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Tire Date Code

The 4-digit code on a tire's sidewall indicating manufacturing date. Critical for RV rentals because tires age out before they wear out.

Also called: tire date code, DOT code, tire manufacturing date, tire age

A tire date code is the 4-digit code on a tire’s sidewall indicating the week and year of manufacture. It’s part of a longer DOT (Department of Transportation) code.

For RV rentals, the tire date code is more important than tread depth because RV tires often age out before they wear out — particularly on rigs that sit for months between rentals.

How to read the date code

Look at the tire sidewall for “DOT” followed by characters. The last 4 digits are the date code:

Example: DOT XXXXXXXX 4019

  • 40 = manufactured in the 40th week (October)
  • 19 = manufactured in 2019

If you see fewer digits or different format, the tire is older than 2000 (the year the format changed). Get rid of it.

The 6-year rule

The RV industry generally retires tires at 6 years of age regardless of tread depth. RVs sit for months between trips, and the rubber compound deteriorates from UV exposure, ozone, and time.

Tires manufactured in 2018 or earlier should not be on a 2026 rental. If you find them, ask for replacement before driving.

Why tire failures are dangerous in RVs

RV tires carry more weight than passenger car tires:

  • Sustained 60+ mph highway speeds
  • Heat from heavy loads
  • Sustained mountain grades stress the casing
  • Curb hits and sidewall damage compound

A blowout on a 30-foot Class C at 65 mph can cause loss of control. RV tire failures are a leading cause of rental accidents.

What to inspect at pickup

  1. Date code on every tire (4-digit numbers, none older than 2020 for 2026 rentals)
  2. Tread depth (above 4/32” — penny test minimum)
  3. Sidewall condition — no cracks, no bubbles, no abrasions
  4. Pressure matches spec (chassis sticker)
  5. Tire size matches what’s listed on the door jamb

What to do if tires fail inspection

  • Ask for replacement before driving. Reputable companies fix this on the spot.
  • Refuse the rental if they won’t replace marginal tires.
  • Document with photos and email correspondence — if you’re forced to drive on bad tires and have a blowout, you have evidence.

Tire warranty during a rental

If a tire fails during a rental:

  • Most rental contracts cover tire failure if you weren’t at fault
  • Roadside assistance handles tire replacement
  • You’re responsible if the failure was from misuse (running over road debris, hitting a curb)
  • Premium damage waiver often covers tire incidents fully

Read your specific contract. Tire coverage varies.