[GMCnet] Tire age [message #25896] |
Mon, 27 October 2008 11:37 |
mwall
Messages: 7 Registered: March 2004
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Just a couple of questions. First, my understanding has been that RV
tires should be replaced every 6/7 years regardless of mileage but I was
just at the Michelin site and they are saying 10 years with an annual
inspection after 5 years. Any (I'm sure not:)) thoughts on this?
Second, since my XPS are at 7 years old with 10,000 miles on them, is
there something I can do with them other than throw them away if I
decide to replace them before next season? Seems a waste if they can be
safely used in some other application.
Mark
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25902 is a reply to message #25896] |
Mon, 27 October 2008 12:00 |
Al Scott
Messages: 15 Registered: November 2004
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Can't speak for the XPS but I had a set of 6 Michelin LTX 245 tires and
after hearing the Michelin rep say the same thing at a rally I kept them
until they were 10 years old.
They still passed the sidewall weather check inspection.
I think, as the rep said, that's what matters. Keep the sun off with white
covers if you are exposed, and measure the sidewall crack depth carefully if
you have the cracks.
I sold my six on Craigs list with 70% tread left for $350.00 in one day.
Al Scott
75 PB
Dixon, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wall, Mark"
Just a couple of questions. First, my understanding has been that RV
tires should be replaced every 6/7 years regardless of mileage but I was
just at the Michelin site and they are saying 10 years with an annual
inspection after 5 years. Any (I'm sure not:)) thoughts on this?
Second, since my XPS are at 7 years old with 10,000 miles on them, is there
something I can do with them other than throw them away if I
decide to replace them before next season? Seems a waste if they can be
safely used in some other application.
Mark
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25912 is a reply to message #25896] |
Mon, 27 October 2008 12:48 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Wall, Mark writes...
> Just a couple of questions. First, my understanding has been that RV
> tires should be replaced every 6/7 years regardless of mileage but I was
> just at the Michelin site and they are saying 10 years with an annual
> inspection after 5 years. Any (I'm sure not:)) thoughts on this?
That's what Michelin says. But they may be assuming some things, such
as 1.) the tires are in regular use, and 2.) the vehicle is stored
under cover such that the tires are not exposed to much UV. My
understanding is that tire compounds include materials that keep the
rubber limber by releasing the limberness stuff when the rubber is
flexed. So, tires need exercise to prevent becoming brittle. On most
RV's, tires don't get much exercise.
And my coach, at least, sits outside and sees the full force of
environmental attack.
My seven-year-old Daytons were showing significant cracking when I
replaced them. I can't imagine they would have lasted ten years.
But I suspect that Michelin may not actually expect their tires to
last 10 years, and expect that after six or seven they probably won't
pass a proper inspection. If that's true, the 10-year recommendation
falls into the "it could happen" department. The inspection is
supposed to look at the depth of the cracks using what I assume is a
special tool, but if I see much in the way of cracking on the
sidewalls, I'm replacing the tires. I don't have the right tool.
Plus, I'm not inclined to drive on tires that leave me with any shred
of doubt about their reliability in use. What price peace of mind?
>
> Second, since my XPS are at 7 years old with 10,000 miles on them, is
> there something I can do with them other than throw them away if I
> decide to replace them before next season? Seems a waste if they can be
> safely used in some other application.
I still have my steel wheels and tires that I took off last year. But
I need to haul them to the dump: Nobody wants my square wheels (two of
which are not radial-rated), and the Redhead is starting to complain
about the condition of the driveway vis a vis junque. But I will keep
one mounted tire for no other purpose than to provide a useful work
bench for removing and installing front wheel bearings.
Rick "who rather buy less expensive tires more often" Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25921 is a reply to message #25912] |
Mon, 27 October 2008 16:00 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495 Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Speaking of steel wheels, how does one tell if a GMC's OEM steel wheels are radial or non-radial rated??
JP
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25926 is a reply to message #25921] |
Mon, 27 October 2008 16:59 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The early bias rims were stamped on the disk with the part number
27604. The radial rims starting with the 1976 models have the word
RADIAL and/or an encircled R on the inside circumference of the
wheel. You should never put a radial tire on a bias rim. Just
asking for failure or loss of air pressure.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
77 Eleganza Custom
1975 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
>
>
>
> Speaking of steel wheels, how does one tell if a GMC's OEM steel
> wheels are radial or non-radial rated??
> Jon Payne
> 76 Palm Beach
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25996 is a reply to message #25896] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 01:25 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
mwall wrote on Mon, 27 October 2008 11:37 | Just a couple of questions. First, my understanding has been that RV
tires should be replaced every 6/7 years regardless of mileage but I was
just at the Michelin site and they are saying 10 years with an annual
inspection after 5 years. Any (I'm sure not:)) thoughts on this?
Second, since my XPS are at 7 years old with 10,000 miles on them, is
there something I can do with them other than throw them away if I
decide to replace them before next season? Seems a waste if they can be
safely used in some other application.
Mark
|
I found the same thing in the RV section of their web site several years ago. I also telephoned them and reconfirmed their suggestion was not a typo on the web page.
I have stated the same thing you did many times on this net. I ran my Michelin tires 12 years before I replaced them last year when I went to 16" Eagle wheels from Jim Kanomata.
I have seen no tire company recommend in writing the replacement of good load range D or E truck tires after 5 years. I believe this is an urban myth generated by someone who looked at the warranty period. I have a good friend and neighbor who has our same size tires on a diesel dually box van used by his business. He has 11 years on them. He keeps his inflated to 80 PSI because the load varies greatly from week to week.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25997 is a reply to message #25896] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 01:42 |
rallymaster
Messages: 662 Registered: February 2004 Location: North Plains, ORYGUN
Karma: -4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
On Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:25:42 -0500 Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> writes:
>
Your friend's truck is used in his business, so it probably gets pretty
steady use.
The problem with RV tires, is they are not used enough to keep the oils
circulating through the rubber, and they dry out and lose their
resilience.
At least that's the way it was explained to me.
ron
----------------
I have a good friend and neighbor who has our same size
> tires on a diesel dually box van used by his business. He has 11
> years on them. He keeps his inflated to 80 PSI because the load
> varies greatly from week to week.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
____________________________________________________________
Click for free info on business schools, $150K/ year potential.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3l7gNV3BjOFBgvjyuZx5e02eBuANCdwnijK0rggp92X69F4O/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
78 Eleganza II
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25999 is a reply to message #25997] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 01:53 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
rallymaster wrote on Tue, 28 October 2008 01:42 |
On Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:25:42 -0500 Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> writes:
>
Your friend's truck is used in his business, so it probably gets pretty
steady use.
The problem with RV tires, is they are not used enough to keep the oils
circulating through the rubber, and they dry out and lose their
resilience.
At least that's the way it was explained to me.
ron
----------------
I have a good friend and neighbor who has our same size
> tires on a diesel dually box van used by his business. He has 11
> years on them. He keeps his inflated to 80 PSI because the load
> varies greatly from week to week.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
|
Take a look at the Michelin recommendation.
It is specifically for Motorhomes and RVs.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26002 is a reply to message #25999] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 02:40 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken Burton writes...
> Take a look at the Michelin recommendation. It is specifically for
> Motorhomes and RVs.
Do you have the tool they recommend to their dealers for measuring the
depth of the cracks? I don't.
And I'm not paying $1500 for Michelins, either. I can replace my $700
Heritage off-brand tires twice as often if need be and still be no
worse off cost-wise.
Rick "for whom $120 a year on average for tires is well down in the
noise" Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26004 is a reply to message #26002] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 04:10 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have seen not referenced to a tool. I also know of no such tool. I'll stop by the Michelin dealer tomorrow and ask if such a tool exists and whether they have one.
I'll visually inspect and replace tires if they start cracking. Remember I also went with cheap Kuhmo tires on the last change. I love these Kuhmo tires for ride, handling, and off paved road traction. I have no idea how long they will last but they were 1/2 the price of Michelins.
I will not replace the tires based on someone's undocumented recommendation. I equate this recommendation with Cinnabar's recommendation to only use steel wall tires run tires at 80 PSI.
Show me something in writing from one of the major tire companies and I'll investigate it and rethink my opinion.
I have never seen a mandatory 5 year replacement statement anywhere except here on GMCnet.
I also use Equal balancing beads which some people and companies bad mouth.
JMHO
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26014 is a reply to message #26004] |
Tue, 28 October 2008 09:10 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken Burton writes...
> I have seen not referenced to a tool. I also know of no such
> tool. I'll stop by the Michelin dealer tomorrow and ask if such a
> tool exists and whether they have one.
I recall from reading one of those Michelin documents that the tires
should be replaced if the cracks are deeper than 1/32" or some such. I
don't know how one would know that without measuring them with some
sort of tool. I do recall some mention of taking it to a tire dealer.
> I'll visually inspect and replace tires if they start cracking.
Every set of tires I've owned on occasionally used vehicles have shown
cracks after six years. But I've never owned Michelins. The
All-Terrain T/A Radials on my older Toyota truck were put on there
when we bought the truck after moving to this house, and we moved here
in 2002. They are cracked, and it's been five or six years. In the
case of that vehicle, I'm less worried--it's already been rolled once.
Cracking tells me that the rubber has become brittle. The tires on my
daily drivers wear out before the experiment can be conducted.
> I will not replace the tires based on someone's undocumented
> recommendation. I equate this recommendation with Cinnabar's
> recommendation to only use steel wall tires run tires at 80 PSI.
There is no shortage of documentation concerning tire blowouts on
GMC's and their resulting (expensive) effects. Anecdotal, maybe, but
still documented. The nastiness of the effects tends to make me
cautious on the subject, even if it means buying tires a year or so
earlier than I might have.
> Show me something in writing from one of the major tire companies
> and I'll investigate it and rethink my opinion. I have never seen a
> mandatory 5 year replacement statement anywhere except here on
> GMCnet.
I've read it on several occasions in RV magazines, from people
supposedly representing the tire industry. That by itself would not
persuade me, either. But when mixed with all those anecdotes from GMC
owners whose 8-year-old tires did $1000 in fiberglass damage, I start
to think that maybe the tire companies are saying it, just not in
writing.
After all, what Michelin really seems to be saying is: "We don't know
or want to say how old tires have to require replacement just because
of age. But we recommend replacing them when cracks are more than
1/32" deep. If they haven't started cracking after 10 years, go ahead
and replace them just in case." (my paraphrase.) I think I'm reading
it from a different angle than you are.
> I also use Equal balancing beads which some people and companies bad mouth.
Well, Ken, you're just one of those wacko types, I guess. Next, you'll
tell us that you insist on hooking your distributor up to ported
vacuum. Sheesh.
Rick "another wacko" Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
|
|
|
|
|