Skline01
Norton Shores, Mi
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Okay
I have searched a lot of existing threads on the forum and have arrived at what I think is a sensible approach - looking for feedback
Issue: purchased a used 2003 31' Winnebago in august with 28300 miles. Tires look great; good threds; sidewalls look good and they are Goodyear 245/70R 19.5 Load F G670RV tires. The dot numbers range from MHAW 0602 to MHAW 0903.
From postings on this site, and other readings, understand should have tires checked after 6 years of age on an annual basis - done right plan on 30-50 dollars a tire
My thoughts are to just go ahead and reshoe the rig before I take any long trips. In the long run this might be cheaper then paying for an anuual inspection and/or taking the chance of a blowout on tires I do not know the history of; even though they look good.
I am also thinking (from what I read) that it would be worth the investment in a higher end tire that have a life expectancy of 10 years (My understanding is at least michelin has this)
Also thinking about buying at Costco and having installed at a trucking center (some feedback on this site about problems with Costco being able to mount and balance this size tire)
I would appreciate any thoughts and feedback on the approach. I certainly do no have a lot of cash lying around to throw away if not needed - but from what I read and discuss it is time to change the tires.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and thoughts
USMC Mustang 8989
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Rex & Shirley
Bastrop, Texas
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19.5s with close to 30K miles are just about 1/2 way through their life anyway. The damage a rear blow out can do to the body is unbelievable much less a front at cruse speed. Always err on the side of safety and you'll come out ahead.
Rex & Shirley S.
4 big dogs in a
Gulf Stream FriendShip
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parkmanaa
Houston, Tx.
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Michelins (my favorite brand) in the 24570R19.5 will run about $300. ea. at Costco. Figure another $25. to have them mounted and balanced.
At that cost, if you are planning to pay up to $50. each to have the Goodyear tires inspected (that seems very high), you would pay out the new tires in approx. 6 years. Properly cared for, and inspected as per Michelin's RV tire guide, the Michelins will easily last 10 years.
Although I have long been a proponent of not scrapping tires when a magic age arrives, I agree with your logic on this one, since one other factor can be that if you just bought the rig you don't know how many miles the tires ran under inflated or otherwise abused.
40 years in the tire business; seen it all and done most of it.
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steveownby
Knoxville, TN
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Hey USMC Mustang,
I assume you are a Marine, so thanks for your service. Don't let anyone try to sell you a magic tire that might last 10 yrs or over. All the manufacturers say 7-10 yrs with inspection after 5. I agree with you that paying for dismount & inspection is not cost effective. I also have an '03 with OEM rubber. I replaced the steer tires last spring and I will replace the drive tires this coming spring. They still look good but I have seen the damage caused by a blowout & it's not worth the risk.
Do a couple of things. Check to see it there is room in the front wheel wells for a higher load range tire. If so you can reduce the psi in front for a better ride and also have a higher weight capacity. Put balancing beads (not powder) in the tires. Weight your motorhome so you will not be guessing about inflation psi.
Safe travels,
Steve O
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bill h
coastal reconquista
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parkmanaa wrote: one other factor can be that if you just bought the rig you don't know how many miles the tires ran under inflated or otherwise abused.
Another unknown factor is how long it sat. Sitting is death on tires.
84 Barth 30 tag powered by ht502/Thorley, Gear Vendors OD
Siamese Calvin and Airedale Hobbes
4WD Toyota toad
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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I replaced my tires at 7 years and the "soft" new ride came back. If it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't have believed that new tires made that much of a difference in the ride. I guess the sidewalls do get stiff with age.
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
09 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
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Skline01
Norton Shores, Mi
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Thanks to all for the feedback and insight. Steveonbuy - yes you're correct I was in the Corps from 64 to 85 - thanks for your thoughts and thanks
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Diplomat Don
Moorpark, Ca
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Skline01.....Tires are an expensive maintenance item on most coaches. Yours are at or near the end of what is safe before you have issues. One of steveownby's suggestions was to replace the front and then the rears next year. This really helps to break down the costs and spread them over a couple of years. I always replace all four car tires when they need it, even if two are still okay, but with a motor home, the tires usually have plenty of tread, they're just old. Just make sure you buy a quality name brand tire that will be available next year if you split up the purchase.
Don & Mary 
2005 Monaco Diplomat 36SKT
400 Cummins 
2007 Dodge Dakota 4WD
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sum1
So-Cal
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What bill h said.
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Skline01
Norton Shores, Mi
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To continue the discussion.
I met with the salesman at Costco about the Michelin tires and what they cover. They will treat it like autos in that they will provide inflation checks and balance of tires throughout the life of the tires BUT they provide no road hazard coverage for RV Tires. They stated that tire companies normally do not provide road hazard coverage for RV or off road tires - I know I have seen and heard of this type of coverage for RV's in the past - Any insight on road hazard coverage insurance available as well as warrenty provided by michelin on RV tires??? Thanks for the help
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