Community Forums

chsprout · 07-05-2013, 08:01 AM

I was getting ready to leave yesterday with the motorhome and discovered the inside dual tire on the passenger side is bulging along the sidewall on both sides of the tire. This is a Michelin 255 tire. I have had my motorhome for 3 years. It only has about 12000 miles on it. I bought it new in hopes of not having any worries for the first few years. It has been one thing after another and I am very frustrated. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

HD4Mark · 07-05-2013, 08:17 AM

First welcome. This is a great place to talk about and learn about RVing.

Sorry to hear about the tire. We just got through replacing all six. A big chunk of change but worth the safety. Went back to Michelins BTW.

Check the date on then tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11 some have been warehoused even on new coaches. The chassis on yours is likely to be at least a year older than the "manufacture" year.

Unfortunately you will be stuck replacing the tire for safety and take a close look at the others. If you are considering Michelin take a look at joining FMCA is for motor coach and motorhome owners. Motorcoach articles, motor home blogs, motor coach advice and motorhome videos. They have a Michelin discount program that saved us much more than the membership fee and it is a cool outfit.

tom chelbana · 07-05-2013, 08:41 AM

Checking tire pressure is very important on motor homes. Were the tire pressures checked before each trip? We have added tire pressure monitoring to our motor home in the last year. There are many things that can be problems on coaches so there will be problems.
For us it's still the best way for us to travel. Hope this problem gets taken care of and you can return to your trip. Tom 04 Essex

Triker56 · 07-05-2013, 11:10 AM

See your Michelin dealer. It should still be under warranty if only 3-4 years old.

They will go by the DOT date on them for age.

Sugardog · 07-05-2013, 11:26 AM

As an over the road trucker for many years, tires are the biggest problem. My advise, buy the best tires you can, check inflation levels regularly, and do pre-trip inspections. I carry a new spare, an air jack, and an air wrench (I have a small air compressor in the tire bay with a hose reel). One other thing I never travel without is an in-fared temp gun (about $40). Whenever I stop, I point it at all the tires and wheel hubs. If one tire is hotter than the rest, I check further. Smae with bearings.I can't tell you how many times this has saved me getting a flat in the middle of nowhere. Better to be in civilization when bad things are about to happen.

DutchStar38 · 07-05-2013, 01:22 PM

Hey SugarDog.....Nice idea. I had a temp gun for my boat but never thought about using one on the road for the RV. I like that idea. Harbor Freight here I come again. Thanks!!!!!

MJFZ · 07-05-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chsprout

I was getting ready to leave yesterday with the motorhome and discovered the inside dual tire on the passenger side is bulging along the sidewall on both sides of the tire. This is a Michelin 255 tire. I have had my motorhome for 3 years. It only has about 12000 miles on it. I bought it new in hopes of not having any worries for the first few years. It has been one thing after another and I am very frustrated. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Any chance you can share a photo of the tire bulges? Several folks on this forum have much experience with tires and tire wear.

Mike

Tireman9 · 07-09-2013, 09:18 AM

Bulge on inner dual could mean it is low on air. what is its inflation? Could also mean it is overloaded because the outer is low on inflation.
How about posting all tire inflations (when cool and not in direct sun)

Well lit pictures always help.

Tire temperature is sometimes interesting but more meaningful is tire pressure. I strongly suggest a TPMS.
To those who think checking tires in AM and at lunch stop is sufficient, I would ask how they would feel if all their gauges on the instrument panel stopped working 5 min after starting the engine?
After all you checked the oil pressure just after starting the engine why would you care what it is a couple hours later.

TPMS can pay for themselves with your first tire puncture. You can also learn if you have a leaking valve.

"007" · 07-09-2013, 11:06 AM

I have checked tire pressures every morning before leaving on every coach I have owned.
Have always used Michelins and always got the full use of them even up to ten years.
Never a blow out and when in storage set on plywood and covered for no sun.
They do not give them away you need to take care of them to get your money back.