I stopped at the Louisiana visitor center just across the line from Texas. Pulled out the IR thermometer and shot the tires. Rear passenger outside was about 10-15 degrees (124 f) higher than others so after the walk around I 'shot' it again-- same.
Figuring I might need to air up, I was able to pull up and across the drive so the curbside was at a curb. Checked the air, was good (I run 95 in front, 85 in back).
Then I looked closer at the sidewall. There were vertical (not rotary) striations all around the tire. No checking, looked almost like wrinkled saran wrap. I will admit they could be scuff marks but I don't remember any episodes, certainly since I last checked pressure.
I am now just outside Lafayette, La and will visit the local TCI (Michelin) dealer in an hour or so.
Tire(s) were new 12/18/2011
Questions: If just scuffed should it be replaced?
Can I replace just one (i.e. will slightly different radii bother the duals?)
My inclination is to replace.
I will take all suggestions with the realization that you haven't seen it for real.
will try picts again
You really don't want our speculation on tire safety. Have the Michelin dealer look at it and determine if it is serviceable.
Yes..
I was just thinking, if big temp difference I'll want to replace.
I agree with Brett.
Statistically, that tire position has the toughest life. It gets more loading due to crowned roads, bumps and scrapes more curbs, and is the most likely to fail. In over 30 years of RVing, I've only had two tire failures, both at that position.
Looks like you are about half way to a tire change on time so consider changing both tires and start the time change clock over on that corner of your coach.
More dollars now but you won't have that one odd ball to deal with later.
JD
Would it make sense to move steering tires to that position and buy new steering tires??
Truck tires get scuffed all the time. If unsure that it only a scuff mark, have a tire shop look at it.
Pierce
Yes, Have Michelin dealer demount tire and inspect it inside and out. Does not look bad in pics but better safe than sorry.
Keith
I stopped by TCI in Lafayette.
At one time three of the people who see lots of tires all said the same things:
1) The apparent scuffing through the letters was probably (wait for it..) scuffing.
2) The vertical striations were very unusual but were not deep and were cosmetic.
3) The manager said if I wanted to buy a new tire he would buy the old one from me at the regular $50 and they would recap it just like all the others.
4) Check it for any problems.
I asked "Other than having it explode, how do I know I'm having problems?"
The answer(s) (with a smile) bumpy, wiggly, any thing unusual in the ride.
I drove off. I checked temps when next stopped. No difference in temps..
I'll drive on it till June when I get ready to go to the west coast for the summer and then get two new ones.
Thanks for the thoughts.
I have seen 30F difference between outside dual & inside when the sun was shining on the outside tire
TOM
Mounting a new(er) tire next to a worn smaller tire.
Keep the circumference travel distance between them in mind along with the added stress/fuel it will cost for the tires to grind down to the same size. Something I will not do unless it's an emergency.
A tire shop will not do this sort of thing for several (legal) reasons. pc
As noted, I have always been amazed how the "sun side" tires are always much warmer even just to touch with the back of my hand. I too now use a digital heat unit, and shoot all the tires when doing my walk around check.