Shepardsonp
Denver
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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I have a 16,000lb Newmar with 8,000lb axles and Goodyear 125/75R/17.5 tires that are 3 years old.
I have NEVER had to add air to these tiers since I purchased the trailer new in September of 2007. I keep the ties coverd 100% when not in use and check the tire pressure EVERY TIME i tow.
Since 125psi tires can cause serious damage when they "blow" - maybe not quite like a North Korean test but in my world somewhat close 
I am contemplating buying new tires ($2,000 investement) now to hopuflly prevent any future problems. I am convident that I could recoup about 1/3 to 1/2 of the investment since the treadlife is still exceptional.
What would you do if I were me? Buy new Tires or Risk a future blow out and deal with the circumstances??
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 01/29/2004
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IMHO: If your tires are showing no sign's of either road or weather/environmental wear, I'd continue to run'em for at least a total of 5 years; maybe as long as 7 years depending on later wear and condition. I certainly wouldn't run'em any longer than 7 years regardless. I have tires on our 14,400lb 5'er that are going on 5 1/2 years old and are showing absolutely no signs of road wear or environmental aging. I take care of our tires alway's covering them when not in use, keeping them fully inflated to 110 PSI, and treating them with protectant regularly. In short, if ya got the $'s, then it never hurt's to buy new tires. But IMHO: If what'ya got is ok? I'd run'em until they show wear or 7 years.
Happy camping!!! See ya'll down the road!!!
USAF RETIRED
2006 GMC 3500 CC DRW D/A LBZ 4X4 SLT,4" BANKS,PREDATOR, VOLANT CAI, FS-2500, AIRDOG, SHIFT KIT.
1997 FORD F-350 CC DRW 7.3 XLT, STOCK.
2004 HR PRES 30SCD
CHEROKEE & CHEYENNE DOXIE'S.
LOADED LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN, FLYIN LIKE A JET PLANE.
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George H
Washington
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Joined: 06/27/2006
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I chose to replace original tires after 4 years of service. Check the date codes on your current tires, my originals were 1 1/2 years older than the 5er.
George, Juanita and Mandie (boss Shar-Pei)
01 F350, PSD, DRW
05 Carri-Lite 32RS3
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boiledcrabs
louisiana
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Joined: 12/25/2005
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I will tell you first hand that blow outs cause serious damage to the wheel wells of the trailer. My last trailer suffered four blow outs and it was tore up pretty bad around the wheels. I wasn't too worried because I didn't place that much value on the old fifth but I would not chance it on my new one. But I have 16 inch tires which I'm able to rotate off the fifth and onto a utility or equipment trailer where if they blow they don't do any damage. So for me it's not as much of a waste. I also only had bad luck with Chinese tires. And even though I've heard some Goodyears are made in China I haven't had a blow out on a Goodyear yet. Now I run the Michelin XPS ribs both on the trailer and the truck. They must weigh four times what the Chinese tires weigh. It's a tough call but all it takes is one blow out to do some serious damage to the underside and wheel wells to make you really regret not biting the bullet and preventing it. Hind sight is 20/20.
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fordsooperdooty
Orange Kounty Kalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Is it Murphy's Law that says "if it can go wrong, it will go wrong!" Your tires are much like mine, which are in the same condition as you describe, but are Goodyear Marathon ST's. You could literally put them on a Goodyear Tire Shop's tire rack and sell them as new! But I just broke down and ordered new Goodyear ST's (Made in USA!)! My Jayco is also pretty pristine and in almost new condition after pretty regular use in the past 5 years. If you can afford it, go for it...thats way to nice of a RV to get "blown up" by tires going! 
This is our 7th new Jayco in 30 years! Loved 'em all!
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Shepardsonp
Denver
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Good advice!!
Do you also take the weight (or partial weight) off your tires when you store for winter (3 months +)? I have heard that may help save tire life. I have also heard that it makes absolutely no difference.
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 01/29/2004
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Shepardsonp wrote:Do you also take the weight (or partial weight) off your tires when you store for winter (3 months +)?
We use our 5'er year round. The tires have never been off the ground.
Happy camping!!! See ya'll down the road!!!
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marvmarcy
Polson, MT, USA
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Joined: 04/19/2003
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Your tires are commercial tires and much stronger than the STs and LTs most other folks are running. The 17.5 tires should last 7 years, especially the way you are taking good care of them. I would consider spending the money on a tire pressure monitor system instead of new tires. The new TPMS will monitor both pressure and temperature, thereby letting you know if any tire is having trouble. Of course, nothing will protect you from road hazards that will take out a tire regardless of its age and condition.
Marv
2001 Volvo VNL42T420, ISX450/1650, super 10sp w/GearMaster
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire 38RLRK (20K GVWR, tandem duals)
Piaggio MP3 400 scooter
RVing since 1979 - Fulltime since 2000 (mostly CO, MT, NC & Key West)
Retired USAF
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stripit
Clinton Twp, MI
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Joined: 02/24/2004
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I have the same tire on my rig. The tire will carry 4805lbs if inflated to 125 and I don't believe you are carrying anywhere near that weight. So your tires are not 'working' at 100%. I expect to get a full 7 years out of mine before time to consider replacement. If you weighed each wheel position, you would know for sure how much each tire is actually carrying and you could then safely reduce those tire pressures. With the 'G' tires I had, I needed 110psi to carry the loads, with these 'H' tires, I could run 100psi and still have enough air for the heaviest position. I run 110psi and have the TST tire monitor system so I can watch them easily while driving.
Stacey Frank
'04 Mobile Suites 36 TK3 #1341
'99 Int'l 4700 Lo Pro MDT
'04 PT Turbo
'Direcway satellite
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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If they were mine, and not made in China, I'd run them until the DOT code indicated they were over six years old.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely Australian Shepherd
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox, 3620# UVW, 4800# loaded
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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