[T2] Tire choice for 15x6 rims- check the dates!

[Mike Benthin]

What counts is the max load rating on the side of the tire at its MAX 
inflation.  1200lb max load is NOT enough for a bus loaded with people 
and stuff.  What BusDepot sells (60 lb max inflation) is what you want. 
14 yr old tires  are a blowout waiting to happen- the plasticizers in 
the side wall will gas out over time  leaving a stiffer rubber that can 
delaminate under heat and speed, as happened to me when I drove an 
UNUSED tire out of a 74 bus (spare) 20 yrs later- it looked perfect with 
no cracks. Very scary on a front tire in traffic.  Current tires have a 
date code showing week/yr on the side wall, and 6 yrs is considered the 
max one should use it, especially if little cracks show in the sidewall.
   I have a Roadtrek class B also now and it uses an E rated tire with 
recc. inflation at its max, 80 lbs! That is because the van weights 
8,000 lbs, 60% of it in the back.  When I purchased it with only 63k mi 
a yr ago the tires looked perfect treadwise, as the PO used these for a 
big vacation trip once a yr only, and they were over 6 yrs old.  There 
were cracks in the sidewall- the tires must be exercised (used) monthly 
to keep the side wall elastic, and often they sit all winter and spring 
unused.  This is a common problem with elderly owners not using the van 
enough and assuming the good looking tires 10 yrs later are OK.

MUTS Oboe/EH support = Michael's Ultimate Thumb Saver
93 Chevy Roadtrek 210P
78 VW Westfalia Camper