tire checking

[SRehberg]

I checked my trailer tires today on the 5er, and to my displeasure, discovered the new tires I put on last summer, have sidewall cracking starting! I know the recommended replacement is around 3-5yrs. , but 1yr. seems pretty short lived. Is this cracking/checking normal? I kept them covered from the sun, and Armoralled them as well; is the Armorall the problem? The tires are inflated with the recommended pressure of 50lbs. all winter.

 

[DavidC]

No it is not normal. I quit using Armorall years ago (at least 10) when a Chrysler news letter stated that Armorall caused dash pad cracking and drying. At that time Chrysler recommended using silicone spray, so for a few years I used Food grade silicone on my vehicles including the 70 roadrunner original vinyl top. I have since switched to 303 protectant for the last 3 years or so and am very pleased with the results. It is a little pricey ( about $53. 00 a gallon at camping world) but it beats the alternative. We picked up a new 5th wheel about 18 months ago and I religiously use 303 on the tires and use the tire covers and they still look new even here in Arizona.



Dave

 

[Mundgyver]

About 15 years ago the military was raving about Armorall and was using it to preserve rubber gas mask. While it looks good at first, the looks are very deceptive. They wound up buying new mask to replace new mask because the the degrading affect that took place. It makes things look nice, but you pay a price later on.

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the reports, as the Amorall is now going to be history. I was sick to see the tires checking/cracking in less than a year after buying them! They're to expensive to be changing yearly! Thanks for the great input, and my tires or other rubber products, will never see Armorall again.