Just getting coach ready for season and noticed a few surface cracks on rear tire (.michelins 2010 ) I intend to have a Michelin rep look them over but thought I would ask the members what prompted them to buy new tires and what is estimated costs .
(Edited topic title to help discussion stay on topic - Michelle)
I am as easy on tires as I am on shoes. My Michelins looked good as new when I replaced them after 10 years of faithful service. There was one small piece of tread missing in one of the passenger rear duallies. Dealer said that was of no concern. So, to answer you question I replaced them out of an abundance of caution. And, as usual, my experience bears to influence on anyone else's experience.
Have the dealer take a look at them and go from there.
I just came back from the last trip on my rear Michelins (3306 date code). Wouldn't have done it in hot weather. New Toyos this time 110.00 ES cheaper. I would have advised anyone else do a trip on (nearly) 9 year old tires, either.
Wow. 22 year old tires. :o
Jimmy,
We replaced our 2007 tires in 2012 because of sidewall cracking, but it was pretty noticeable all around and I could get my fingernail into the cracks to a depth we were uncomfortable with. There's a spec somewhere on the forum about crack depth, but if you are having a Michelin rep look at them, that's the best way to go.
On a tag axle coach with 8 tires, figure somewhere around $4500-5000 for 8 LRH Michelins, mounted, balanced, and new valve stems through the FMCA program. One caveat, the 275/80R22.5 LRH XZA3s are apparently on national backorder right now. We know from SOB-owning friends who waited way too late in the season to replace their 8 year old tires (one of which hasn't held air reliably in 2 years ::) ) that Michelin does not have another production scheduled anytime in the next 4 weeks (as far out as they would project).
My whacky theory on this is that since most RVers replace tires in Feb through early April, Michelin likely does the major production run of these tires early in the year anticipating the "spring rush" and but doesn't generally produce the tire at consistent volume year 'round because the demand beyond spring doesn't justify it.
Michelle, I don't think your conclusion is wacky. I think you hit the nail dead on the head.
It is sometimes called supply and demand.
This is a "do what makes you happy" topic. Just replaced my 7 year old tires with 295/80s - no cracks or issues. I love my loved ones. ^.^d
I replaced my tires after 9 years under the FMCA program and they looked so good the dealer gave me $300.00 for them.
HAPPY CAMPER Michelin.