An Ounce of Prevention

[Virginia Deacon]

Replaced my six-year-old Goodyear Marathon tires, today. Had high-pressure, truck tire valve stems installed, instead of regular stems. Mechanic said those stems "last forever." Also, had both tires balanced. The original spare tire had only a couple cosmetic marks, and we agree not to replace the spare.

Mechanic pointed out that both tires had six-inch tread separation; could have failed at any time, he said. He also showed me two Goodyear large, truck tires he recently replaced; one had completely lost its tread, and the other was looking pretty shabby. He said the owner asked for an adjustment, because "we have only had these for six months." Owner said they were on a trip and needed to replace their old tires. These, she was told, were just what she needed and the price was right. The mechanic checked the date the tires were made and discovered they were eight years old when she bought them as "new" tires. It's against the law to sell eight-year old tires, my mechanic said.

Lessons learned: I verified the manufacturing date on my the tires I bought today; will do this every time I buy any tire for my vehicles. I plan on having the TrailManor tires removed and inspected for flaws every year, when I have the TrailManor inspected by state law. I'll continue to check tire pressure, rim torque, and drive at 60 or less when towing the TrailManor. And, I won't wait six years until I replace these new tires.

Thanks to all on this forum who have provided money-saving, TrailManor saving, and - maybe - life-saving advice about tires!

Sounds like you been living right!! Glad you were spared the aggravation and trouble of losing them on a trip.

[ShrimpBurrito]

What was your justification for not replacing your spare?

Dave

[Virginia Deacon]

Thanks for your question.

We inspected the spare and it looked as good as new (no checking or dryrot). It did have a couple small indentations from the holder, but two tire specialists said they were only cosmetic, that the tire was sound. I had the mechanic replace the valve stem with a high-pressure, heavy-duty stem and balance the spare, before he put it back in the holder. After camping season this year, I will probably replace the spare.

With a six year old spare in good shape, you better have road side service which will respond to RV calls. I worked for BFGoodrich for 8 years as a Product Service Manager. A six year old tire is an unreliable spare but it might get you to the next exit if road service is not available.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by Beach Boy

With a six year old spare in good shape, you better have road side service which will respond to RV calls. I worked for BFGoodrich for 8 years as a Product Service Manager. A six year old tire is an unreliable spare but it might get you to the next exit if road service is not available.

This is very true.

The spare tire has not been "worked" or exposed to the Sun. It won't show UV damage on the surface but the real problem lies beneath the surface, where the tires are laminated.

Tires need to be worked once in a while to keep the vulcanized rubber "Healthy". That's why it is unwise to buy "New" tires that have been sitting on the shelf for years (just like your spare has been doing).

I rotate my tires every 3-6 months (including the spare). That way, I don't end up with a 4-year-old tire, that has never been on the ground, to rely on in the event of a flat tire.