New Tires??

[rjw1]

I have 43' Dutchstar 2007 with tag and I looking at new tires. I currently have Michelin 305/70R 22.5. Can or Should I consider 315/80R 22.5??
What do you think and any ideas where to buy?? Thanks, Bob

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

rjw1, New tires? I have a 2006 with 52K + miles same tire size and no sign of sidewall or tread cracks. I did need to replace the right front a year and a half ago because of a sidewall separation. At that time I had 60% of tread remaining as that was the amount of credit Michelin allowed.

[Perry White]

I've got the 315's on my '06 Essex with 36,000 no cracks with an 10-05 date code and I'm not changing them. You have to have the 9" rim for the 315's. And then you will have to have Cummins reset your tire Rev's/mile in your ECM. Probably not enough to make a difference, but if your a stickler?

[HarrysRV]

You can check the date on the tire, when it was made, then determine if you want to replace. Go to Michelin website and they show how to find that date and when they recommend you change tires.

[GaryKD]

Hi rjw1,
Can you tell us why you are considering new tires? The next question would be why are you considering a tire size change?

[Mr_D]

Our OEM tires were dated late in 2001, I replaced them in Sept 2010. they did show some cracking but still within Michelins guidelines. And I know for a fact the the fronts were run overloaded from the day the rig left the factory. In 2004 Michelin gave me a letter allowing the tires to be rated for the 125 psi weight rating (very heavy front axle) with only 120 psi (the max the wheels would take) in them. In that time I had one flat, caused by a leaking TPMS that I didn't catch till we were ready to leave for Quartzsite that morning.

[cnkinthebus]

We just purchased an 06 Essex last June that now has just over 21,000 miles on it. Should I be concerned about new tires this summer before heading out? I have heard that tires should be good for about 6 yrs, but they look great. Just don't want the extra expense of repairs if they would blow while traveling.
Your thoughts or experience is appreciated.
Chuck

[docj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnkinthebus We just purchased an 06 Essex last June that now has just over 21,000 miles on it. Should I be concerned about new tires this summer before heading out? I have heard that tires should be good for about 6 yrs, but they look great. Just don't want the extra expense of repairs if they would blow while traveling. Your thoughts or experience is appreciated. Chuck

The important thing is to know the manufacturing date of the tires; the age of the coach is irrelevant. Tires age independent of whether or not they are mounted on a wheel. Find the DOT date code on your tires; they are coded as the "week and year" of manufacture. If your tires were produced in 2005 I would seriously consider replacing them. If they are 06 and look ok you could get a year's worth of use, but I wouldn't go further. Earlier this year I replaced all six of mine which were produced in 2004 and 2005.

[GaryKD]

Hi cnkinthebus,
I have 82K on my 04 tires and have no plans to replace them until they are 10 years old. I know my tires. PSI is kept perfect for the weight being carried. Tires have never been overloaded. Tires covered when not in use. Tires coated with my favorite tire coating on a regular basis. I say this because if you know your tires, I'd say do not replace them. However, unless you can talk and trust the previous owner, you do not know the tires. For me, I'd purchase an unmounted tire and store it in the basement. Then I'd start maintaining the tires like your life depended on it (cause it might). Then I'd start enjoying my coach.

[racer0624]

I'd consider a few things.
1) Is the front end ride harsh for the required pressure? If not I'd stay with the 305's.
2) You'll be able to run lower pressure with the larger tire however.
3) I'd get individual front wheel weights if you haven't already done so to insure the correct pressure is being used.