Almost funny, but not really: Tire date

[DeWat]

I bought a cheap borescope for tasks like this ($17). Yes its cheap, but I've already gotten my money's worth looking in areas behind the dash, and it's still working.


10mm Mini 2m Waterproof Snake Pipe Cam Endoscope USB Borescope Inspection Camera Tool: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

[LarrytheBear]

Thanks for all the responses. The mechanics mirror and flashlight sounds like a good idea but the borescope sound like a useful toy to have around also, and at $17, that is pretty cheap.
The tires look ok to me, no real detectable cracking, but I will get a professional evaluation.
Camping World is about an hour away, so not real convenient to just stop by. I know I can call them but... I like to be able to see them face to face when they roll their eyes at me, shake their head and get a smirky smile. I haven't had a bad experience with them, but it's just not a place I enjoy going and they are the closest full RV service center by far.

[Elf111]

I would call a local tire co. and ask if they can do it, imagine they will be cheaper. If you ever have any problems they are right there close.

[Cooperhawk]

We had a set of duals, which were Michelins, blow out on us. One tire blew and took the other. At the time they were about 9 years old. My rule is I replace them every six or seven years no matter how good they look.

I just replaced the Michelins on our present coach and the tire service bought the old tires from me. They use them on off road equipment. Didn't get a lot, but anything is better than nothing.

A friend of mine had two blow out like that and the explosion tore out the bathroom floor. Did a lot of damage.

[alpha99]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

What do you call "excessive"? If they weren't 2/32" deep then they were still OK to run. After 8 years mine had some cracking but it was 1/32" deep.

From Michelin:
"If the cracks are less than 1/32" deep the tire is fine to run. Between 1/32" and 2/32" the tire is suspect and should be examined by your Michelin dealer. If the cracks are any deeper than 2/32" (1/16") the tire should be replaced immediately"

Agree.

[alpha99]

Originally Posted by stuhly

Not extreme if they are like the three year old michelins I had to replace due to excessive sidewall cracking.

Uh oh, the "Michelen Basher" strikes again! Lol.

Cheers!

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by deandec

Only way to tell is an inspection of the inside of the tire and outside of the tire by a qualified tech.

Tried that at Les Schwabe, tech said, "yep, they're cracked" and left it at that. So much for "qualified"! Bought new tires from Superior Tires after that!

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

I just replaced the Michelins on our present coach and the tire service bought the old tires from me. They use them on off road equipment. Didn't get a lot, but anything is better than nothing.

When Superior tire changed mine I got the tire mounting for the old tires/wheels as I was putting on Alcoa wheels that I got at a wrecking yard. They told me the tires were not usable due to the age (8+ years) but I'm betting they resold them for of road use.

[adamfolger]

Camping world was obligated by law to correct all "known" safety issues before completing the sale and delivery. They can say that they didn't know but they should have found out. That's why they call it a safety inspection.They left themselves open for a serious law suit if you wreck due to a blown tire that they should have inspected. If the code dates were not visible, they should have pulled the wheels. I would revisit the sales office and ask if they want to take the risk. I would also ask them for the ph# of the corporate office if they put you on the shine... Squeeeky wheel sort of thing

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by alpha99

Uh oh, the "Michelen Basher" strikes again! Lol.

Cheers!

Their are two side to everything the cheerleaders and the bashers. Lol

[Wizard]

Originally Posted by adamfolger

Camping world was obligated by law to correct all "known" safety issues before completing the sale and delivery. They can say that they didn't know but they should have found out. That's why they call it a safety inspection.They left themselves open for a serious law suit if you wreck due to a blown tire that they should have inspected. If the code dates were not visible, they should have pulled the wheels. I would revisit the sales office and ask if they want to take the risk. I would also ask them for the ph# of the corporate office if they put you on the shine... Squeeeky wheel sort of thing

Anyone that has bought a used unit from Camping World has signed an "AS IS" paper along with all the other paper work.

[Snomas1]

I would have them inspected. If they are over 6-7 yrs old I would replace. I replace mine @ 5-6 yrs regardless. A blow out can cost $$$$$ to wheel well damage. I have personally seen the damage it can cause. The side walls could be damaged by previous owner from hitting curbs, etc.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by stuhly

Not extreme if they are like the three year old michelins I had to replace due to excessive sidewall cracking.

stuhly
I feel your pain.
All 6 of my "DOT date code 1611 Michelin tires" were replaced by Michelin Customer Care at 3 1/2 years old because of excessive sidewall cracking.

Speaking of "almost funny, but not really"...the 6 replacement tires Michelin provided were all made within 2 weeks of the 6 tires that cracked...(DOT dates: 2 - 1511, 2 - 1611, and 2 - 1811).
Which means I am currently driving on 6 "brand new" 3 1/2 year old tires.

Mel, (another "Michelin Basher")
'96 safari

Originally Posted by alpha99

Uh oh, the "Michelin Basher" strikes again! Lol.
Cheers!

[slickest1]

I would agree with the others in having one of the outer's pulled and check the date codes. Also check for condition. If the fronts needed replaced then I would think the back ones would be there as well.
It sounds like Camping World is trying to dodge one here and if so need to be called on it.
Good luck.