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Topic: One New Tire? (Read 808 times) previous topic - next topic

One New Tire?

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.
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #1 –
will try picts again
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #2 –
You really don't want our speculation on tire safety.  Have the Michelin dealer look at it and determine if it is serviceable.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #3 –
Yes..
I was just thinking, if big temp difference I'll want to replace.
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
You really don't want our speculation on tire safety.  Have the Michelin dealer look at it and determine if it is serviceable.

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.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #5 –
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
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #6 –
Would it make sense to move steering tires to that position and buy new steering tires??
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #7 –
Truck tires get scuffed all the time. If unsure that it only a scuff mark, have a tire shop look at it.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #8 –
Yes,  Have Michelin dealer demount tire and inspect it inside and out.  Does not look bad in pics but better safe than sorry.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #9 –
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.

Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #10 –
I have seen 30F difference between outside dual & inside when the sun was shining on the outside tire

TOM
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #11 –
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
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: One New Tire?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: OldManSax –
I have seen 30F difference between outside dual & inside when the sun was shining on the outside tire

TOM

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.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)