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Old 09-14-2015, 01:17 PM   #1
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Now this is a tire crack, and it's on a sale lot to boot!!

Heading back to the office I spotted a National Dolphin LX on a car lot. Normally, that's a "so what" event, but it was on my way, and the door was open like an invite, so I thought, "eh, I got a few minutes, I'll check it out."

Nothing remarkable about the coach other than what looks to be a wall repair in front of the bedroom slide that was obvious from many feet away. Not delamination, this thing had been messed up. It looked to me like what would happen if something was trapped between the interior of the slide seal/lip/flange and the wall when the slide was opening, allowing the force of the opening slide to concentrate at the point of the obstruction. The wall damage was clearly bowed outward and enough to crack and split the outer skin in that manner. I didn't take a picture, though.

Exterior was pretty weathered, too.

But the tires.

A 2004, and I'm going to say original tires and I'm guessing this driver's front got the brunt of sun, as the other side was (visually) better off.

I implored them to please put tires on this coach, and not let unsuspecting buyers caught up in the pretty interior drive away. Or even test drive. Or hell, even let the tire just sit there with air in it like that!

It was clear this hadn't even dawned on them. I explained what they were likely in for if they had this out for a prospect's test drive and it let go. No more bodywork at the scene of the crime, best case. That crack is huge, and it goes all the way around the circumference. Did I mention it is bigger than it looks in the pic? DEEP, too.

I will likely never know if they deal with it, but it bothers the hell out of me that they may sell it to someone who doesn't know any better or takes the time to look closely during the lot walk.

Damn.............


Caveat: NO brand commentary allowed. The tires are about 12 years old and this could be any tire. This was just my commiserating my anger that this is considered roadworthy for a test drive, right as it sits.
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Old 09-14-2015, 01:34 PM   #2
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You're absolutely right. It's amazing how many people only look at tread depth when determining the condition of a tire. Any dealer should know better, of course. That unit is probably on consignment, so it's unlikely that the dealer would invest in a new set of tires. That's why it's "Buyer Beware" on used motorhome lots!

I am wondering, though, did you actually happen to notice the date codes or are you just assuming the tires are original?
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Old 09-14-2015, 01:37 PM   #3
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I bought a 2000 Hurricane in 2013 with the original tires on it. The tires had 13,000 miles on them and the cracks were no where near that bad. I drove the motor home 70 miles on a cool day to get it home and then drove it to the tire shop for 6 Michelin XZE tires. I have over 8,000 miles on the XZEs and they still look new.

Just the location of that crack scares me.
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Old 09-14-2015, 01:49 PM   #4
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You're absolutely right. It's amazing how many people only look at tread depth when determining the condition of a tire. Any dealer should know better, of course. That unit is probably on consignment, so it's unlikely that the dealer would invest in a new set of tires. That's why it's "Buyer Beware" on used motorhome lots!

I am wondering, though, did you actually happen to notice the date codes or are you just assuming the tires are original?
I am indeed ass-uming...........
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Old 09-14-2015, 01:54 PM   #5
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I bought a 2000 Hurricane in 2013 with the original tires on it. The tires had 13,000 miles on them and the cracks were no where near that bad. I drove the motor home 70 miles on a cool day to get it home and then drove it to the tire shop for 6 Michelin XZE tires. I have over 8,000 miles on the XZEs and they still look new.

Just the location of that crack scares me.
Since the other tires were not like that, it's my WAG that this one may have sat flat for a period of time, perhaps?

The only facts I have are, "Holy crap, don't leave that tire on there" visuals, so it's all surmising.

They (the lot) does own the coach. I mean, they could lie about it, but they guy is the in-laws of a coworker/friend, so this is a conversation that included how so and so is doing, and whatnot. Meaning, it was easy going, he knows I am not buying, and we know who we are and just chatting. Said the owners used it to travel south and back each year, and due to health traded it in for a SUV and some cash. It has the dealer's paper on the back, no plates. It doesn't matter; just saying.
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Old 09-14-2015, 02:42 PM   #6
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They'll probably leave until a buyer comes along and then show him what a deal he's getting by replacing the tire.
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Old 09-14-2015, 02:48 PM   #7
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STAND BACK! She's gonna blow!
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Old 09-14-2015, 02:58 PM   #8
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It may last 12 miles......or maybe not!
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Old 09-14-2015, 03:57 PM   #9
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I thought I would invest in the "best" tires on my last RV, a Class C. I bought a set of Michelins and ~5 years later had to replace them because they were cracked worse then these. They may not be 12 years old.
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Old 09-14-2015, 04:03 PM   #10
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Come on now, those tires have a 5/50 warranty: 5 seconds or 50 feet, whichever comes first!
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Old 09-14-2015, 04:04 PM   #11
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Dang it. Now I'm not gonna be able to let it go unless I go back and look at the date.

Maybe later this week......
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Old 09-14-2015, 07:36 PM   #12
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Dang it. Now I'm not gonna be able to let it go unless I go back and look at the date.

Maybe later this week......
It doesn't make any difference what the date code is. THAT TIRE IS UNSAFE! It must be replaced before anybody gets into that vehicle. Any tire person will tell you that. If you buy this vehicle, replace the tire before you turn the ignition key.
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Old 09-14-2015, 07:45 PM   #13
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I see coaches in rv parks this bad on occasion... Wife always tells me to mind my own business....
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Old 09-16-2015, 02:07 PM   #14
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Things you learn when you read a forum like this..... CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!!
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