How to read tire date codes

Your RV tires Should have a 4 digit code beginning in the year 2000.  The example below shows this tire was manufactured in the 51st week of 2007  (LMLR5107).




Prior to 2000 tires will have a 3 digit code with the first two being the week and the last digit being the year.  The tire below was manufactured in the 40th week of 1998.


If your RV has a 3 digit code, you should seriously consider replacing them as they are beyond their useful life and could fail.  Most RV tires wear out due to age even if they appear almost new and have plenty of tread.  Ozone penetrates the tire even if they are covered.  Ozone causes the rubber to become brittle over time.  Same with UV radiation which causes cracking or checking.  I've been told to apply Johnson's Floor Wax to slow down thees effects.  I have not tried this yet, but I will do some additional investigating and report back at a future date.  I have not found where a manufacturer gives a useful life, but most say to look at replacing them after 6 years.  For my rig this means budgeting $400 to $500 per year for future tires.  You should keep your tires clean, properly inflated, covered and use a non-petroleum dressing on them such as Premo while in storage to get the most life out of them.