You will no doubt get a lot of different answers, my wheels stay directly on whatever surface I am parked on, I do however cover the tires while parked to block the damaging affects of UV Rays...

-- Edited by GENECOP on Sunday 3rd of July 2011 01:18:04 PM

If you will be parked in one place for a long(ish) period of time they say it is better to put some plywood under the tires rather than have direct contact with asphalt or concrete. I don't believe dirt or gravel would be the same but I would likely choose plywood on gravel (personally) just to avoid getting gravel "dent" in the rubber. I have no idea if that is a valid concern or not.
Covering the tires is also a good idea if you will be parked for an extended period of time. None of this is necessary if you move every week or 2 as the tires are designed to product their own protectant as they are run.

If this is a used 5th wheel, check the year of production of the tires and if 7 years or older they'll need to be replaced B4 you start out on the road - no matter what they look like and no matter how much tread they have on them. Tires 7 years or older are unsafe for travel.

Everything I've read on-line as well as from tire manufactures - also in talking to the local Winnebago dealer - 7 years seems to be the magic number - additionally on other forums on this very blog people - who seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge have said 7 years is the magic # for the age of tires on RV's - safety being the major consideration.

I'm just repeating and passing along what I've read here and on other credible sites - From what I have read it seems to be more of a guideline than a requirement. I guess one would have to have tires older than 7 years, have a blow out and then make an educated judgement after changing their pants.

Having your teeth cleaned every 6 months is a guideline but works for most people. :>)

I don't even have an RV yet but I'm reading all the info I can and checking all the credible sources I can. I guess I would have to ask if you have information to the contrary that would support your 10 year decision?

When I do get the RV, based on what I've reaserched, 7 years will be my change period for tires -

I never stated it was a drop dead # - I merely stated what I've read on many web sites as to the safety of tires especially with overloading etc etc. I have read on several reliable sites including this one that tires over 7 years in age should be replaced! You say 10 - I say 7 - I'm sure there are those who say a different #. Your opinion is not gospel nor is mine - to each their own dude.
Do the research and I'm betting you'll find more who side on 7 years as compared to 10.
Opinions are opinions and that is all they are - we each do what we are comfortable with - pure - plain and simple.

Ten years seems to be the average Manufacturer recommendations.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=183

Thanks for the info GENECOP - very helpful - I will add it to my info collection. Interesting that the Bridgestone warranty expires after 6 years - to me that is a message of sorts.
I'm sure there are people who will agree with this info and who will disagree with this info - we all have a choice. Again thanks for passing this helpful info along.

You have a way of imposing a sense of others being incorrect - we all follow what we think is best in life. In New Mexico - Dude is a term of friendship not sarcasm. How you took it is another example of your choice. You certainly have your area of expertise - outside that area I have to assume your comments are opinion as is what 99% of members express. We all read and understand things in different ways and we alll make different choices based on how we digest information. 10 years for you - 7 years for me - no harm - no foul. In the future I will not respond to your disagreements as it's not the purpose of this site. I joined to learn about RV's and for the most part this site and the members are very helpful and that's why I'm here - to discuss - learn and meet some nice people. Enjoy your Holiday - all's well.

For the original poster, some of the answer depends on answers to some more questions.

• Used or new fifth wheel?
• If used, how old are the tires and in what condition?
• How long is "awhile" before you take it on the road?  A couple of months, several months, a year, a few years?

At any rate, if sitting for a couple months or more, yes, put something under the tires - wood, plastic blocks, flexible plastic cutting boards, etc.  It's not good for tires to sit on concrete or asphalt or gravel for extended periods of time.

The age of the fifth wheel, the age of the tires, the length of time you are planning to sit, and exposure of the tires to the sun while sitting all play a part in determining whether the tires that come on the fifth wheel should be used or replaced once you hit the road.

---

 Now for some answers to other questions posed in this thread.

RV Industry standards according to RVSEF is 5 - 7 years on tires with 5 years being about the max on trailer tires due to the closeness of the axles and the increased twisting and pressure on sidewalls.  Seven years on trailer tires is too old in most cases.

Manufacturers say 10 years, but that assumes that the tires have been running under perfect conditions.  That includes: 

• 100% proper inflation pressure for the load they are carrying 100% of the time.  Over and under inflation for the load decreases the life of tires and it's difficult to keep tires inflated to the optimum pressure (especially when you don't know the load and/or the load and temperatures change a lot).
• Consistent use - the best thing for tires is to use them.

Also, tire damage is progressive and not curable.  So damage from underinflation, overinflation, UV exposure, moisture in the tires, road hazards, sidewall damage, mis-alignment, axle issues, high speeds, etc. shortens the tire life.

Typically, due to all these factors RVSEF recommends "aging" out RV tires even if they are not "worn out".  And the "age out" period is shorter for trailer tires than motorhomes.

For tires that are not moving that have significant sun exposure, tire covers are a good idea.  BUT, tire covers in wetter climates can trap moisture and moisture traps heat.  The extra heat from the moisture could be as damaging as the sun exposure if left uncovered.

Also, be careful when inflating tires at gas stations and other places where the compressor tanks are not drained of moisture.  Moisture in the tires traps heat and as we say at RVSEF "Heat puts tires together and heat takes them apart".

I may be partial, but as far as RV tires go, I don't think there is any better authority than RVSEF with its access to data, manufacturers, and tire engineers.  

 

And yes, these are just guidelines.  As Ron stated below, due to many variables which I've mentioned above as well as others, it is impossible to tell when to change tires based on age alone.  But some general guidelines can be helpful.    

-- Edited by Howard on Monday 4th of July 2011 12:34:17 PM

Ron - it all goes into a decision process to do what feels right to each individual - at my age - I like to keep myself and family safe - after all - I'm the only me I've got :>) thanks for the input.

Howard, thanks for the calm words of reason. Again, your exhaustive research helps allay conjecture and, well, my barber's cousin's neighbor told a friend that ____ (you get the picture). I am rather paranoid about tires and threw away a set of chinese made maypops when they were less than 3 months old. bought name brand tires with an appropriate weight rating and still watch them closely.