8 x 19.5 MH tires smooth or treaded?

Astrodokk · 11-14-2003, 10:02 PM

My MH has tires that have 4 grooves in them, still pretty deep, but no other tread! They are as smooth as a baby's butt. I was wondering if this is normal for these type of RV tires. They are a combo of Michelins and Bridgestones (up front). I saw a tv program where there is all kinds of tread all over the big rig tires on the show, and I want some before my trip next week. Mine say "regroovable" on them...that scares me.

markdoane · 11-15-2003, 07:38 AM

Regrooved tires are only used on trailers, never on a steer axle. They may start out on the steer axle, then get moved further back as they wear out. Quite often they will be placed on a tag or pusher axle.
These are only interesting if you are the fleet manager of a large fleet of trucks and want to minimize tire costs.
You can regroove your tires with a plunge router but it is not recommended.

74Argosy24MH · 11-15-2003, 08:06 AM

This is how the Bandag tire guy explained it to me- tires like you have are good for long distance OTR applications. They aren't as good in the rain or snow because there is nowhere for the water or slop to go so they hydroplane easier. OTOH they last longer because the tread doesn't move around the way it does when it is in smaller sections and they run cooler, same reason.

John

87MH · 11-15-2003, 08:52 AM

I purchased a couple of Michelins a short while ago, and they are as you described.

I think it’s important to remember that these vehicles cannot be compared to autos, and much greater care needs to be taken as far as the conditions we drive them in.

If the weather is bad, pull over and wait it out. That’s the safe thing to do.

One other factor with our rigs, the time expiry of the construction normally occurs prior to the wear out of the tread. It’s important to be cognizant of the build dates of all of the tires, and replace them prior to catastrophic failure. My personal tire life limit is 5 years.