How to know when to buy new tires

[AtomicNo13]

Historically for me anyway, Michelins have been the tires I have had fail!
Actually the only brand I have had fail!
I'm back to st Carlisles, and really like their performance.

Since 2010 I average between high twenties to mid thirtys (thousands).

[Silverflames]

So I went with the Maxxis Radial ST D tires, I'll chime back in after a couple of trips and report on how they are holding up.

They come with a five year warranty. Excluding road hazards.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by m.hony

I ain't the smartest man in the world, but my personal experience tells me this:
I have never had a tread separation on a P-rated tire.
I have never had a tread separation on an LT tire.
I have had many tread separation ms on ST tires.
What does this tell me?
Even taking RV shear into consideration:
Never, ever buy an ST tire ever again!


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

My sentiments exactly.
I have beater 1998 Explorer I use in Florida. There are a set of 10 year old Michelin tires on it. The car sits for 5 months without moving. I never check the tire pressure because it rarely loses any pressure.
The GYM on my Airstream was babied. Checked air pressure religiously, before ,after, during trips. I would get anxiety attacks when the speedometer
went to 66 miles per hour. I installed a tire monitoring system. Regardless after 12,000 miles major blowout thread separation on one tire with 2 others imminent. The hassle involved was unbelievable.
Needless to say I am running Michelin's and I am a happy camper. I quit being a GYM tire slave. Back to cruising at 70 mph my favorite cruising speed.

[Tireman9]

Sorry this took so long. Needed to get permission to post the direct link to posts on the topic of inspection on my blog on RV Tire Safety

http://www.rvtiresafety.com/search/label/Inspection

I think the video link of the "Free Spin" is one of the best ways to see early indications of separation.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

I heard Goodyear calls them Marathons because they only last 26.2 miles.

I heard guys in the tire shop call them Marabombs.

[PKI]

Well, maybe not a bomb if you can visually inspect and identify separation early enough to replace prior to the big bang. Thanks for the link TM. Pat

[tjdonahoe]

I can't believe the Taiwan built Maxxis tires and Chinese built Carlile are better than the Good year marathon built in china, like calling the kettle black, my marathons got 22000 miles and are 50 per cent tread in 3 and 1/2 years...just replaced with michelins made in the USA!

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

No.

Hi, OMG, the sky is falling replace everything!

(1.) Five to seven years old

(2.) Dry rotted or cracking.

(3.) Wearing badly or un-evenly.

(4.) Worn to wear bars; Very rare on a travel trailer.

(5.) Signs of separation, bubbles, cuts, Etc.


I ran ten years on Marathons and only replaced them as needed. Two at 3 years due to small sidewall bubbles. Two at 7 years due to separation. I now run Carlisles with a 82 MPH rating. Miles? Just on my Alaska trip, it was for 50 days and over 10,000 miles. My new Carlisles went on my 2015 cross country trip of 3 1/2 months and over 13,000 miles.


Replacing trailer tires at 2 years and / or X amount of miles is ridiculous.

Consider yourself very fortunate.
Running GYM tires is like playing Russian Roulette IMHO.
30' International, GYM tires, 2 years 10,000 miles. Massive blowout, thread separation, $ 9,200.00 damage to the Trailer.
Not counting the hassle of getting the trailer to Ohio for repairs.
Two other tires were ready to blow as well.
I maintained those tires religiously, matter of fact they were my biggest worry before embarking on any trip.
I am running Michelin LTX never have to add air and can drive any speed I choose.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Barretta2

. . .
And the question: If you were me, would you replace these "good" tires now?

Wondering how you are feeling about getting new tires after all the feedback here? It seems as if they would offer peace of mind for your upcoming trip. We are in a similar situation and are considering get new tires (single-axle FC20) to reduce risks, if only a little.

Thanks,

Peter

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Wondering how you are feeling about getting new tires after all the feedback here? It seems as if they would offer peace of mind for your upcoming trip. We are in a similar situation and are considering get new tires (single-axle FC20) to reduce risks, if only a little.

Thanks,

Peter

Hi, after decades of working at new car dealers, we determined that "New doesn't mean good". Parts for your car, truck, trailer, or even your house can be defective.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, after decades of working at new car dealers, we determined that "New doesn't mean good". Parts for your car, truck, trailer, or even your house can be defective.

True enough, Bob, but in terms of risk management, we prefer new 16" M&S Michelins over slightly used 15" OEM tires on our new single-axle FC20 -- with the upgrade package to include Sendel wheels, Centramatics, tire pressure sensors, etc.. This package deal is superior to the existing 15" setup in our opinion.

Risk management plus an upgrade in capacity and safety.

Could the new Michelins be defective? Of course.

Thanks for your feedback.

Peter

[Barretta2]

Peter (OTRA15), I'm going to replace with Michelin's in April. With plans to put about another 8,000 miles on my AS beginning in May, the peace of mind is well worth it to me.

[Ted S.]

I bought my Michelins for $163 a piece from this company:

http://www.4wheelparts.com

Free shipping, no tax. I hope they are not old or made in China, much better price then anywhere else.

[OTRA15]

Sounds good Barretta2!

[TheDuke]

IMHO, the best time to buy new tires is when you look at yours and "Made in China" is stamped on the sidewall! Take it from someone who is "Nearly Famous!"

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by TheDuke

IMHO, the best time to buy new tires is when you look at yours and "Made in China" is stamped on the sidewall! Take it from someone who is "Nearly Famous!"

I second that.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

True enough, Bob, but in terms of risk management, we prefer new 16" M&S Michelins over slightly used 15" OEM tires on our new single-axle FC20 -- with the upgrade package to include Sendel wheels, Centramatics, tire pressure sensors, etc.. This package deal is superior to the existing 15" setup in our opinion.

Risk management plus an upgrade in capacity and safety.

Could the new Michelins be defective? Of course.

Thanks for your feedback.

Peter

Hi, the best bang for your buck is the Centramatics.

[Silverflames]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, the best bang for your buck is the Centramatics.

I just put mine on for the first time. Anything special about bolting them down?

I have aluminum wheels, so I know that I need to re torque the lugs at 50 miles.

[PKI]

Tube ring goes inward around the brake hub. Verify the plate fits flat against the bolting surface. They will fit reversed with some wheels, but work better if oriented inward. Pat

[switz]

Keep checking with your favorite tire store for the Michelin 15" XL series tires. Michelin has discontinued all but one 14" tire and despite the three new 15" tires this spring, that size will be next on the chopping block.

This cheery news was from the tire manager at my local CostCo today.

There is no mechanical way to fit a 16" Michelin tire on our 23D. The 15" Michelin was a snug fit. So next year, I will start checking for any negative news on 15" Michelin availability and will order in a set before they vanish.