I now have just shy of one thousand miles on 4 new BF Goodrich Comercial T/A tires on my fiver rv. I have not done anything to these tires other than keeping them inflated to a cold pressure of 80psi and covering them when not in use. I have not washed them, driven in rain, applied any dressings, or otherwise.
Today, after returning home from the 3rd trip with these new tires, I was putting on the tire covers and noticed a discoloration ring in the sidewall just below the rim. This condition is only on one tire (right side of rv, front axle) and I have not curbed or scuffed them on anything. Plus, it is between the widest part of the tire and the rim so I'm sure it's not a scuff. I know this occured on the 120 mlle return trip as I always keep a close watch on my tires - especailly since these are new.
I'm concerned about this since it is only on one tire and the tires are so new. I tow the rv at 70mph on interstate highways, FL heat, and it is not overloaded at all.
Of course, I will contact a local dealer but in the meantime dow anyone have any ideas on what this could be. Thanks. PCM

 

Does it wash off? Thinking maybe the bead lube from when they were mounted due to centrifugal force as you drove?

 

I wondered about that except it is only on one tire and suddenly appeared on my last trip - a 120 mile drive. My concern is that is not a defect or sign of overheating, etc. pcm

 

Whoops, replied to wrong thread.

 

i'm glad you posted a picture. it definately looks like possibly the lube to mount the tire or something of the sort. it's not a scuff for sure the scuff would have been up by the word commercial or in that area. also look at the vertical lines on the tires it looks like some type of fluid .

 

Honestly, I'd like to think that that is eactly what it is. However, it appeared only on 1 tires and only after 800 miles. That is the part that I can't figure out. I have not tried to use 303 protectant on it yet or anything else. I just want to be sure I don't have a bad tire. PCM

 

could you have run over some coke or pepsi or some other drink someone tossed out their window?????????

 

Makes you wonder! But since it is on the front axle, seems it would have gotten on the rear axle tire, too. pcm

 

HAHA ask Fido

 

michelin's web site says not to use tire or rubber treatments that have petroleum distillates as they will eventually erode the rubber. I had a tire do the same bown thing years ago but it never failed and I forgot to worry about it. It eventually faded away but I never learned more.

 

I have not dressed these tires or even washed them or driven in rain since their install. I have pictures of the tires even just before this situation appeared. That is what makes it so puzzeling.
This weekend, I'm going to wash the rv and tires and use some 303 protectant. I understand that 303 is approved and even recommended for tires. PCM

 

Could you have a brake hanging up or a wheel bearing going out the is causing the wheel to transfer excess heat to the tire?
Will

 

Very good question and I do not know at this point. I have not noticed any braking difference or otherwise. The hubs/brakes only have 6k miles on them and have not been repacked but greased using the E-Z Lube grease zerk.
You bring up a very good point and exactly the one I've been waiting for someone to mention - heat.
The area in question on the tire is so perfect and all around the tire fairly evenly. The color of it looks like what I've seen when guys mentioned overheated tires.
So that is my concern. pcm

 

Here are 2 pictures of the tire in question. The 2 photos are taken 2 weeks apart. You can see the same vertical lines from centrifical force in both pictures. The 2nd photo was taken after a 120 mile trip at 70mph which is when I noticed the area in question. The vertical lines have not changed, yet this is when the lighter, discolored area appeared. pcm

 

PCM, What is that on the inside of your rim on the last set of pictures ? The rim on the right at about 1:00 position on the inside just above that yellow sticker. Looks like some leakage. Something may be dripping from the trailer onto the tire.

Sorry.... looking closer it's the ground between the spokes...DUH . Still looks like something from the trailer leaking on the rotating tire and not comming from tire. IMO