Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
My Maxxis M8008 ST Radial Trailer Tires have been replaced! Just goes to show that properly maintained tires will last for many miles and years. The Maxxis tires were 12 years old and still had plenty of tread left on them, the rubber wasn't cracked and there were no out of round, balance, or belt separation issues. It was just time (maybe past time..LOL) to replace them, in addition to being 12 years old the tires had 30,000 + miles on them. It helps to have a quality tire to start with but it's also important to maintain the tires no matter what brand you have. We are not full time so our trailer does its fair share of just sitting in the yard waiting for our next trip, this is terrible for the tires and here are a few things I do to keep them in good condition.
1. Maintain proper air pressure at all times.
2. Either move the TT, MH, 5th wheel, etc. every 1-2 months or jack up each axle (one hub at a time) and spin the tire to a different position.
3. I have never used tire dressing and never will. It doesn't extend tire life; it just makes them look shiny but serves no purpose IMO.
4. Keep all tires covered when parked especially if you have no shade from the sun. The sun/heat is the biggest tire killer.
5. Keep the tires balanced and rotated. I know most trailer owners don't do this but it will extend the life of your tires.
6. Inspect suspension/brake components regularly, shocks, springs, axles, hubs, drums, brakes, bearings, etc. Worn, malfunctioning, or broken parts can damage tires.
7. DON'T OVERLOAD THE TIRES!
8. You shouldn't inflate the tires to the max pressure (noted on the sidewall) unless your rig is heavy enough to warrant the max inflation.
9. Make sure to only use non-petroleum based products to clean the tires. A number of wheel cleaners may contain harsh acids, alkalis and/or detergents that can damage wheels and paint.
10. Don't mix brands, tread patterns, etc.
11. Avoid road hazards.
12. Inspect the tread, sidewall, valve stems, valve stem caps, etc. Cuts in the tread or sidewall can cause the tire to fail. If you bend the valve stem and you see cracks or hear air escape, it's time to replace the stems. I had to replace my valve stems after 5 years; they had dry rotted and were allowing air to seep out.
13. Keep records of all of your scheduled tire maintenance. This will help if you experience premature failure, you may be able to get a pro-rated adjustment or free replacement if you can prove you have been following the tire manufacturers recommendations.
I now have a brand new set of Maxxis tires on the TT and I hope to get many years of good service from this set too.
12. Inspect the tread, sidewall, valve stems, valve stem caps, etc. Cuts in the tread or sidewall can cause the tire to fail. If you bend the valve stem and you see cracks or hear air escape, it's time to replace the stems. I had to replace my valve stems after 5 years; they had dry rotted and were allowing air to seep out.
Mark
I guess I was thinking load range E or G with metal (brass) stems. Yours must be load range C or D. Have you considered brass stems with locking ring nuts? I don't like plastic caps and always replace them with brass when I get a new vehicle.
I like all of your tire tips, especially balancing--very important.
