DOT serial date

[Tireman9]

Some comments on DOT date code.
re "oval" Tire mfg use different methods of changing the aluminum"plug" in their molds for the "date code". Not all use an oval plug. Some have used stamped steel strip or "tin" so it can have a different appearance.

Some things that are true about all DOT serials.

The code comes AFTER the symbol DOT by law
The first 2 characters are a plant code. the next 2 are a size code.

The last 4 numbers are the date code.
The serial may have as few as 8 characters and as many as 13 with most having 12 or 13.
The date part of the serial only is required on ONE SIDE so may not be on the curb side but facing in toward the coach.

My advice is to find the code and record it when it is convenient to you. Nice weather day. If needed i have suggested a $5 or $10 bill and a flashlight and a 10 year old to crawl under the coach or trailer if needed.
Remember you may need to "roll" the RV forward or back a few feet to get the serial in a position that the 10 year old can see it.

Keep the full serial with your other important part numbers as you never know when you will need this information.

[bsmith2684]

Why not provide information on how to tell what the date of manufacture is? This is the most important thing to know when deciding whether to replace tires due to age and dry rot and not for wear.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by bsmith2684

Why not provide information on how to tell what the date of manufacture is? This is the most important thing to know when deciding whether to replace tires due to age and dry rot and not for wear.

Sorry. Sometimes i forget that not everyone has learned how to "Read" the 4 digit code. here are some links with the instructions.


TireRack


Calculator finds out tire production date (year, weak and month)



RVTireSafety has some pictures