what do you think?

[Fireman Will]

Ok, I just purchased a bunkhouse trailer that is a 2001 model. It was used 4 times from 01 to 04. It has been garage kept till now. The tires are like new, no weather cracking and still rubber nubs still on tires. I just air them up and pulled it back to Oklahoma. Question, uses it as is and keep a eye on the tires or replace them?

[Fabricater]

It is a tough call with out looking at them,but considering the age of the tires and if pulling it with a trike or motorcycle,it might be best to just replace them.Its kind of tough sitting along the side of the road miles from home,not knowing where to get a new tire from and on a trike with limited space to carry a tire,if you don't have a spare with you.I don't carry a spare on my aspen sentry,or for my bike (now trike) and have had a flat tire on the bike 300 miles from home.Its not the most fun situation to be in.

[cavie]

no question. replace 'em.

[peteg59]

Most tire shops will recommend replacing car/bike tires after 6 years, regardless of miles traveled on them. They claim that figure comes from tire manufacturers.
All this came after the Firestone debacle a few years back.
Is it in their best interest? You bet.
Is it in the consumers best interest? Only you can make that call.

If it were me, I'd probably err on the side of caution/safety, & replace them. Trailer tires aren't usually big bucks, & the peace of mind you will have riding on new sneakers will likely pay for itself...

[mhgoldwing]

Without hesitation I would replace them. Those tires are nearly fifteen years old. Maximum recommended storage under ideal conditions is seven years from what I've read.

[BillR]

Some of the age deterioration is on the inside where you'll never see it.

[consitter]

It's a really cheap way to possibly save your life.

[Big Juice]

Replace the tires and repack the bearings.....that's my vote.

[Rosy]

The tires should have a born date on them. Replace is the best bet and always carry a good spare.
Rosy

[trike lady]

Look for this marking to see when the tires were made.
The one below was made on the 25th week of 2006.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

+1 on replacing tires and packing bearings

[Trail Blazer]

Fuzzy has it 100% right new tires and repack bearings. you will have be glad you did for many miles.

[Ed Hobgood]

Have you heard this enough? The cost of the tires and grease is well worth it and not to be worried about a blow-out going down the road.

[Future Triker]

If it were me, It wouldn't be worth the risk considering the cost of trailer tires. That being said; one of the biggest contributing factors to dry rot and cracking of tires is UV light. If the tires have truly been protected from UV light sources, they will not have the same wear issues as a set of tires that's been out in the sun regularly. BUT, if the trailer has been sitting on it's on weight, the tires will likely have flat spots from sitting for so long and will cause vibration issues. You probably won't be able to feel them because it's on a trailer, but can increase the wear and tear on the trailer because of the vibrations.