RV Tire Info

TIRE INFORMATION

TIRES

The question was recently asked, "My tires are 5 years old. Is it time to junk them?" Although we have seen many tires, that after 5 years, need to be discarded, we have also seen tires run a full eight years before replacement was really needed. With proper care and use tires can last that long or in some isolated cases eben longer. The best answer will be a bit different for each RV owner and rather than set a specific time, relate some basic information in an effort to let everybody make that call themselves.

If you have any questions after viewing the information here feel free to give us a call and discuss tour specific tire requirements.

Below you can click on the various links to view various manufacturers sites and their information.

UNDERSTANDING THE DOT NUMBER:

The federal government requires that all tires sold in the U.S. contain a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The DOT number contains very important information about your tire that most people do not know is there. However, the DOT number is often found on the axle side of your tires, meaning you have to crawl under your vehicle or put the vehicle on a lift to read it. Perhaps the most important information contained in the DOT number is the date of manufacture of your tire. Many U.S. and foreign tire companies are now warning consumers in Europe and Asia to discard even new appearing tires that are five or six years from the date of manufacture. This is because the rubber and other components in tires break down over time, making older tires potentially dangerous even if they look brand new. Although manufacturers do not give similar warnings in the United States, this is likely to change as lawmakers and watchdog groups including trial lawyers put additional pressure on tire companies to follow the same safety guidelines that are applied overseas.

Next lets understand dry rot and its significance. It is caused mostly from lack of use and suns rays. Protecting tires from the sun is very helpful in preserving their life. Tire sidewalls showing cracks or other signs of dry rot should be removed from use.

Lastly lets discuss air pressure. A large percentage of tire blowout is caused from running the tires with low air pressure or a slow leak which gone undetected allows temperature to elevate while driving.

Now that you know the three most important things to watch for and monitor its time to answer the question at hand. Tires do not have to be discarded just because they are 5 years old. Have your service center monitor the condition at each PM service interval or you yourself visually inspect each time the RV is washed. When sidewall cracks, lines, bumps, or anything out of the ordinary is observed have a trusted and knowledgeable staff help you with your decision.

We were quite pleased with the total experience at Apalachee RV. Our Newmar Kountry Star, 2005, was all over the road. Apalachee upgraded the shocks and installed stabilizer bars. It made all the difference in the world, in terms of comfort, ease of driving, and safety. My spouse actually enjoys driving the motor home and claims that it is easier to drive than was our previous Class C.

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