Replace tires by age or Miles?

[kkriepke]

I purchased a 2007 Vectra pusher that has only 38,000 miles. The tires, 22.5" Michelin XZE, are original. So the question.... when should I consider replacement? The tread is still fine and deep, and I see no signs of abuse or major wear in the tread area. My untrained eyes do not see any evidence of cracking or crazing in the sidewall areas.

[RickO]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The answer to your question is that Motorhome tires are almost always replaced because of time and not miles. Michelin says that theirs should be replaced at 10 years but that's if you have them broken down and inspected... I believe.

I think it's time.

Rick

[jablair]

Which ever comes first. With any RV and especially motor homes it is almost always going to be age.

[GaryKD]

Hi kkriepke,
jablair's post beat me to the answer. Which ever comes first. On the age thing, One must do what allows one to sleep at night. For tires I've had since they were new, I have been going 10 years I if can make it that long. (Since the 1970's.) I've been fortunate to be one of the few that sometimes wears the tread out.

In the interest of full disclosure, I meticulously maintain the coach tires. PSI for the weight being carried, tire dressing and covered when not in motion. My coach stays on the interstate highways getting me from resort "A" to resort "B".

Because you have not been the owner since the tires were new, for me, at 7 years I'd be looking to replace them. One never knows the real history without having been there. To minimize the cost, consider replacing the steer tires, the following year the drive tires and if you have a tag do that the 3rd year.

[Sirmowsalot]

I just purchaced 2007 travel supreme alanta 45ft. with 38,000 miles and just replaced all 8 tires 7 years is the safe limit I went thru FMCA advantage plan if not a member join I was quoted $720.00 ea but FMCA price was $580. ea. Happy traveling in your new coach. Pete

[Pepper2]

It's time to replace them. Sorry...$$$

[brobox]

The XZA tires are recommended to be replaced at 10 years with inside inspections after 7 years, per Michelins web site. Mine were kept in inside storage but at the end of 7 years they started riding harder than rocks so I replaced them. I got my old "new coach" ride back and I was happy. If they hadn't starting riding so rough I would have kept going on them. That proved to me that rubber does get stiff with age. BTW, that was on my 02 Travel Supreme.

[gruelens]

What is the birthday of the tires? Probably '05 or '06 on a 2007 titled rig. I would encourage you to use the search window at the top of this page to reveal lots of discussion on this.

Purchasing a used rig, you have no idea if the coach was driven overweight or underinflated at some point. Depending on which campfire you sit around, the age limit for RV tires is 5 years to 10 years (with off the rim inspection by a professional each year after 5 years.) Tire failure is expensive and sometimes painful due to injuries from an accident. IMO a visit to the tire shop should be in your future.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi kkriepke, jablair's post beat me to the answer. Which ever comes first. On the age thing, One must do what allows one to sleep at night. For tires I've had since they were new, I have been going 10 years I if can make it that long. (Since the 1970's.) I've been fortunate to be one of the few that sometimes wears the tread out. In the interest of full disclosure, I meticulously maintain the coach tires. PSI for the weight being carried, tire dressing and covered when not in motion. My coach stays on the interstate highways getting me from resort "A" to resort "B". Because you have not been the owner since the tires were new, for me, at 7 years I'd be looking to replace them. One never knows the real history without having been there. To minimize the cost, consider replacing the steer tires, the following year the drive tires and if you have a tag do that the 3rd year.

GaryKD is on the mark with this post. His advise is exactly what I do. Steer tires at 7, drive at 8 and tag at 9. If I'm lucky & have no issues. I also am anal about tire inflation and run a TP,S.

[TBS-POPS]

I just replaced the 11year old goodyears on my 04. Original tires with plenty of tread with only 25k mi on them. It was amazing to see those tires go away with tons of tread but the softer ride and quietness of the new ones is wonderful!! Plus the piece of mind of not having to worry about when the BOOM was going to happen. 6 yokohama's for $3000 OTD.

The answer to your question is most probably age.

[Crasher]

When you do replace the tires, more and more tire people are saying do not use any dressing or spray on them. Wash with soapy water and rinse with clean water and let dry.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Crasher

When you do replace the tires, more and more tire people are saying do not use any dressing or spray on them. Wash with soapy water and rinse with clean water and let dry.

That's what Goodyear and Michelin state on their websites.

[kkriepke]

I have been in touch with the original owner, and he states that the vast majority of the miles are highway miles. They were full-timers in the coach since it was brand new. The tires were always covered by "SunPro" mesh covers except when actually on the road. I will plan to replace the steer tires at the beginning of the 2015 camping season, and the drive tires at the beginning of the 2016 camping season. That seems to be a fair compromise with all the good advice I received here.... thanks to all. I WILL, however pop for the cost to have the existing tires inspected by my local Michelin shop.

[PyrateSilly]

Some replace their tires at 5 years no matter what, some at 7 years and still others at 10 years. Then there are those that will have them inspected and decide from there when to replace. It's really up to your comfort level on this issue.