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[GMCnet] Tire age [message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 11:37 Go to next message
mwall is currently offline  mwall   United States
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Registered: March 2004
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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
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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25899 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 11:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Charles is currently offline  Charles   United States
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Mark,
They might be good for trailer tires. Only use where a
blow out or lost tread won't damage something expensive.
Michelin only warranties their tires for 5 years. Where
on their site did you find this 10 year crap? I had a
Michelin tire blow out in my trunk. The tire had never
been on the ground. Because it was 5 years 2 months
old they would not adjust it.
Charles
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Charles Wersal
Duncanville, Texas
26 foot 1975 Glenbrook
Pandora's Box

Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25902 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 12:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Al Scott is currently offline  Al Scott   United States
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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


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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25904 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 12:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Al Scott is currently offline  Al Scott   United States
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Forgot to add, they had 25,000 miles on them.

Al Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wall, Mark" Subject: [GMCnet] Tire age



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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25909 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 12:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Really does not matter what anyone thinks, the importiant point is:

it will cost $2,000 to $5,000 to repair the fiberglass, air lines, air bags,
etc when you have a blow out or a ragged flat,

so the decision is yours ;>)

gene (with 7 new 15 year old tires and wheels to relace)


> Michelin site and they are saying 10 years with an annual
> inspection after 5 years. Any (I'm sure not:)) thoughts on this?
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25912 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 12:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick Denney is currently offline  Rick Denney   United States
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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

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'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25914 is a reply to message #25896] Mon, 27 October 2008 13:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMCWiperMan is currently offline  GMCWiperMan   United States
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Mark,

I've talked to too many GMCers who've had failures of old tires, both on
the ground and hanging on the spare mount, to risk running them past 5
years. I've never heard of the fiberglass repair from a highway speed
blowout costing less than $600. 'T'ain't worth it.

I sold my first set of 5 year old Michelins to my son's friend to run on
his old Chevy van which he used to haul RX-7 parts to races. I gave him
1/2 his money back after he blew 2 of them on his first trip.

Hauling a farm trailer behind a tractor is about the only use I'd
personally put them to.

Ken H.


Wall, Mark wrote:
> 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.
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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25916 is a reply to message #25899] Mon, 27 October 2008 14:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mwall is currently offline  mwall   United States
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Charles,

>Where on their site did you find this 10 year crap?

Here is the link to the Michelin RV Tire Guide:
http://www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/toolbox/reference-material.jsp

Mark
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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25919 is a reply to message #25916] Mon, 27 October 2008 15:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Keith V is currently offline  Keith V   United States
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Location: Mounds View,MN
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You takes your chances with old tires.
These aint car tires...

I bought my GMC with near perfect generals on rusty non radial tires. I had to drive 250 miles home.
Believe me, It was nice to NOT have to worry about tires on the maiden voyage!

Lots of horror stories of old tires Sad


Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25921 is a reply to message #25912] Mon, 27 October 2008 16:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jon payne is currently offline  Jon payne   United States
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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 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
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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
>
>
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GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25934 is a reply to message #25899] Mon, 27 October 2008 17:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steven Ferguson is currently offline  Steven Ferguson   United States
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Charles,
I was just told the same thing today at Discount Tire. Michelin
is up to 10 years now. I still ordered a new set of BFGs though.

On Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 9:53 AM, Charles <gcw13@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Mark,
> They might be good for trailer tires. Only use where a
> blow out or lost tread won't damage something expensive.
> Michelin only warranties their tires for 5 years. Where
> on their site did you find this 10 year crap? I had a
> Michelin tire blow out in my trunk. The tire had never
> been on the ground. Because it was 5 years 2 months
> old they would not adjust it.
> Charles
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'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25996 is a reply to message #25896] Tue, 28 October 2008 01:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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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 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rallymaster is currently offline  rallymaster   United States
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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
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Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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North Plains, ORYGUN
78 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #25999 is a reply to message #25997] Tue, 28 October 2008 01:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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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 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick Denney is currently offline  Rick Denney   United States
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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

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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26004 is a reply to message #26002] Tue, 28 October 2008 04:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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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 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick Denney is currently offline  Rick Denney   United States
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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

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'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26015 is a reply to message #26002] Tue, 28 October 2008 09:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Al Scott is currently offline  Al Scott   United States
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The "tool" is a piece of wire in the crack to measure the depth. I believe
there is a 2/32 max but not sure about that.
Michelin also had a picture guide handout of the sidewalls.

Al Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick Denney"

Do you have the tool they recommend to their dealers for measuring the
depth of the cracks? I don't.



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Re: [GMCnet] Tire age [message #26020 is a reply to message #25999] Tue, 28 October 2008 10:26 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
John Ruff is currently offline  John Ruff   United States
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Senior Member

Quote:



Take a look at the Michelin recommendation.
It is specifically for Motorhomes and RVs.


A warranty is meaningless for a GMC motorhome. Find me a tire that will warranty the damage done to the vehicle and I will buy it. The warranty only applies to the tire - not to vehicle damage.

A lifetime warranty does not mean it is is a great product. An example is K-Mart and Costco. They will warranty anything they sell. It can be a cheap piece of junk but have a fantastic warranty.

I will replace my tires every 5 years and hope for the best. Remember - the best tire warranty in the world can still be defeated by a single nail Smile




John Ruff
Chandler, AZ
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG

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