<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Roadfrog:
Whatever. No scientific or research information to base this on. Scare tactics? Michelin's website indicates tires are good for 12 yrs. My 99 with 20k miles still has the original tires. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That is not quite an accurate statement for RV tires.
Michelin says of their RV tires and I quote from the May 15, 2006 Michelin Technical Bulletin "Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires" found on their website:
"The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of
various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential
to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time.
For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions,
and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is
subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately
predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by
consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected
regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire's
suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should
continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually."
The bulletin further states:
"It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone.
However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that
any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be
replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even
if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a
new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer's tire replacement recommendations, when
specified (but not to exceed 10 years)."
That bulletin is generic for the entire country. You will find that in the Southern part of the country that you will be on qustionable tire after 5 years. This is based on the experiance of people who have lived in the South for more than 10 years.
The Michelin Long Haul and RV tire Warranty found on their website states:
"STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and emollients to protect their outer
surfaces from ozone and weather checking. As the tire rolls and
flexes, the waxes and emollients continually migrate to the
surface, replenishing this protection throughout the normal use
of the tire. Consequently, when tires sit outdoors, unused for
long periods of time (a month or more) their surfaces become
dry and more susceptible to ozone and weather checking, and
the casing becomes susceptible to flat spotting. Serious
problems occur with tube type tires when mounted with water
trapped between the tire and the tube. Due to pressurization, the
liquid can pass through the inner liner and into the casing plies.
For these reasons, tires should always be stored in a cool,
dry, clean indoor environment. If storage is for one month
or more, eliminate the weight from the tires by raising the
vehicle or by removing the tires from the vehicle. Failure to
store tires in accordance with these instructions could result
in premature aging of the tires and sudden tire failure.
When tires are stored, be sure they are placed away from sources
of heat and ozone, such as hot pipes and electric generators.
Be sure the surfaces on which tires are stored are clean and free
from grease, pertroleum products or other substances which
could deteriorate the rubber. (Tires exposed to these materials
during storage or driving could be subject to sudden failure.)"
So outside storage and extended cycle of disuse and proximity to electrical devices could result
in premature aging of the tires and sudden tire failure according to Michelin which would be based on their internal scientific research and experience in manufacturing tires.
A Motorhome is filled with the aforementioned items that Michelin states tires should not be stored near so it could add to the preamature aging of the tires.
Additionally the only way I know to truely follow the annual inspection after 5 years reccomendation is to dismount the tires and have the inside of the casing inspected. That would be cost prohibitive so replacement after 5 years becomes even more reasonable.
Anyways Michelin does not say you will get 12 years from RV tires. They do say that after 5 years you have to regularly inspect and evaluate and replace you tires if found to be questionable. They do state that regardless of condition they would be replaced before 10 years from date of manufacture elapses. They further state that exposure to certain electrical items, chemicals etc can also cause sudden failure before the warranty period expires.
References:
http://www.michelinrvtires.com/miche...e-material.jsp
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