Replacing Tires? When is it Necessary?

[DirtSquirt]

Hi All,

When should you really replace the tires on the trailer? I'm asking because the tires on our 2010 Rockwood Roo are still in great shape. They have about 50-60,000 km on them. The tread looks good. There are no cracks anywhere, not between the treads, not on the sides. No bulges either. So do the tires really need to be replaced at this point?

Thanks!

[Skyliner]

5 years after date of manufacture is the max I would use ST tires before replacing the regardless of of how they look.

If you check the date of manufacture on your tires, you will see that they are probably older than your camper.

https://yourfulltimervliving.com/rv-...our-rv-trailer

[crunchman12001]

Replace the china bombs as soon as you pull it off the dealers lot.
You have been EXTREMELY lucky with 8 year old factory tires. You have pushed your luck for 8 years, the price of new tires will be a mere fraction of the cost of a blow out repair.

[doc73]

Yeah I was going to say 5 to 7 years MAX

[DirtSquirt]

Thanks everyone! Looks that is on the list for this year.

[larrytbm]

Maxxis says it MIGHT be necessary to replace ST tires as early as 3 yrs. But that mostly likely would be for heavy 5th wheels where the owners like to jack knife a full 90 degrees. Otherwise I would say no more than 5 years. Repair costs could be serious but also the inconvenience of an unplanned blow out should be compelling.

[McCormickJim]

I replace tires at 5 years (or when tread wear requires). Some say 6 years. Some push it to 7 or 8 years.

So the question is, why should we replace great looking tires at such a young age? What is it physically about the tires at 5+ years that makes them susceptible to blowing out.

(I think I know the answer, but I'm throwing this out for discussion and my education.)

[LairdT]

Industry standard for auto tires is 5 years from date of install. That’s for US mfg tires....... China bombs are something else - seems to depend on your astrological sign and your luck in Vegas! I dumped my Carlisles after holding my breath for 2 years and went with Goodyear Endurance. Extra benefit - if you are crazy enough..... they are N speed rated (87 mph) instead of the typical 65 mph trailer tire (in case you tow with a Porsch Cayenne)😇

[ard58]

Weight has a bearing on life, as does weather. If your mobile more so than not they usually last longer. If they sit, as most do, and only get several hundred miles per year, the sun beat down on them and they don't last near as long. I had a 5th wheel years ago and we only put maybe 5-600 miles per year and had one that developed a large bubble on the side wall. Tires were 4 years old. Of coarse they were originals. Keep in mind that even tires that are a year old can have issues, such as separation.

[tgold]

I checked with Discount Tire. Owner said after 3 years trailer tires lose 30 percent strength. I hate flats and a blowout or flat on a trailer tends to damage the trailer. Usually doing more damage than the cost of new tires.

[GreenImp]

Originally Posted by DirtSquirt

When should you really replace the tires on the trailer?

Before every trip!!

[rsdata]

In reality a blown tire and possible trailer damage because you don't know it is blown (you do have a TPMS?) on a vacation usually hundreds of miles from home can be costly both in time and money.

New tires are like insurance... if you buy them before you need them you probably won't have a problem.

Trailer tires blow out before they wear out.

[Cold Lake Kid]

I have a 2013 SunSeeker, 23 foot, motor home.
I replaced my originally installed Michelin tires last fall due to sidewall cracking. The tread was fine.
I don't think the mileage most of us put on our units will wear out the tread.
Sun damage, drying out and just plain sitting is the biggest risk to the tires.

[skidog]

5 years max. Earlier if you put a lot of miles on them every year as opposed to the norm of just maybe 1000 miles a year. You can get lucky but I wouldn't chance it with a camper. My 19' bay boat had 10yr old Maxiss tires on it before I finally lost one but I can see and feel my boat in the seat of my TV a lot easier than I can my 30 foot camper. Highly recommend TPMS for a camper.

[larrytbm]

Originally Posted by McCormickJim

So the question is, why should we replace great looking tires at such a young age? What is it physically about the tires at 5+ years that makes them susceptible to blowing out.

(I think I know the answer, but I'm throwing this out for discussion and my education.)

1) Cheap rubber valve stems can fail causing tire to loose pressure. Then the tire self destructs and we think the tire failed. I've had 2 fail while checking tire pressure before hitting the road. I always switch to metal valve stems.

2) Severe jack knife maneuvering while parking can cause hidden internal damage with later tire failure at towing speed. This is progressive damage over time with the rubber becoming less compliant.

3) And of course, in many cases, poor quality ST tires.

In my opinion, tire pressure, either over or under inflation is NOT the biggest reason for tire failure.

[locogk]

se have a 2013 i replaced all last year and replaced all the brake assamblies to sell adjusters

[doc73]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

Before every trip!!

Then probably half way through the vacation... Just to play it safe!

[Jakieboy]

If the tires on your trailer are "Made in China", replace them as soon as you cahn.

[sunnyinfla]

tires are the most important part of your RV,a blown tire can ruin your whole trip and could put you and others in danger...replace your tires every 5 yrs..don't push it ....for your safety and the safety of others on the road....

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by Jakie-Boy

If the tires on your trailer are "Made in China", replace them as soon as you cahn.

That is NOT a true statement...