the tire?

Ed

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

Vince,

Where does the date appear on the tire?

Ed

Here is a picture of mine
3511
35th week of 2011 manufactured

[rattleNsmoke]

How about Light Truck (LT) tires? A good American made LT should withstand carcass deterioration for more than 4-5 years. RV ST tires are a breed all unto their own so it seems.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

How about Light Truck (LT) tires? A good American made LT should withstand carcass deterioration for more than 4-5 years. RV ST tires are a breed all unto their own so it seems.

We are talking motorhome tires not trailer tires.
BIG difference

[rattleNsmoke]

Ahhh..thanks for the guidance. Evidently RV tires sorta follow passenger car and LT tires. After 8 or so years, yes they are toast. Too damned bad they cost you Class A drivers so much $$. Tell me something, do most Class A coaches come factory equipped with decent American made rubber, or does the manufacturer cheap out and supply the line with cheap Chinese crap like the trailers pumped out?

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

Ahhh..thanks for the guidance. Evidently RV tires sorta follow passenger car and LT tires. After 8 or so years, yes they are toast. Too damned bad they cost you Class A drivers so much $$. Tell me something, do most Class A coaches come factory equipped with decent American made rubber, or does the manufacturer cheap out and supply the line with cheap Chinese crap like the trailers pumped out?

Mine came with new Michelins on Alcoa Aluminum rims.
Replacements are about $500 each installed.
Mine has 6 of them.