Tire Rotation

[FLYTYER]

The other day I had my front end alignment checked as one of the steps I do to get ready to go be a Snowbird in Florida

While all was OK, the tech suggested I rotate the tires soon. I asked if there was a problem. The tech said that no wear was noticeable, but it might extend the mileage of the tires.

Well the tires are already 3 years old and I planned on replacements in about 3 more years anyway.

There are 11,000 miles on them now.

So here are the questions...

Should I have them rotated?

What is the rotation pattern?

[FLYTYER]

The other day I had my front end alignment checked as one of the steps I do to get ready to go be a Snowbird in Florida

While all was OK, the tech suggested I rotate the tires soon. I asked if there was a problem. The tech said that no wear was noticeable, but it might extend the mileage of the tires.

Well the tires are already 3 years old and I planned on replacements in about 3 more years anyway.

There are 11,000 miles on them now.

So here are the questions...

Should I have them rotated?

What is the rotation pattern?

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FLYTYER:
So here are the questions...
Should I have them rotated? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>According to the Chassis Guide the answer is yes. I did a front to rear rotation when I noticed my front tires feathering. After the outside rears were put on the front axle we accomplished an FEA. The front went on the outside rear positions. Approaching some 50,000 miles the visible tread wear on my tires appears negligible. Most likely the tires will expire before they wear out.

The Michelin website will give you a plethora of information.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What is the rotation pattern? </div></BLOCKQUOTE> I would favor that tires should remain on the same side of the vehicle observing rotation. Inside rear to the front axle. Outside rear to the inside. Front to the outside rear. The Chassis Guide suggests to rotate axle and side positions. Consult the Guide for the exact rotation pattern.

Now the book also says to rotate the tires every 6,000 miles. The cost to rotate the tires over the lifetime of the tires will no doubt = to a new set of tires. If you have aluminum wheels multiply that by a significant factor because the tires will have to be dismounted, re-balanced and installed. Whew!

Therefore I have only (partially) rotated once just as a measure to get "square" tires on the front axle before I did an FEA.

You do need to be very proactive on air pressure. Check it often.

[Tom N]

If you are going to pay to have the tires rotated I would pass on the rotation and put the money saved in my new tire fund.

I have never rotated a tire on a class A.

[YosemiteBobR]

When I had to have one changed due to a flat on the run, the guy said they never rotate 22.5 and above. However, when I had my brakes done (the recall) they did them for me at that time. The shop that did it said in a year they maybe do a 1/2 doz rotations not counting the ones they do when they have the tires off for another reason. the same shop said they don't balance them either. This is a reputable Workhorse service center

[wilanddij]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I would favor that tires should remain on the same side of the vehicle observing rotation. Inside rear to the front axle. Outside rear to the inside. Front to the outside rear. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
So, if you keep them on the same side, you're saying its OK to reverse rotation of the tires, right?. That's what happens when you change an inside dual to an outside position, or a front to an outside dual.

[YosemiteBobR]

I had to picture that in my mind for a bit, but yes, I got it. Unless you remove the tire from the wheel and revers it, but then cost again. So to keep them rotating the same way you have to move inside to opposite side. Right?

[JCM]

When I had a ford 450- 30 ft Bigfoot - I was advised to take the two front tires and put them on one side on the rear. The object was to smooth out the tires (slightly feathered due too the independent suspension. The next rotation would be the front to the other side rear.
Also start on the R rear side since it is that inside tire that takes the most "wear" of all your tires.
Hope this helps.

[Full-Timers]

Tire rotation is a waist of money. You will be replacing your tires due to time before you replace them due to tread ware. Since I have Alcoa aluminum wheels (3 different style wheels) it involves dismounting, remounting, and balancing all 6 tires to rotate properly. That's a lot of money for no good reason.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Full-Timers:
That's a lot of money for no good reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Now that's what I'm talking about partner!

[Bigdaddy]

One thing to remember. If you put different dia. tires on the same axle, the one with the larger dia. will be carring more weight. Thus more heat and prone to a blow out.

[M&EM]

Michelin has a RV TIRE GUIDE that states "No restrictions as to method of rotation.--Michelin recommends including any spare tire in the rotation pattern and changing the direction of rotation. Tires can be rotated front to rear and side to side."

I did contact them a while back regarding practical tire diameter differences when pairing duellys during rotations. I have yet to find that reply, but recall their answer was specific to the max difference acceptable and measured by circumferences.

[Full-Timers]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bigdaddy:
One thing to remember. If you put different dia. tires on the same axle, the one with the larger dia. will be carring more weight. Thus more heat and prone to a blow out. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's a definite NO NO!

[Ecker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FLYTYER:
The other day I had my front end alignment checked as one of the steps I do to get ready to go be a Snowbird in Florida

While all was OK, the tech suggested I rotate the tires soon. I asked if there was a problem. The tech said that no wear was noticeable, but it might extend the mileage of the tires.

Well the tires are already 3 years old and I planned on replacements in about 3 more years anyway.

There are 11,000 miles on them now.

So here are the questions...

Should I have them rotated?

What is the rotation pattern? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Class A's aren't normally rotated. However, if it is done the recommended procedure is to keep tires of the same diameter together. For example, take the two front tires and put them together on one of the duals, Then move the duals to the front. ETC.