Should follow pros advice on tires

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Vacationer49

I believe the tire was a little low the morning we started but not sure, I just performed the thump test before departing. I believe the tire got hot on I-10 traveling in the slow lane in the semi trucks grooves, most of the weight felt like we were riding on the inner duals due to tracking narrower than a semi.

Okay - thanks. I think I will invest in a TPMS system, at least for the inner duals if not for all of the tires.

I hate checking inner duals!!!

[Medico]

Originally Posted by Siesta

An earlier post alluded to sidewall cracking and that RV tires sit loaded for long periods of time in one position. I know its not practical for the big 'A's, but I took the trouble to put my axles on jack stands (4 of course) and unloaded the tires for our long 5-6 months of winter - no stress, and no flat spots. I think this must add years to tires, but I'm a relative newbie and time will tell....just seems common sense if doable.

Again, not being a tire expert I guess you can say this is my opinion. It's not just the flat spots. That is one important consideration, but it's also the environment. Sunlight will degrade tires, moisture can degrade tires. If the sidewall is cracking, then those tires are LONG past replacement time. Exercising a tire (running it) occasionally is an excellent practice as this flexes the sidewalls. I guess somehow this helps to re-align the fibers in the tires(???)

Also, very few of us with MHs can put them up on jacks. Only those with relatively small coaches can do this. Plus, what can happen to the MH chassis if this is done??? Again, the chassis experts would have to chime in here.

[Gordon Dewald]

Running the tires apparently gets the oils and lubricants they have in there circulating.

According to what I have been able to determine the biggest detrimental factor is heat. That is why you see tires covered with white tire covers.

UV rays and ozone plus other factors help the tire to age. It is worth pinging tire aging on the internet to see how complex it can be.

Big thing is underinflation or running overweight. I think the most important thing to do is check tire pressure regularly.