Tires

MissouriCamper · 03-10-2012, 08:48 AM

We bought our 2006 Rockwood 2603 in the Fall of 2005, and have probably put around 15 to 20,000 miles on it since purchase.
Was looking it over this morning getting ready to de-winterize it, checked my tires over and they still look good with plenty of tread. My question, it used to be a rule of thumb to get rid of tires after 5 years, irregardless. Does this still hold true for the tires manufactured in the past 10 years? Hate to expend money when not needed, but usually like to err on the side of safety. Would appreciate any opinions

crocus · 03-10-2012, 09:45 AM

The newer tires are the worst. I have an old truck that has been sitting since the 1950's and the tires are still good. The way they make them now, 10 years would be a stretch.
But it all depends on where the camper sits most of the time. Ours is indoors in a heated/cooled shop when not gone camping, so I expect the tires to last a long time. But if the camper sits outside and the tires are exposed to the sun on a continuous basis, I would watch them carefully. If they showed any sign of deterioration, I would replace them.

Oakman · 03-10-2012, 09:49 AM

IMHO it's time to get new tires. If you don't replace them this year, I'd bet a dollar to a donut that this coming season you will have tire problems.

Triguy · 03-10-2012, 09:49 AM

I understand this still to be true. That is, to replace 3-5 years whether they look worn or not.

The logic I have heard and read is that the rubber compounds in trailer tires contain more chemicals than car and truck tires to resist weather and ozone cracking and that these chemicals dissipate in 3-5 years.

crocus · 03-10-2012, 10:00 AM

We had our last fifth for over 10 years and never changed the tires, and didn't have one problem. So to say that they should be changed after 5 years without knowing the circumstances is misleading.
The quality of tires is also important, as we don't run cheap tires. Our old fifth had Canadian-made Goodyears, and we switched the tires on this camper to Maxxis.

Mountainmanbob · 03-10-2012, 10:03 AM

tire covers for around 30 bucks a pair
I think add some life
but
after all of the reading regarding most
factory equiped tires
(we) should not press our luck to far

Mountainman

Steeljag · 03-10-2012, 10:08 AM

Eyeball them continuously, and let condition be your guide.

Oakman · 03-10-2012, 10:17 AM

You can eyeball tires all you want but you can't see the condition of the tire within.

acadianbob · 03-10-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissouriCamper

We bought our 2006 Rockwood 2603 in the Fall of 2005, and have probably put around 15 to 20,000 miles on it since purchase.
Was looking it over this morning getting ready to de-winterize it, checked my tires over and they still look good with plenty of tread. My question, it used to be a rule of thumb to get rid of tires after 5 years, irregardless. Does this still hold true for the tires manufactured in the past 10 years? Hate to expend money when not needed, but usually like to err on the side of safety. Would appreciate any opinions

I was in the same position. 5 year old Marathons (that have served me WELL) with about 20,000 miles. Some wear but visually perfect. We do lots of long trips; sometimes in high heat; as in thousands of miles; so I decided to replace them. I weighed the cost versus the consequences of trouble; possibly in the middle of nowhere; and went with new tires.

crocus · 03-10-2012, 12:12 PM

" I weighed the cost versus the consequences of trouble; possibly in the middle of nowhere; and went with new tires."
==============================
That is definitely a major consideration.
Changing a tire on a busy interstate might even be worse than in the middle of nowhere!

MissouriCamper · 03-10-2012, 12:34 PM

Think I'll go ahead and change, do a lot of hwy driving in all temps. Probably better to be safe than sorry.
Just curious how do you rate the eco boost for towing. Were getting ready to upgrade our truck to a 250 but from what I hear the 150 with the eco boost engine might be the best.

Mountainmanbob · 03-10-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oakman

You can eyeball tires all you want but you can't see the condition of the tire within.

that is very true
but
from hanging out at the tire shop years ago
over 95% of the problems I saw
started on the outside

it is good to keep them covered
on our old motorhome with excellent brand tires
I did not cover
sides cracked way before their time
I was very disappointed in myself
a cheap fix so as to prolong tire life
if
I do it ahead of time
Mountainman

Witch Doctor · 03-10-2012, 05:00 PM

If I were you I would take the unit to a reputable tire center and have them inspect them before I bought anything, different use and maintenance makes all the difference.

MissouriCamper · 03-11-2012, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

If I were you I would take the unit to a reputable tire center and have them inspect them before I bought anything, different use and maintenance makes all the difference.

Good point, I live in a small town and fairly well acquainted with the guy who runs the one tire shop in town. Haven't really given that option much of a thought.

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