Community Forums

kb2ztx · 07-17-2016, 12:34 PM

So we have looked at both sides of the tires and do not have that "style" date code anyplace on the tire. We have 2 goodyear tires and those have a date code. Only thing we can find on the other 4 is a square block in the center of the tire and if i use the same code info it shows as 1998 which concerns me as the camper is a 2003....

Steve Ownby · 07-17-2016, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb2ztx

So we have looked at both sides of the tires and do not have that "style" date code anyplace on the tire. We have 2 goodyear tires and those have a date code. Only thing we can find on the other 4 is a square block in the center of the tire and if i use the same code info it shows as 1998 which concerns me as the camper is a 2003....

The date code is there but sometimes is not as clear as Mel's pic. It will always start with DOT then some other alpha numeric and ending with a 4 digit date code. If before the year 2000 it will be a 3 digit code.

As has been posted there are only 2 tires marketed as RV specific. Both are just slightly modified truck tires. Look for a truck tire marketed as an "All position" tire with rib type tread. Make sure it's of the same or higher load rating as the OEM tires. Make sure the speed rating covers you. Most all position commercial tires are rated at 75 mph.

theroc · 07-17-2016, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb2ztx

So we have looked at both sides of the tires and do not have that "style" date code anyplace on the tire. We have 2 goodyear tires and those have a date code. Only thing we can find on the other 4 is a square block in the center of the tire and if i use the same code info it shows as 1998 which concerns me as the camper is a 2003....

I wouldn't be surprised at all if those tires were manufactured in 1998. That would seem to indicate that they were the original tires on the RV.

Could a four year old tire be used on a brand new RV? I seem to recall that somebody on this forum did say that back in the early part of the 2000s, Winnebago could have used new tires that may have dates a couple of years before the manufacture date of the RV itself. Therefore, it could be possible that if your 2003 Winnebago was built in 2002, that the tires could actually be dated 1998. I'm not sure but it's possible ...especially since you say that they are showing cracking and dry rot.

The important thing is that you get them replaced. As Steve, Gary, et.al. have said, "RV tires" are just truck tires that have been marketed as RV tires (i.e. more UV protection, better ride, etc. ...I say they are fallacies and just marketing) so don't hesitate in using another brand of truck tire that has a good reputation other than Michelin and Goodyear.

I have attached an old Winnebago Service Tips bulletin from 2006 which I have in my files that gives instructions on determining the date code on tires manufactured before July 2000 (as well as the current NHTSA regulation).

eta: that attachment isn't an official Winnebago bulletin but it's from the WIT Club - Winnebago International Travelers sponsored by Winnebago Industries. Just to be clear.

DrDaveMA · 07-17-2016, 01:41 PM

6 years ago I had to replace my Toyo's because they were old and had sidewall checking. I went with Michelin 11R22.5, my theory, almost all trucks and busses run this size so if something happened I would not be stuck waiting until a replacement was found. Now 6 years and 30k miles (13k was our trip to Alaska) later those Michelins look like they are still brand new and I get a great ride from them. All my cars ride on Michelins, they may cost a few $$ more, but in my opinion they are worth it.

Unfortunately you have a time restraint, so you might have to pay your local price. If you figure what it costs you in time and mileage to go elsewhere, you probably have a reasonable price and of course you will have a dealer nearby if you need assistance. You will only have to do it every 7-10 years, a RV tires get too old, they don't wear out. Ask your dealer what he will give you for your old tires, they can probably retread them and sell them to a trucker that wears out a set long before they age out.

CJ7ole · 07-17-2016, 03:30 PM

I needed to replace my 8 YO Goodyear's and read every thread on the subject. Ended up with Hankook AH11 in your exact size. No regrets. Most tires are made in China these days. Don't sweat it as long as you buy a familiar name.

kb2ztx · 07-17-2016, 04:25 PM

Thanks all. We decided to order the Goodyear 661. The shop gave me a price of $417 each (about $50 less than the Michelin) mounted and balanced so will call him back Monday and order them so we can get them installed Friday. It a bit more than we had budgeted but we planned to replace them anyway after purchasing it. I think the tire will last us fine for our travels as last year we only put about 3000 miles on the Bounder. Being its already mid July we only have a couple of trips planned this year.

Cat320 · 07-17-2016, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

...ALL tires have a "born" date on them, they may be on the inside of the tire but they ARE there...

True...only on one side of each tire. Wonder what the odds are of all four manufacture dates are mounted inside?

DrDaveMA · 07-17-2016, 07:00 PM

When you purchase your new tires be sure the dealer gets new tires, I would not accept tires that have "born on date" earlier than 1016, that is roughly 3 months old. I would also insist on all 6 tires having the same dates. If they can not do that the 2 steer tires must be the same and all 4 of the drive tires must be the same.