Are Three Year Old Tires on New 5th Wheel Safe  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

It's recommended that trailer tires be replaced after 5 or so years of use. If these tires are unused, and have been stored indoors where they haven't been bearing weight or exposed to UV radiation, they're perfectly safe to use until you hit the 5-6 year of usage mark or until the tread wears, whichever comes first.

It can take a year or more for an overseas-manufactured tires to reach the US. They're manufactured, then they sit in a warehouse until somebody orders them. They're then loaded into a shipping container, and arrive in port on the West Coast where they will sit until they make it through customs. They're then shipped to the RV manufacturer where they could sit for awhile, depending on the manufacturer's production schedule. Then, the tires are installed on the RV where they'll sit until the RV is sold.Long story short, 3 years is longer than usual, but certainly not unheard of and not harmful if the tires have been properly stored. If you're not comfortable with the age of the tires, see if the dealer will replace them, or give you a partial credit due to the age.

If they provide a credit for you, we have a great selection of trailer tires, including the Goodyear Endurance which is manufactured in the US. If you decide to replace them, I'd be happy to make a recommendation if you could reply telling me which model of Forest River 5th wheel you have.

expert reply by: Mike L

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