Posted 2011-09-22 1:06 AM (#137763 - in reply to #137749) Subject: RE: TIRES
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610
Location: Northern CA
Funny, I think we all had the same thing on our minds today. TIRES!
I looked at mine today and thought;" I think it's been 4 years since i got these things". I called the tire store and asked them to look up the last time I was in for tires. Yep, about 4 years. I have the BFG all Terrains. The tire guy told me that they now have found that these tires are good for 6 years instead of the 4-5 we have been told.?? I had noticed superficial lines high on the sidewall near the tread.Tire guy stated that that was normal wear for these tires.? That this was just "superficial". Anyways, that was my reason for making the call today.
Posted 2011-09-22 6:39 AM (#137766 - in reply to #137749) Subject: RE: TIRES
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I got a set of G614RST's that are turning 7 years old... They look really good, no cracks, no bumps or bulges... Been kept inside most of they're life. Heading out on 1500 mile trip next week through the mountains out to Tn. and back.... May have wished I replaced them before I get back, but they look too darn good to just pull off and throw away....
Posted 2011-09-26 5:32 AM (#137860 - in reply to #137749) Subject: RE: TIRES
Regular
Posts: 70
Location: PA
Retento, I have a good friend who had these tires on his trailer for 10 years & 40,000 miles. They came on his 2000 Sundowner & trailer was only stored inside in the winter & he finally got a blowout last summer & finally replaced them. He was one of the people we consulted when we were looking for tires since they travel alot & his trailer is heavier than ours and although I thought 10 years was stretching it, I was impressed & that's what we bought. We usually watch for cracks, etc. too so hopefully you should be OK. People seem to get blowouts even with new tires but it may have to do with improper inflation, etc. and at today's prices, I agree you hate to switch them until necessary. Sounds like a great trip and best of luck.
Posted 2011-09-30 1:03 AM (#137947 - in reply to #137749) Subject: RE: TIRES
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
I have a set of original tires and rims that are 35 years old. Depending on the "cruise" or show, I will mount them to one of my cars, to impress the judges with a vehicle equiped with original equipment.
They have less than 4K of wear, and look like new. They should, They are stored and treated like prised trophies. Other trips involve a new set of modern radials, that are normally used. The differences in handling between the two sets are quite noticeable, even though both are radials, of similar sizes and OEM original replacements.
The old tires are now stiff, and result in a hard ride, impaired cornering and generally poor handling. The new tires are more supple, hanging onto the road's surface with better performances, and offering a superior ride quality.
Tires will deteriorate with age, regardless of mileage. When the value of a rig and its occupants are considered, changing tires before they can cause damage to either, is a no brainer. Most trailer tires die from old age and not mileage. Six or seven years is a pretty good run, when you have no problems. Consider their replacements as a prepaid insurance policy.
Posted 2011-09-30 10:52 PM (#137975 - in reply to #137947) Subject: RE: TIRES
Expert
Posts: 2615
As someone having a blowout on our 2H fully loaded down Sooner the fri night of a Memorial Day weekend going around the interstate at Springfield MO,I will say AMEN to the above last statement made by Gard.