Rv tire sidewall cracking

See how to read a tire sidewall the last four digits are the week. I recently attended a seminar on rv tires the presenter was not from michelin who said michelin puts an additive in their tires to reduce dry rot. Oct 17, 2019 if you can slip the corner of most credit cards or drivers license into the crack easily you need to be looking for new tires. First off, i do not feel that sidewall bumps, bulges or protrusions occur because of misplaced or broken belts. I recently attended a seminar on rv tires the presenter was not from michelin. If you have priced tires lately you know that it is a major expense, so much so that it will make you rethink your tire care strategy to ensure you get 100 percent of their intended life. There are lots of reasons for tire failure on rvs, like under inflation, over inflation, overloading and the age of the tires. The cracking on the michelin sidewall is not always a flaw. May 27, 2010 page 1 of 2 tires have small sidewall cracks posted in general rv discussion. Hairline cracks are a nonissue, but keep an eye on those. Tires take a serious beatingconstant stretching as they roll along the road, exposure to harsh chemicals gasoline, oil, acid, etc.

Weather cracking is common in rv tires from all manufacturers. This sort of rv tire sidewall cracking is an indication that the tread belt could separate just as you see them rubber crocodiles laying on the highways from a tire that has had a catastrophic failure. Kal tire is tire cracking a normal part of agerelated wear. Tire replacement guidelines and sidewall weathering tire replacement guidelines. Im getting the tt ready for our trip, took the covers off the tires, and there are some small cracks 46 inches midsidewallone on one tire and two on another in the sidewalls of the tires on one side of the trailer. One tire is starting to show cracking alng the center of the sidewall. Make sure you know the age of your rv and automobile tires and always inspect your tires for signs of weather cracking before each trip. This in essence forms one long crack in the sidewall. There are a few things you need to do to help preserve your tires. Mar 24, 2010 after getting the bike out of the garage for the first time this season, i noticed that my front tire has some cracking along the sidewall. Im getting the tt ready for our trip, took the covers off the tires, and there are some small cracks 46 inches mid sidewall one on one tire and two on another in the sidewalls of the tires on one side of the trailer. Additionally, some sidewall cracking has been linked to abrasion from parking against a curb, or the excessive use of tire cleanersdressings that inadvertently remove some of the tires. How to prevent tires from weather cracking it still runs. Goodyears warranty for weather cracking is four years from purchase date or four years from manufacture date if proof of purchase is not available.

Even if you are in arizona, you might be getting it ready to be parked for many weeks or months. Tire dressings that contain petroleum products, alcohol, or silicones may cause premature aging and sidewall cracking. If youre not sure about your tire cracking, bring your vehicle in. Superficial tire sidewall cracking may not be an immediate safety concern, but sometimes cracks in tires that seem minor can get worse in no time. The outer layer of rubber on the sidewall is simply a sealing layer to keep the elements away from the inner structural part of the tirein other words, those unsightly cracks are purely cosmetic. A five year old rv tire can show almost no wear or appearance of aging, and the. I recall reading there were certain tires to avoid somewhere but cant find that thread searching appreciate your input on which ones are recommended and which. Rv tire recommendation page 2 tires fmca rv forums a. Page 1 of 2 tires have small sidewall cracks posted in general rv discussion. Weather cracking is a naturally occurring condition that results from exposure to heat and sunlight. From the picture, it appeared the tire had what i would call ozone or uv cosmetic cracking. Rv tire recommendation page 2 tires fmca rv forums. Cracking appears when the polymers in the rubber start to break apart.

Usage per year more frequent usage will result in longer life. Superb choice for highscrub frequent turn application traction in dry, wet, muddy and snowy conditions alternative size option 22570r19. I live in southern california and i take very good care of my motorhome including covering the tires when in storage which is the majority of the time. How to maximize the life of motorhome tires motorhome. Michelin xrv tire sidewall tire consumer complaint. Some factors that influence how long a tire will last are. Should i look to replace them at the start of 2019. Rubber compounds enhance traction and improve treadwear. If your tires start to get really deep cracks after 35 years, you might consider replacing them for peace of mind. Preserving your rvs tires when parking longterm rv travel. This video is about prevention, preservation, and protection. Hot air expands and you will get a higher reading than normal. Tire tread is always wearing and evolving as the miles accumulate, but the tire tread compound also changes according to season, temperature, and.

Rv tire sidewall cracking is an indication that the tread belt could separate, leading to potential rv damage from catastrophic tire failure. Photo 29 rv tires care and maintenance guide michelin rv tire tires are the single most important item on your rv. When exposed to sunlight and the elements they can develop those small cracks often referred to as weather checking, ozone cracking, or just plain sidewall cracking. How to protect your tires from cracking gold eagle co. Nascar racing tires operate at an average of 200260 degrees fahrenheit. Rv tire inflation quick tips always check your tires infl ation pressure before and after trips, and at least once a month while storing your rv. For example, a vehicle parked outside instead of in a garage will constantly expose its tires to the rays of the sun, increasing the likelihood of cracking. I ran michelin x and xas tires on cars, 40,000 miles on a tire was a big deal. Wheel cover protects your rv tires and wheels from water, dirt, and uv rays guards against dry rot and premature sidewall cracking to help prevent blowouts good for offseason storage. Nov 22, 2014 if you have priced tires lately you know that it is a major expense, so much so that it will make you rethink your tire care strategy to ensure you get 100 percent of their intended life. Weather conditions such as heat, cold and sunlight cause cracks to appear on the sidewalls and at the base of tires tread grooves. When looking at the michelin tire care handbook, the company has specific suggestions on the life of motorhome tires and when to replace them. When parked for an extended period of time, this additive shows up as cracking on the sidewall.

Keep tires from dry rotting and cracking how to keep tires from dry rotting and cracking you might think of your tires as fixed, unchanging vehicle components, but theyre actually some of the more alive elements of your vehicle. Tire cleaning or dressing products can damage the rubber in tires. Have you noticed small cracks in the tread or on the sidewall of your tires. We have sidewall cracking on all outside mounted tires michlin tires 25580r22. At least monitor them if they are older, and be sure to travel at the proper tire cold pressure, based on your rvs weight. Additionally, some sidewall cracking has been linked to abrasion from parking against a curb, or the excessive use of tire cleanersdressings that inadvertently remove some of the tire s. Dry rot is a misnomer for cracking observed on tires, usually more observable on the sidewall. Here is a video of my 4 12 year old michelin motor home tires cracking dry rotting on my 2015 newmar canyon star. Each letter had a crack in the rubber that ran from one letter to the next. At one point or another, its almost inevitable that they will strike the sidewall of your rv or trailer tires, often like a nest of little snakes swimming toward the tires. We will likely need to replace all our tires due to uneven wear, after our alignment etc is done this week.

Belts are under the tread not on the sidewall so i have to wonder what training, if any, the gent at the tire store has received on tire construction or inspection procedures. Our steer tires are dated 1220 and so theyre almost 7 years old. No cracking at all on the smooth portions of the sidewalls. What is of concern is the elasticity, flexibility of the rubber. Its best to get them checked out because even though your tires are holding air just fine now, put them under load on a 105degree day and youre inviting trouble. While weather cracking is common as special trailer tires age, there are ways to stall these.

Tire age in itself is not a serious concern but it can be part of a diagnosis or predictor. Tire manufacturers do not recommend the use of sidewall dressings that contain petroleum distillates because they contribute to rubber deterioration. Almost all tires will begin to exhibit small cracks in the sidewall after a short period of time. If youre not sure about your tire cracking, bring your vehicle in to a kal tire store near. Also, i am not willing to pay 280 us for a tire that i can get for 91 as a truck tire. This cover protects 2 sidebyside tires on your parked rv.

Following these simple tire storage tips can add life to your rv tires, but keep in mind that tire age and exposure to the elements are leading causes for tire failure. Apr 16, 2018 this video is about prevention, preservation, and protection. The owner was concerned about the tire durability as he had suffered a couple of blowouts previously. Incorrect inflation can cause sidewall cracking and unusual tread deterioration.

Tire cracking is a problem more for stored vehicles such as rvs, classic cars and trailers. Tire cracking, also called weather cracking, occurs on all tires. Complete rv tire safety, selection, care and maintenance. Rv tire safety with rv tire expert roger marble many rv owners are winterizing their rvs. Use tire covers if you store your rv outdoors for extended periods. At one point or another, its almost inevitable that they will strike the sidewall of your rv or trailer tires, often like a nest of little snakes swimming toward the tires shoulder. The owner was concerned about the tire durability as he had suffered a couple blowouts previously. Rv tire age can result in tire failure rv 101 education.

This type of tire sidewall cracking is sometimes called ozone cracking or weathering. These longterm storage rules also apply to when your rv is parked at one campground for more than a month. For 95 percent of motorhome owners, tires will be replaced from age or sidewall cracking long before the tread is worn out, but tread depth is still part of a good tire inspection. Check every tire for signs of sidewall cracking avoid using sidewall treatments or dressings, which can actually accelerate cracking. Weather conditions such as heat, cold and sunlight cause cracks to appear on the sidewalls and at the base of tire s tread grooves. Tire failure on rvs can be extremely dangerous and can cause extensive damage to your rv. Appears as crazing and or cracking in the flex area of the sidewall. Driving on any tire that does not have the correct inflation pressure is dangerous and will cause tire damage. In fact michelin used to have a wallet size card that showed the. How to keep tires from dry rotting and cracking you might think of your tires as fixed, unchanging vehicle components, but theyre actually some of the more alive elements of your vehicle. The quote you want is in the michelin rv tire guide.

In addition to looking for obvious problems such as road hazard damage or bulges, you need to also carefully look for sidewall cracking. Jul 29, 2017 the cracking on the michelin sidewall is not always a flaw. While weather cracking is common as special trailer tires age, there are ways to stall these signs of tire agingand safe ways to handle them once they do. After getting the bike out of the garage for the first time this season, i noticed that my front tire has some cracking along the sidewall. Aug 03, 2015 if you plan on using your rv at least once a month for a mile round trip at the very least does it make more sense to use truck tires. There appears to be a seam from production running around the right sidewall of the tire, and there are small cracks along this seam in several areas. Car emergency kit checklist stuff happens empty gas tank, flat tire. Thin cracking in sidewalls and the bottom of tread grooves is common enough. My other question is, is there even such a thing as an rv snow tire if not, i am definitely going with a truck tire. Antarctic tundra tires cruise through snow drifts at negative 40 degrees fahrenheit, and the typical suv tire rotates some 42 million times throughout its lifetime. You can slow down sidewall cracking by using an offtheshelf cleaner once a week.

How to maximize the life of motorhome tires motorhome magazine. Tire covers keep sunlight off tires and slow uv damage, and may be purchased from rv dealers and camping world. Aug 22, 2017 for 95 percent of motorhome owners, tires will be replaced from age or sidewall cracking long before the tread is worn out, but tread depth is still part of a good tire inspection. Tire cracking over time is normal, and its a sign that your tires have done their duty and now you need to replace the tires to keep your vehicle safe. Apr 19, 2017 tire cracking, also known as dryrot, happens when the tires rubber starts to break down due to ozone, uv, roadsalt, chemicals, and grime.

Tires have small sidewall cracks general rv discussion. If you do then you will have many miles of stressfree travels. Every tire price includes expert installation at a local auto dealer. As a tire continues to degrade and dry out, dry rot can occur. Whats the thinking on lifespan for steers in our application. Heavyduty vinyl fabric guards against water, dirt, and uv rays. Also my family is worth a lot more than the cost of any tire. If you have significant other that sews, even a guy can do that buy some canvas or vinyl and make them yourself. Overlapping seams and doubleneedle stitching ensure durability. Check your rvs tire pressures regularly when traveling. Goodyear does not state a specific replacement age for rv tires because there are many conditions that dictate a tires life span. New tires due to rv tire sidewall cracking usa rv nomads. Tires recommended and which to avoid class a escapees. In deciding when to replace rv tires, the best rule of thumb is no more than five years, or as often as you can afford to.