Dry Rot on Tires

[ditsjets7]

Hi all, so my 31 Foot class C has tires that are about 2-3 years old. Recently I noticed a very small but consistent line of dry rot going around the tires near the bead. It is only on the tires on the front, not the 4 in the rear.

Question: should I replace the front tires? The dry rot is not bad at all, just a minimal line of cracking. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Mike

 

[Ranger smith1]

REPLACE THEM. Cheap compared to what could happen

 

[ditsjets7]

Thank you, I was thinking of replacing the two in the front this year and the floor in the back next year. Unless that?s not a good idea?

 

[Back2PA]

Thank you, I was thinking of replacing the two in the front this year and the four in the back next year. Unless that?s not a good idea?

No problem with that at all, except there is no reason to replace the rears for another 3-4 years (if you are certain of the age), unless they are showing obvious signs of defect

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Sorry if this sounds snippy, but are you qualified to identify tire "dry rot"?  Generally, fine surface cracks are not considered anything but a cosmetic defect, and any actual rubber rot is highly unlikely in a 3 year old tire. Not impossible, but darn near so.  You might read the Michelin RV Tire Guide and their description of surface cracking on tires. Might save you some big bucks.
https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/RV_Tires_Brochure.pdf

However, if you are worried, you ought to replace them for peace of mind if nothing else. You need to have confidence in your tires.

 

[ditsjets7]

Not snippy at all. Thanks for your help. This is good news.

 

[ditsjets7]

Does anyone know how to find out when the tires were manufactured?

 

[Rene T]

Does anyone know how to find out when the tires were manufactured?

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires#

 

[kdbgoat]

And from the on-site library above:

http://www.rvforum.net/joomla/index.php/27-maintenance-items/202-tire-manufacturing-date-codes

 

[ditsjets7]

Thanks to you good folks here this is what I have learned.

The front tires are dated 17/11
Rear 15/15

I plan to replace the front tires immediately. I have some big trips planned this summer which include going from North Carolina all the way to Maine and back again. Next summer of Yellowstone is the goal for the family. Question, am I safe with the 1515 tires on the back for this year and for next year? Or should I replace all six? That is not something I really want to do but the back tires look great and being only three years old seems to be fine to me. But I don?t know much that?s why I?m here.thanks in advance

Mike

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Major tire manufacturers like Michelin and Goodyear state their tires have an expected age life of about 10 years, assuming mileage/treadwear remains within acceptable limits.  Some tires may last longer and others less, though.  While there is less agreement about this, many people feel that somewhere around 7 years of age the risk of a tire failure gets great enough to warrant replacement, even though not worn out.  This particularly applies to motorhomes, where a blow-out often causes body damage.

Trailer tires typically have shorter working lives, perhaps because they are nearly always at maximum load and are subject t usage patterns that have negative impact on life and wear.

The shorter answer to your question is that the 15/15 tires ought to be fine for 4-7 years more.

 

[GeorgeandTheBear]

Generally, fine surface cracks are not considered anything but a cosmetic defect, and any actual rubber rot is highly unlikely in a 3 year old tire.

I'm inclined to agree with this. Back in 2008 I bought a new Ford F-250 crew cab (4 full doors) to replace my Dodge, which had the rear suicide doors. My new Ford had a longer wheel base than the Dodge and I often hit the curb while entering my driveway. The outer layer of rubber on the passenger side tires was torn off in a 2" wide swath all the way around the tire. They looked like ****, but I ran them until they were worn out, often hauling 2000-2500 in  the bed. I wouldn't worry about your tires at all.