Should I replace my 7-year-old motorhome tyres?

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Basa

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My 2016 (September) motorhome (3.5t) has continental Vanco camper tyres fitted.
The tyres are now circa 7 years old and have covered 17,000 miles, show absolutely no signs of cracking in the treads, grooves or the side walls. No wall bulges either
I changed the same tyres on my older unit because they had cracks in the grooves

Should I change them or wait another year?
Thanks in advance for any replies
Basa
 
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Couple of thoughts
Are you going to lay-up overwinter? If so then new tyres in the spring for a new season….
With front wheel drive @ 17K miles both front tyres will be showing wear so poss change the fronts and keep the backs for another season
As post #2 - everyone has a differing view
 
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Many thanks for the reply
I did change the tyres round last year and I will lay up for the winter
The fronts have slightly more tread than the rears
Thanks again
 
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Four new tyres in the Spring.

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Changed mine a couple of months ago, almost 5 yrs old 15k miles and slight cracking on the sidewalls. I was off on a 3 week trip to Europe and didn't like the look of the sidewalls. Fitted some Michelin Agilis Crossclimate instead of the Michelin camper tires to try.
 
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I have just had mine change just over five years old 20000 got a good price from Black circles on Michelin Agilis cross climate van (have used them on several occasions for vans and cars)😊👍

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I run ours pretty much the same as my car. Our motorhome does not stand much and if it does it is on jacks and has covers on to protect from the sun. I check the pressues regularly as well as the torque on the wheel bolts. I have bought myself a pair of knee pads so I creak my way down to the ground and have a look for cracks not only on the side walls but in the tread. If they check out they are fine. The advice on 5 or 10 changes is anticipating vehicles to be stood for long periods exposed to UV.
If you watch Bangers and Cash, there are some vehicles that are 30 years old on their original tyres. They have been stored inside with low pressure in the wheels.
 
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Basa said:
My 2016 (September) motorhome (3.5t) has continental Vanco camper tyres fitted.
The tyres are now circa 7 years old and have covered 17,000 miles, show absolutely no signs of cracking in the treads, grooves or the side walls. No wall bulges either
I changed the same tyres on my older unit because they had cracks in the grooves

Should I change them or wait another year?
Thanks in advance for any replies
Basa
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For my peace of mind it would depend somewhat on intended use.

If I was going to do maybe 2,000 miles a year on short trips in the UK, travelling at modest speed, I may be inclined to keep them.

If I was going to do long drives at speed across Spain at the height of summer I would probably change them.
 
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Basa said:
Many thanks for the reply
I did change the tyres round last year and I will lay up for the winter
The fronts have slightly more tread than the rears
Thanks again
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About the worst thing you can do for the tires and the engine & mechanics. The van needs a good drive every few weeks getting the engine and tyres up to temperature.
Tyres go hard if left standing they need using to keep them supple.

If they are 7 years old and you have left it standing for periods of more than a few weeks I'd definitely change them.
 
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Bodoge said:
but my moho only bijou, 5.8m.
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Only Bijou? Not heard of that brand. Is it French?

Changed my 7 year Michelin Campers in March for Conti Vanco All Seasons. One thing less to worry about when we went down to Spain.
 
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cyberyacht said:
Only Bijou? Not heard of that brand. Is it French?

Changed my 7 year Michelin Campers in March for Conti Vanco All Seasons. One thing less to worry about when we went down to Spain.
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Ɓijou, is french for small, its actually a Chausson Flash 02, on a Transit Mk7 flat bed. Its the biggest moho that would fit in the front garden, wish i had known about the secure storage i now have, before i bought it, would have gone a bit bigger, most probably, but we enjoy it and thats what matters really.
 
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Thanks everyone for their replies, very useful as usual
 
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Basa said:
My 2016 (September) motorhome (3.5t) has continental Vanco camper tyres fitted.
The tyres are now circa 7 years old and have covered 17,000 miles, show absolutely no signs of cracking in the treads, grooves or the side walls. No wall bulges either
I changed the same tyres on my older unit because they had cracks in the grooves

Should I change them or wait another year?
Thanks in advance for any replies
Basa
Click to expand...
I had the same tyres on our Hymer - they were 7 years old with loads of tread left but the compound in the tyres had hardened so the actual grip was rubbish even though the tyres looked in great condition. I should have picked up on the fact they weren't really wearing out which was an indication they would not provide much grip even though the tread would disperse the water. I changed to Michelin Cross Climate and and for me it would the best £980 I spent. The new tyres transformed the ride as they were softer and very grippy as you would expect from a premium brand. Expensive.......but it is the only thing that keeps a vehicle glued to the road so a no brainer for me.
 
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Just had the two front Michelin Agilis camper tyres changed as there was slight cracking in the side walls. Had two Toyo Observe fitted, £250 all in.

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stevewagner said:
Just had the two front Michelin Agilis camper tyres changed as there was slight cracking in the side walls. Had two Toyo Observe fitted, £250 all in.
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Not good to have camper summer tyres on one axle and winter tyres on the other also the Toyo's should be on the rear as their grip levels are far higher.
 
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Lenny HB said:
Not good to have camper sumer tyres on one axle and winter tyres on the other also the Toyo's should be on the rear as their grip levels are far higher.
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Only changed them due to the cracking. I’ll be looking at changing the rears as well in January
 
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I wouldn’t take the tyre date as gospel for changing them as I bought six new tyres and noticed when fitted that they were already 2 years old. When I challenged this with the garage who in turn liaised with the Michelin Rep, they said that they do runs on tyres and then stop for a while to concentrate on other types of tyres and when demand dictates, recommence the run on that type of tyre at the factory. So it may be that for part of your tyres life, it’s been stored at the factory before being shipped to the tyre dealer. Perfectly fine as they’ll store it in conditions that won’t harm the tyre.
The Michelin Rep confirmed this for mine and although I would have preferred the same year as purchase, due to not having a manufacturing run on that type of tyre at that time, it wouldn’t have been possible.

You’ll know by inspecting your tyres and knowing your usage as to when you feel they will need changing. If they’re a camper tyre, the side walls are strengthened anyway so minute cracks won’t be as severe compared to other tyres.
 
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After having 3 off tyres probably due to age (6-7 years), when I first got motorhome, I would change them for peace of mind.
 
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Interestingly I’ve just fitted Michelin Cross Climate Camper tyres all round and I notice on the wall is printed a message saying that they advise changing within 10 years. Not seen that before, and I’d always thought 5–6 years was sensible, but if Michelin advise 10 years max I’ll probably keep them longer than I would have if they’ve not worn out by then. Obviously if they show signs of cracking at all, they’ll be changed.
The new tyres (previous were Michelin Agilis Camper, which I could not get as replacements) seem more supple and give a better ride. No chance to try them on snow yet down here in the SW!
 
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