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Bama E GOAT · 02-17-2025, 09:55 PM

I HAVE 295/80/22.5 Michelin XZ DATE CODE 0020 SO 5 YEARS OLD. 17,000 miles Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH. When should I replace? I am planning a 6000 mile trip in May. No cracks, nothings, no cuts and have a ton of thread left. I don’t want to get into a tire issue on the trip.

HighDesert · 02-17-2025, 10:53 PM

I would have no issue with 5 year old Michelins in that condition. I just replaced my 8 year old Michelins.

wildtoad · 02-17-2025, 11:42 PM

As I recall, Michelin says, if properly maintained, 7-10 years with annual professional inspections starting at year 7. Dump them at 10.

jaydee325 · 02-18-2025, 04:13 AM

You can download the Michelin RV Tire guide HERE. Page 7 covers warranty and tire life on RVs.

OMMM4747 · 02-18-2025, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildtoad

As I recall, Michelin says, if properly maintained, 7-10 years with annual professional inspections starting at year 7. Dump them at 10.

Yes, well-maintained Michelins can last up to 10 years. They normally age out while still having a good tread so don't let the tread be your guide. I don't know what a professional inspection entails, but if its a visual inspection it appears you're already doing that. Just ensure you're also checking the back of the tire and not just the side you can see. Front and back, pay special attention to cracking in the immediate vicinity of the bead. Even in the daytime, use a bright flashlight since it may reveal cracks you may not otherwise see.

Good luck

SafariBen · 02-18-2025, 08:49 AM

Many/most will last 50 years on an RV. The info I've read indicates a rise in failures starting as early as six years (may have been automotive tires), and I can't find anything quantifying the increased risk at ten years or older. There will be an increased risk of failure with new tires, whether that is tire failure or mechanic error, so new tires at 5 years is not a guarantee of less risk.

If you read into the data, it is overwhelmingly focused on hot climates, even "the southern part of the sunbelt states".

Galvanizd · 02-18-2025, 09:10 AM

Opinions will vary, much like when to replace starting batteries , discussed on another thread.

The bottom line is only you will know the history of those tires if you are the original owner. Where is/was it parked/stored, how they were cared for. Road damage, curb damage, sun damage etc.

You and your family will be riding on them. How do YOU feel about the condition of your tires? Will you worry about the current tires the whole trip or will buying new ones ease that worry. Tires are expensive ....but.

If you haven't rotated them in awhile, find a good tire shop. One that deals with large tires routinely. While they rotate them (and you watch , so some 18 year isn't doing the inspecting) they can examine the inner rear duallys properly and get another opinion as to their condition.

If you decide to keep them, you'll have a better feel for the condition. If you decide to replace them, think about reselling your old tires, easing some of the pain. Also FMCA has a michelin tire program.

Campfamily · 02-18-2025, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galvanizd

If you decide to replace them, think about reselling your old tires, easing some of the pain.

Will truck tire stores have any interest in buying these? Typical price range (% of replacement cost)?

Galvanizd · 02-18-2025, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campfamily

Will truck tire stores have any interest in buying these? Typical price range (% of replacement cost)?

Nope. Twice I have been aware of them being sold. Once in Oregon. A Les Schwab had a farmer come get my friends old tires. ( No idea what Les Schwab charged them) My old tires in Yuma last year, there was a guy buying them. No idea the price cause At about 100lbs a piece , I had no way to get them to him. I left them.

Because of the size and weight, Most of us just leave them at the shop when we buy new, but if you can find a buyer.......bring a small trailer.

I did save one. Traveled to Mexico that year, kept it as a spare. Didn't need it.

Dieselboy · 02-18-2025, 10:59 AM

I had a Michelin completely blow apart at 65mph right at the 5 year mark. Front passenger steer. Barely kept it on the road. I check pressures and tire condition before every drive.

Do what you want but I’d at least replace the fronts.

SafariBen · 02-18-2025, 11:31 AM

Forgot: the Tireman blog has a video of "spin inspection" for mounted tires, to check for out of round or bubbles much more effectively than just looking at them sitting still. An excellent method even with brand new tires.

Five year old Michelins should be at least $100 each, but you may have to handle them and deal with buyers to get that price. A tire shop is NOT going to cut you in on the resale, may not even take them free.