Replacing Tires According to Age

[GypsyCliff]

Cliff here again, with another question or two:

Our Newell Coach, which by suggestions here, should have new tires this year. When we bought purchased it, we didn't think it had been used more than a couple of times by the previous owner. We live in North Carolina, and have used the unit a weekend at a time since our purchase and is in a heated/cooled garage when not in use.

The 5 to 7 year 'rule of thumb' that is mentioned here -- does that not apply to hotter, sunnier climes only, or only to a unit that is out in the weather all year long?

I don't want to take any unnecessary chances, but I don't want to buy a set of tires needlessly either. Is there any way of actually testing a tire for elasticity and/or premature aging?

Thanks,

Cliff

1976 Newell Coach