How often should you replace tires

[luvrbus]

The US government doesn't seem to go by the tire rules,I have a 1991 model Humvee 3/91 production date the 37x1250Rx16.5 Goodyear Wrangler load range D 8 ply are dated 1/91 no cracks or separation anyplace.LOL it must be cheaper to sell off the Humvee than buy new tires    

[LuckyChow]

I'm pretty sure that the cost to replace tires as preventive action is less than the repair bill after one unfortunate turn of events - - -
http://www.livetrucking.com/motor-home-blows-a-tire-flies-over-median-on-i-10/

I have had the misfortune of having a front tire blow out more than once (Both times, the tires were old, but looked perfect! ). Just after it happened, I would have gladly paid for 2 new tires to avoid the hassle of dealing with that aftermath, not to mention repairing the collateral damage.

Rubber will allow moisture to pass thru to the steel cords- it takes a while, but eventually, rust will develop.

Also, as rubber ages, the plasticisers leach out - regular usage works the rubber to keep the plasticisers evenly distributed which keeps the rubber flexible.

Lets not under estimate the negative impact of road hazards.

It is hard to predict how all these things add up to influence the life of the tire.

I am planning on replacing the steers at or before 5 years, The drives at 8, sooner if they show any signs that cause concern.

+1.  I'm with Kyle on tire age. 

[digesterman]

Not all commercial truck tire suppliers agree with the 6 or 8 year rule, just went through it and two big outfits in Sacramento said they don't go on dates as much as inspection, dk, just my experience recently.

[luvrbus]

Lee, the DOT doesn't go by age either just tread and visual inspection only 

[Geom]

Gary,

Thanks for the video link. That was extremely valuable to watch!
I'm embarrassed to say that, prior to watching that video, my inclination would've been to hit the brakes; which apparently is the worst thing you can do  


To add to the conversation on tire age, I've been told by multiple sources (including tire dealers) that driving on tires (even ones that look perfect) that are nearing 10 years old is a pretty large risk. One of the first things I had done, before we set out on our trip home, after purchasing our bus, was installing new tread on it. While the tires (and tread'wear) looked fine, it was not a risk I was willing to take.

I also second the guidance on a TPMS. It has been incredibly valuable in keeping an eye on tire pressure. We installed a product called Eezrv (www.eezrvproduct.com). My system came with 6 sensors for the bus, plus 4 for the toad, and the console for about $429. The batteries are user replaceable (been in use almost 2 years now and still going strong) and the console plugs in (and charges) either hard wired or cigarette lighter (both included). It does a great job monitoring the tires and reports (and alarms) on slow or rapid loss (or change) in pressure along with temp. It's pretty accurate (compared against a gauge) and the bus sensors are fill-through sensors (meaning they don't need to be removed to top off the air).

[HB of CJ]

My Brother does/did have a cherry civilian Type 1 Hummer and he told me buying new special expensive Hummer tires WAS almost as expensive ... as the Hummer!

Years ago we did take it from Bakersfield CA to Las Vegas NV and back.  Ran at about 62 mph.  I think we got about a whopping 7 mpg or so.  Not too bad.  Cold A/C.  Fun trip.

[luvrbus]

Tires have changed you are paying big bucks for junk that don't last,how many here remember when you bought new tires they were wrapped in paper ?

[Scott & Heather]

I'm a believer in making sure your steers are in good order. Just makes sense when you're driving a 34,000 lb brick. I think it's prudent to keep in mind that other lives are in our responsibility in terms of the cars and trucks driving around us on the hwy. so keeping our coaches as safe as we practically are able is something we should make a priority. We can gamble with our coaches and our lives if we so desire but when driving on public roads, we cannot in good conscience gamble with the lives of innocent drivers around us.  So I try to keep my steers new (mine are) and if the old tires are decent I'll push them to the drive axle or tags. I can't imagine losing control of my coach because of a maintenance neglect and hurting or killing someone in another vehicle around me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[luvrbus]

The problem with todays tire are they are mostly synthetic rubber,most tire made today have only about 25% natural rubber the cheaper tires are even less FWIW tires are sold by the pound   

[bigred]

I think the whole thing is about ride .Folks tend to want a 40 thousand pound bus/rv to ride like a Cadillac there fore the tire manufacturers keep making these tires with softer compounds .I put commercial tires back on mine and I really can't tell that much difference in the ride.I really wouldn't want to set out on a long trip with tires over ten years old .An interesting thing about my Prevost was that when they delivered the bus to Country Coach ,it had 12R/22.5 on it then country coach changed the tires to another size which were the same diameter (I'm not at the bus so don't remember the exact size) but they were a bit narrower  These were about 40 bucks more than the 12r's were per tire.   

[luvrbus]

Bigred, they changed from 12R to 315R/80/22.5 with a 9in wide wheel to carry more weight on the front axle the Prevost is a heavy sucker on the front axle 

[eagle19952]

Not many military Humvee's ever see warp speed either .... so a tire failure would not be the same panic as civilian driving a bus on the interstate 

[luvrbus]

Not many military Humvee's ever see warp speed either .... so a tire failure would not be the same panic as civilian driving a bus on the interstate 

They cruise along at 55 mpg that is about the same speed you see the old buses cruising at, with the trailer I am about 11,000 lbs fwiw my trailer is a 1999 model it has the original tires same size as the Humvee uses showing no signs of cracks or age   

[goutoe]

Thanks for all the posts guys! a lot of good info, I think I will try to get 10yrs out of my drivers, and change out the steering tires every five years, I am still running 12R 22.5s and have been happy with bridgestones, I do have a tire monitoring system which is very helpful keeping an eye on tire temp and pressure, and also saved me a tire on the toad last year. Thanks>>> John.

[Jon]

Tires are not cheap so I understand the reluctance to swap out tires that have a lot of tread left, no apparent sidewall cracks, but a lot of years on them.

But everytime I start thinking about tires I start with trying to figure the economics of the decision. If they cost $6000 for a set and I change them every six years my cost for tires is $1000 per year. If I stretch the change interval to 7 years my cost is $857 per year or a savings of $143. If I go to 10 years I have saved more money because the cost is $600 per year.

Then I start to think about the risk. I know as tires age the rubber loses its flexibility. That is why new tires make the ride seem so much better. Old tires are like riding on hard rubber. So the hardness of the tires and sidewalls affects the tire performance, and I am certain blowouts happen more frequently as tires age, especially of the tires are being driven on lousy roads with potholes. If I ignore the risk a blowout creates, just the fact I have a blowout wipes out all the savings. Tires purchased on the side of the road are not cheap, nor is the service call, nor is the inconvenience.

Then there is the issue of what other damage occurs when a tire fails. The answer is none, or a lot. I know first hand a failed tire can take out an air bag or brake chamber. Some coaches have had body damage due to a tire failure.

Then there is the real risk to me or my family. A sudden tire failure creates a serious control issue and the risk there gets into the human cost. Near where I live a church bus driven by a professional driver had a blowout on I-40, crossed the median, struck a Tahoe in the rear, killing its passenger, struck a semi head on killing its driver, rolled over and killed 6 more people in the bus, including its driver and his wife.

I'm risk averse and 6 years are the limit for my tires. For the brave among you my old tires are available when I change. Come and get them. Free. Along with all the risk that goes with them.