Time for new 5er tires?

[corprimo]

We've got a 30 ft Cardinal 5er that's 5 years old with 20,000 miles on it and original "Regul Trailblazer" LT215/85 R 16 tires. Tires have about 3/8 inch of tread left and when the light hits them just right there are some slight bulges in the sidewalls. We're planning a trip from Anchorage - Nebraska- Arizona - Anchorage for May/June. These tires don't look bad, but maybe it's time for some new rubber. What do you think?

 

[jimnance]

Most radial tires I have seen have a slight bulge or indentation where the plys meet. If your bulges look like this (check the tires on your car) I wouldn't worry. Otherwise a bulge indicates a compromised sidewall and can be a dangerous condition.



The tread remaining is OK, but you'll want to examine the sidewalls and tread for significant cracking.



If in doubt I'd replace them. A blow out can cause a lot of damage to the RV.

 

[CPG]

Five years is a lot of time on trailer tires. Your trip will be a long and hard one as I have gone this route. Most tires should be replaced at about three years. This may sound like overkill but the tires take a beating just sitting. I had two blowouts on our 26' Alpenlite 5th wheel this last summer. Both failures were within 200 miles. All tires were under 4 years of use. Both failures were on the R axle. The LR went first resulting in severe damage on the L side of the trailer and floor damage over the wheel. The tires also had good tread but they do suffer fatigue over time. Les Schwab's tire people out west here are really great in taking care of their customers. I was advised to change them at 3 years regardless of how well the tread looked. Check your spare also as this is good insurance all the way. Keep the tire pressure up to specs stamped on the tire casings and always keep the tires covered when not in use when stored. For a trip like your taking, I would start out fresh, its good insurance.



Chuck

 

[JSchooley]

I agree with Chuck. I had some pretty bad damage from a blown tire. It's much better to change them a little early than to suffer and age related failure.

 

[corprimo]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking we'd rather be safe than sorry and am going to see if I can get some Michelin XPS Ribs through Costco or Sams club. They don't have them in stock in the stores or on their web site, but do list them in the catalog in the stores. These stock Regul tires have been over the Alcan Highway 3 times already, and I have some doubt as to their quality even when they were new.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Originally posted by corprimo

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking we'd rather be safe than sorry and am going to see if I can get some Michelin XPS Ribs through Costco or Sams club.

Excellent choice!! You can't go wrong with the Michelin XPS radials!! As they say, "Expensive, but darned well worth it"



Bill

 

[RustyJC]

I switched from LT235/85R-16E Goodyear Wrangler HT's to Michelin XPS Ribs on our 13,500 lb 5ver. I can't believe how much cooler the all-steel Michelins run on the Interstate during the summer than the Goodyears.



The Michelin XPS Ribs (mine were in stock at Discount Tire) are not cheap, but neither are 5vers or tread separation repairs - a failed Goodyear Marathon on our previous 5ver did $2500 damage! As Bill said, just lay down the $$$ for the Michelins and enjoy the peace of mind - they're excellent insurance!!



Rusty

 

[willyslover]

Guys... just an FYI here



Now [1/12] thru the next three weeks Costco has a cupon offer of $60. 00 off.

and Costco will special order them if not in stock [some of the yuppie locations don't have the selection of truck tires that rural locations have]