Community Forums

Keith K · 03-14-2011, 06:41 PM

I recently had the front end of my 06' FL aligned, and since the right front tire is worn on the outside, am considering having the tires rotated. I'm assuming that the tires have to be demounted since the front/wheels are different. Has anybody had this done and what did it cost? Thanks,
Keith

wa8yxm · 03-14-2011, 06:45 PM

First, you my only THINK the front wheels are different, Many times the front and rear are identical, only the rims are reversed on the rear OUTSIDE.

Second.. If the tire is worn in the manner you describe.. Invest in an alignment as well.

Monacoach · 03-14-2011, 06:54 PM

I'm guessing your tires are 6 years old? I have never felt the need to rotate tires on a motor home because usually after 5 to 7 years (sometimes longer) when its time to change them, they have plenty of tread left with no wear. In your case it seems there could be an alignment issue as mentioned and also could be time for some new rubber?

**JohnRR** · 03-14-2011, 07:11 PM

I believe you said you already had your alignment done. As well as I can tell it looks like you have aluminum wheels on your coach and if you do then you would not want to rotate the wheels themselves but have them demounted and remounted on when putting the fronts to the rear.

Cost wise it would be best to mount the front tire to the inner read dual position that way you need only do four tires in all.

The reason you can not rotate the front wheel to the rear is the outer face of the front wheel which is polished would have to go to the inside when installed in any rear position, that's not too bad unless you put it on the outside dual position then the unpolished surface will show to the outside of the coach. But what is now the unpolished never cleaned in who knows how long unpolished surface from the rear would now be the outside when mounted on the front positions for all to see

TW · 03-14-2011, 07:35 PM

I never rotated tires in my life. Not on cars or MH's.
I wanted to see, what was wrong on a tire (1 not 4 or 6).

TW

Mac99 · 03-14-2011, 07:40 PM

I'm with TW on this one, don't rotate, never have. Last Michelins
on Explorer went 86,000 in original position.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-14-2011, 07:55 PM

I don't rotate RV tires either - no need for it unless one has worn excessively for some reason. In your case, until you find out what wore that tire on the outer edge, rotating will just ruin another tire. Better you should fix the problem and then buy a new tire. Or better yet, a pair of new ones for the front, since yours are getting near replacement age anyway.

Keith K · 03-14-2011, 07:55 PM

Thanks John, your response was helpful. Yes, I did have the alignment done, but as a result of the wear, the coach pulls slightly to the right - my thought was that rotating a "square" tire from the rear would eliminate the pull. The tires are in great shape, I intend on running them for the next two-three years.
Keith

**JohnRR** · 03-14-2011, 09:15 PM

I purchased and picked up my MH in California and drove it back to Michigan, when I did my inspection of it I really can not remember if the outer edges of both my steers were worn more than the rest of the surfaces but shortly into my trip back I did notice the difference in the wear but the handling was more than perfect to me.

Even with all my years in the automotive trade I'm not sure if the outer edge wear is from the previous owners driving habits or excessive toe in adjustment.

Since my firm plans were to replace the steel wheels with aluminum (already done) I rotated the fronts to the inner rear with what was the outside edge mounted to be in the center of the two rear dual which kept the tire rotation the same as when it was in the front. Now that I have two "square" tires up front before I go anywhere with it the toe in adjustment will be checked and adjusted if need be.

While I normally do not rotate any of my truck tires there are occasionally reasons to do so and I think Keith and I have both found that reason.

I am not of the school that advocates changing my tires by date either. I did do a very in depth visual inspection for any cracking not only of the side walls but in between the threads as well, by in depth I mean with a magnifying glass, as well as a visual of all surfaces inside the tires as well with out the benefit of the of the magnifying glass.

WGOJERRY · 03-15-2011, 09:58 PM

I agree with the guys that don't rotate. My last RV was a gas HR with a tag axel. I tried to stretch the life of my rupper by rotating, blew a tag tire, because they scrubbed so much while turning, and ripped the inside of the wheel well to pieces. I was able to fix it myself as there was no exterior dammage. On my current RV, after 7 years the rubber was getting badly weather checked to the point I was concerned I could have a blow out. Replaced all 6, but the inside duel looked fine with over 1/2 the tread. I saved them, if I have to put new rubber while I still own it, I can buy 2 new fronts and maybe use the old insides and the insides now on the RV on the back. I also spent some $$ for sun covers now. If your backs look good, for the $600 + - for two new fronts, it may not be a bad idea to invest a little extra and have 2 new tires on the front. After you consider what the cost may be for the rotating. It's not like rotating car tires.
Jerry

FleetMan · 03-16-2011, 09:02 AM

Call a local truck tire repair dealer that has road service and ask them for a quote to rotate the four tires in question, dismounting and remounting as necessary.