New tires on front-Older tires on rear

[Mr_D]

I don't know where people get the idea that the 5 year "rule" came from the tire manufacturers. It comes from people who don't read the manufacturers printed manuals. Michelin says should be inspected yearly starting at 5 years and absolutely replaced at 10.

This is from Michelin:

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.

[SteveLevin]

I bought my coach with 5 year old rears that were in good condition visually and will run them out to 7 years assuming they visually hold up. So far I've not seen issues develop in the 13,000 miles I've put on them so far.

In the end, you are always taking a gamble with tires that you don't know the history of. They could have been run underinflated, slammed into curbs, etc. All you can do is visually eyeball them, and if they look good, run them. Or you can just replace them (as I did with my 7 year old fronts because they showed checking, and I decided it wasn't worth it).

Unless I just couldn't afford any more money, I would never let tires scuttle a deal on a motorhome.

I'm glad it worked out for you!

Steve

[Vickie 4369]

Originally Posted by Dakrism

Just to update this issue---I asked for new tires on the rear in an email to the salesman.He has responded and the general manager of the dealership has responded and both are telling me no deal on them replacing the 4 rear tires.
I said no deal if they were not replaced and I would not drive it off the lot.Unforunately I gave them a $5000 deposit when we signed the deal and they are casting doubt on my ability to recover the deposit money.
I know all this should have been avoided prior to agreeing on a price but I cant believe the dealer does not have enough profit to put 4 tires on the unit. He says the deal is so close on the profit margin they will lose money and he is calling the owner to see what to do.
My wife wants me to eat the tires and quit bitching but I really want newer tires to feel completely safe.
The GM offered to split the cost of 4 new tires and yesterday the salesman offered me $1000 to complete the deal.
I told the GM that we should all 3 contribute 1/3 to the cost of 4 new tires and he is taking that under advisement and contacting the owner.
I guess we will know soon if I need an attorney or we are completing the deal.
My regret now is the annimosity I feel has developed between the salesman and myself and the fact I still need to deal with this dealership during the delivery inspection and training on how to use the vehicle.
The reluctance to replace the tires and their insistence that the tires were"perfectly" safe has given me pause as to their veracity and reliability on other issues.
Once again thanks for the comments.It seems like the concensus is that the tires should be replaced.A couple people said they were ok with the older tires but most thought they should go!

Personally I think you Messed up a good deal, the tires were inspected by professionals and the dealer has to stand behind them so if they say they are safe they are!.

They Said there was Nothing to indicate an issue with the rear tires no bulging, no flat spots no uneven wear.

If you want to replace tires because of what you read or personal preference that that is on you.

Tires blow out due to 1 of a couple things, Road Hazards, low tire pressure speeding, overloading, uneven Loading causing overheating.

Your more likely to blow out a front tire than a rear tire and you have 2 on each side in the rear so if you blow one it is not a safety issue so much.

They put new tires on the front you should be Happy.

Just follow the guidelines and procedures for tire care posted on Michelin and Goodyear web sites and Happy Motoring.

[max49]

[QUOTE="GULFSTREAM37;1389946"]



Tires blow out due to 1 of a couple things, Road Hazards, low tire pressure speeding, overloading, uneven Loading causing overheating.



They put new tires on the front you should be Happy.

.[/QUOTE


You must have copy/ pasted that from tire manufacters , it's never our fault small print. If our tire fails it's always your fault.

[jth camper]

I'm glad to hear you worked out a fair deal on your purchase of the coach. I hope you enjoy your new coach. Happy camping.