Re: [A/S] Re: best tire choice for a 68 Overlander that's been sitting for a whil...

[Matt Worner <wornmatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Check the last three digits of the "DOT" number molded into the sidewall
of the tire.  They indicate the week (nn) and the last digit of the year
(n) that the tire was in the mold.  

No matter what they look like, don't count on more than about 5 years on
a set.  I had decided to replace the 8 year olds that came with my
trailer at the end of the last season, but beat the wheel well to death
when I got a blowout (road hazard, even bent the rim) on the second trip
out last summer.  Replaced all four tires and installed a SmarTire setup
at the same time.  That caught a low tire for me last fall before
another problem arose.  I recommend it heartily. (See link attached.)

The size code should indicate "ST" for Special Trailer service. 
Different sidewall construction to "P" (passenger) or "LT" (light truck)
tires.  Also the rubber composition is more suited to the long standing
still between long trips type of use that most trailers see.

(Above information from an Aweigh-We-Go seminar at last year's Parkview
Rally.  Well worth the time if you can catch one.)

Matt