I'm dealing with a tire replacement dilemma and would really appreciate some expert guidance. I recently purchased a 2017 motorhome that came with the original Michelin tires, which puts them at about 7-8 years old now based on the DOT date codes. The previous owner was meticulous about storage - the RV was kept in a climate-controlled garage for most of its life and only has about 27,000 miles on it.
Here's what's puzzling me: these tires look absolutely pristine. I've inspected them thoroughly and can't find any visible signs of aging like sidewall cracking, dry rot, or unusual wear patterns. The tread depth is still excellent, and they hold air pressure perfectly. However, I keep reading conflicting information about tire age versus condition. Some sources say rubber degrades internally even when stored properly, while others suggest that well-maintained tires can safely exceed the typical replacement timeline.
I'm planning some extended travel in the coming months and want to make the safest decision. Should I replace these 7-8 year old Michelin tires even though they appear to be in excellent condition, or is it safe to continue using them based on their visual inspection and low mileage? What do RV tire experts generally recommend for the age-based replacement timeline?
Yes, replace 2017 tires soon. At 7-8 years they are at recommended age limit regardless of appearance. Rubber degrades internally even in garage storage. Plan replacement before next extended trip. Most experts recommend 6-7 year replacement for RV tires.
For your 2017 coach with original Michelin tires at 27,000 miles, you should plan to replace them within the next year, even though they look great with no dry rot. RV tires have a recommended service life of 6-7 years regardless of mileage, and yours are approaching that limit. The fact that your coach was garage-kept is excellent and likely why they still look good, but the rubber compounds still age and lose structural integrity over time. Michelin typically dates their tires on the sidewall - look for a four-digit code starting with the week and ending with the year of manufacture.
RV tire aging occurs due to several factors beyond just road wear. Ozone exposure, UV radiation, temperature cycling, and chemical breakdown of rubber compounds all contribute to tire degradation over time. Even garage-stored tires experience these effects, though at a slower rate than those exposed to constant sunlight and weather.
The heavy weight of RVs puts additional stress on tire sidewalls and internal structures. Your coach likely weighs 10,000-30,000+ pounds, creating constant pressure on the tire carcass even when parked. This sustained loading accelerates the breakdown of internal steel belts and rubber compounds, making age limits more critical than with passenger car tires.
Heat buildup during travel is another major factor. RV tires run hotter due to heavy loads and often inadequate tire pressure monitoring. This heat cycling weakens the molecular bonds in the rubber, leading to potential blowouts even when tread depth appears adequate.
Before making your tire replacement decision, locate the DOT date code on your Michelin tires' sidewalls. Look for a four-digit number at the end of the DOT code - for example, in a code like "DOT XXXXXXXXX3117" the last four digits (3117) mean the 31st week of 2017, with the preceding letters and numbers representing plant and size codes. This will confirm exactly when your tires were manufactured and help you determine their remaining safe service life.
Get your RV weighed at a truck stop or CAT scale to determine actual axle weights versus tire load ratings. Many RV owners discover they're running close to or over their tire's weight capacity, which accelerates aging and increases blowout risk. Each tire should be loaded to no more than 85% of its maximum rated capacity for optimal safety and longevity.
Research replacement tire options now, even if you don't replace immediately. Quality RV tires like Michelin XRV, Goodyear G670 RV, or Bridgestone R268 can cost $300-600 each depending on size. Plan your budget accordingly, as a full set for a motorhome typically runs $2,000-4,000 including mounting and balancing.
Consider joining an RV tire monitoring system if you don't already have one. Systems like TireMinder or TST can alert you to pressure and temperature issues that accelerate tire aging and help you get maximum safe life from your new tires.
Start by conducting a thorough visual inspection of each tire. Look beyond obvious cracking for subtle signs of aging: slight discoloration, small surface checks in the sidewall, or any separation between tread and sidewall. Pay special attention to the inner sidewalls and areas around the valve stems, where age-related problems often first appear.
Check tire pressure when cold using an accurate gauge - RV tire pressures typically range from 65-120+ PSI depending on your coach's weight and tire specifications. Compare actual pressures to the manufacturer's recommendations found on a placard inside your coach. Properly inflated tires will give you maximum remaining service life.
If you decide to replace now, have all tires replaced as a complete set. Mixing old and new tires can cause handling problems and uneven wear patterns. Choose tires specifically designed for RV use, not passenger or light truck tires, as they're built to handle sustained heavy loads and heat buildup.
When installing new tires, have them professionally mounted and balanced. Ensure valve stems are replaced with appropriate high-pressure versions rated for your RV's requirements. Many tire failures occur due to old valve stems failing under the higher pressures RV tires require.
Document your new tire purchase with photos of the DOT codes and keep maintenance records. This helps track age and ensures you'll know when the next replacement cycle is due. Most RV tires should be replaced every 6-7 years regardless of appearance or mileage.
Consult a tire professional immediately if you notice any sidewall cracking, bulging, or tread separation, even if minor. These are signs of structural failure that can lead to sudden blowouts. Don't attempt to "push" questionable tires for another season - the cost of a roadside tire failure far exceeds replacement costs.
Get professional help if you're unsure about your RV's actual weight distribution or proper tire pressures. Many RV dealers and tire shops offer weighing services and can recommend appropriate tire pressures based on your loaded weight. This service typically costs $50-100 but can prevent premature tire failure.
Consider professional installation even if you're mechanically inclined. RV tires require specific torque specifications and balancing procedures due to their size and load requirements. Improper installation can lead to wheel bearing damage or dangerous wheel-off incidents. Professional mounting typically adds $25-50 per tire but ensures proper installation.
Seek help from RV tire specialists rather than general auto tire shops when possible. They understand the unique requirements of RV applications and can recommend appropriate replacement tires based on your specific coach weight, travel patterns, and storage conditions.
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