Most RV owners check tire tread depth religiously but completely ignore the date code stamped on the sidewall. RV tires should be replaced every 6-7 years regardless of how much tread remains, because rubber compounds deteriorate from UV exposure, ozone, and temperature cycling even when the RV sits parked.
The date code appears as a four-digit number inside a small oval on the tire sidewall — the first two digits are the week, the last two are the year. So “2318” means the 23rd week of 2018. This matters more for RVs than regular cars because RV tires often sit stationary for months, developing flat spots and internal stress points that aren’t visible from the outside.
Here’s what catches people off guard: tire failures on RVs typically happen during the first few miles of driving after extended storage, not during highway cruising. The rubber has degraded enough that the stress of initial movement causes sidewall separation or belt shifts. Tread depth tells you nothing about internal rubber condition.
When buying a used RV, checking tire dates should be part of your inspection routine — not just looking at tread wear. If you’re facing a full tire replacement on a coach with six tires, that’s easily a $1,500-$3,000 surprise that many buyers don’t factor into their purchase budget. Some experienced owners replace tires proactively at the five-year mark rather than risk a roadside failure, especially if they travel frequently or in remote areas.