How Old Izzat Tire? And What Does It Matter?

Those expensive 'rubber donuts' we put on our RVs are far too often, neglected. After all, there's not much "attractive" or sensual about tires. Emelda Marcos didn't keep a garage full of them, and tire showrooms are generally noisy places that offer popcorn, not caviar, to shoppers.

We've blogged about keeping a close eye on your tire pressure, but that's not the only concern. Keeping your RV tires "fresh" is just as important--and more easily overlooked. After all, when did you last change out your RV tires? I can't tell you when I did--I only remember it was because we had an alignment problem and scuffed a couple of the poor beggars to death.

The RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) warns that RV tires, unlike car "shoes," generally don't wear out--they 'date out.' Because we put so few miles on them, our RV tires are more likely to die of UV radiation poisoning than from road wear. The RVIA says, "Statistics indicate that the average life of an RV tire is five to seven years." After that, you're living on borrowed time and living dangerously.

So how old are your tires? Here's a picture of a tire sidewall stamp:

The so-called "DOT Code" lists the information we need. The last 4 digits, 2104 in this case, tell us the tire was built in the 21st week (21) of 2004 (04). That dates this tire manufacture at sometime in the middle of May 2004--about three years old, plenty of "age" left in it for an RV tire.

But notice too, a bit of "weather checking" on the sidewall near the rim. Caused by heat, age, ozone exposure, and (believe it or not) exposure to petroleum tire dressings, "sidewall weathering" can weaken the tire and your safety. If these cracks are more than 2/32" deep, replace the tire. And lay off the use of "tire dressings." They may make the tire shiny, but they'll eat up your investment.