Tire Life

[Affinityfan]

As a rule what is the longevity of Michelin tires on a motorhome and when should they be replaced.

[pasdad1]

Most agree 7 to 10 years is the maximum life.

[Mr_D]

Michelin says 10 yrs MAXIMUM.

Michelin Technical Bulletin

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

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.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.
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).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

Toyo RV Safety

Tire Damage and Aging (Non-Commercial Use)
Vehicle operating conditions and tire maintenance practices vary widely. Tires should be routinely checked for damage or signs of fatigue or aging. This should be done at scheduled vehicle maintenance intervals and preferably on a lift so that the tires can be thoroughly inspected by a tire professional.
Tire longevity is extremely dependent on factors such as air pressure maintenance. It is recommended that tires be thoroughly examined by a tire professional after reaching five years of service. Even tires with serviceable tread remaining may require replacement prior to wearing out. Tires which have reached a remaining tread depth of 4/32nd should be replaced.
The age of your tire can be determined by reading the sidewall. Every tire has a 10 or 11 digit DOT (Department of Transportation) identifying number on one sidewall.
The last 3 or 4 digits are the most important to you. Older tires have 3 digits, the first two identifying the week of manufacture and the third digit the year when the tire was made. Tires made between 1990 and 1999 may have a triangle alongside the numbers. As from January 2000 4 digits are used, the first two give the week of manufacture and the last two digits tell the year the tire was made.

[stuhly]

Except for when Michelins start sidewall cracks at 3 or 4 years.

[Mr_D]

There's always someone out there knocking whatever it is that's being discussed.

[wingnut60]

From personal experience, 17.5" Michelin tires exhibited sidewall cracks within the first two years, but I did not say anything about them. At four years, had 2 of 4 with tread separations, Michelin would do nothing to help. The tread, tho, looked almost like new after many 1000s of miles...
So that has been my last go-round with them.
They make a good tire, no doubt about that. But if I can't get support, I have gone to less expensive (cheaper?) brands and have not had a failure.
What does this have to do with MH tires? Nothing.
Joe

[stuhly]

Would you like to explain to me why I shouldn't be knocking Michelins when the last set I bought started cracking in three years.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Most agree 7 to 10 years is the maximum life.

+1.

That goes for all heavy M.H tires. Not just Michelin!

[Mr_D]

Here's what Michelin and Toyo say:

Michelin Technical Bulletin

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

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.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.
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).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

Toyo RV Safety

Tire Damage and Aging (Non-Commercial Use)
Vehicle operating conditions and tire maintenance practices vary widely. Tires should be routinely checked for damage or signs of fatigue or aging. This should be done at scheduled vehicle maintenance intervals and preferably on a lift so that the tires can be thoroughly inspected by a tire professional.
Tire longevity is extremely dependent on factors such as air pressure maintenance. It is recommended that tires be thoroughly examined by a tire professional after reaching five years of service. Even tires with serviceable tread remaining may require replacement prior to wearing out. Tires which have reached a remaining tread depth of 4/32nd should be replaced.
The age of your tire can be determined by reading the sidewall. Every tire has a 10 or 11 digit DOT (Department of Transportation) identifying number on one sidewall.
The last 3 or 4 digits are the most important to you. Older tires have 3 digits, the first two identifying the week of manufacture and the third digit the year when the tire was made. Tires made between 1990 and 1999 may have a triangle alongside the numbers. As from January 2000 4 digits are used, the first two give the week of manufacture and the last two digits tell the year the tire was made.

[Txice]

Stuhly;
When did you replace? What brand did you get? How bad was the cracking? We just purchased a 2002 Monaco Diplomat with (barely) 4yr old Michelins. I took it to my favorite tire store today and a guy I've dealt with for years pointed out some cracking that I had to blink to see. In other words not severe. He said he has seen them bad enough to stick your finger in, He said he wouldn't go too far very fast. Might be good for another year. I'm only worried right now about the two steering tires. This is our first MH but I've driven big trucks and a blow out up front ain't fun.

[jbrv]

From what i can gather sidewall cracking is pretty much normal. How bad it is depends on a lot of things, the top things i found mentioned are enviroment (sun, heat, smog) and whatever garbage tire dressing people like to put on tires to make them black but are bad for the tires, proper pressure, correct load.

I found the information because i noticed some minor cracks on my tires and did a bit of reading to see if i should be worried. Turns out that when they are tiny they are nothing to loose sleep over. Somewhere on the net is a chart showing different cracks and what is ok and what to be worried about. Can not seem to locate it right now.

[TonyDi]

[mel s]

Originally Posted by stuhly

Would you like to explain to me why I shouldn't be knocking Michelins when the last set I bought started cracking in three years.

stuhly
Not only is it OK for you to knock Michelins if you had Michelin tires that cracked in only 3 years ...IMO it is your duty.
Mel
'96 Safari, (with a similar "bad experience" with a set of 6 Michelin XZE tires).

[DonKofAK]

Originally Posted by stuhly

Would you like to explain to me why I shouldn't be knocking Michelins when the last set I bought started cracking in three years.

What was the date of manufacture? How long afterward did you put the tire in service? Just askin'.