Question Rettroband - are they worth it?

[Biggie]

A couple of additional factors to consider in the risk vs. benefit analysis that have not been explicitly mentioned:
a.) Whether the Rettrobands void your tire warranty. I was recently told by a truck & RV tire dealer (that I have high regard for) that if you install anything (including balancing materials) inside of Michelin RV tires, the tire warranty is void. Obviously only affects steer tires. May vary by tire manufacturer.
b.) One of the letters from Brett Davis posted here stated: "... we intentionally chose a coach with a short wheelbase, and a long overhang behind the drive axle for testing our Version 1.0, because we felt it was the most unstable coach.". Rigs with this geometry apparently have a higher risk of instability after steer tire blowout.

Note, I am not arguing for or against Rettrobands - I am simply pointing out additional considerations in the analysis.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

I put them on my rig prior to cross country trip (VA to NV to GA). DW is a nervous passenger on a good day, hyper nervous when minor issues pop up in route, and off scale when major issues occur. A blowout with a negative outcome event would likely end our RV ownership experience. I looked at Retrobands as another type of insurance to help mitigate damage if a steer blowout incident occurred.

 

[Neal]

I am on the fence as to what to think. Yeah, there's peace of mind with any safety device and I've seen a lot of the RV industry marketing on fear. I'd really like to talk to someone at Michelin RV for example to see what they say about "stuff inside tires". Tires, I'm guessing, are designed to have an air cavity and they engineer how temperatures are mitigated and how tires should flex. Some third party comes along and decides to fill the cavity with something which a tire manufacturer has not tested against. Can safety devices contribute to failure or a shorter lifetime of the tire? I don't know but these are just questions I have with my engineering brain having to analyze anything and everything. Tire blowouts have been and always will be my biggest fear in RVing. Same with is an old tire that's been good for 5-7 years better than something new and unknown? When are tires failing? What are the stats? Are they in the initial 1-2 years or later in life? Again, I don't have the data.

 

[AbdRahim]

I don't have the data.

Yes data would be wonderful, although full data is often lacking in many of our decision.

Never thought about affect on warranty. The last time Ireplacrd a tire, they putbalancing beads inside, instead of the tradition balancing. Now I wonder.

 

[Richpatty]

I will get them when I replace my drive tires…. $3600 for peace of mind? I spent more than that on my lithiums…why wouldnt I spend it on my rig to potentially save many thousands in damage should I have a blowout? Also, what is worth to give my better half peace of mind? This is her biggest fear. Priceless.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Loved that they tested them like that and captured the video.

What I wished they did was test it on a unit with a single rear axle and shorter wheel base. Tag and tandem axle units are known for being more stable than a single rear axle.

I agree that the video is well done and compelling. Does leave me wondering if it is something that we should install.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Neal makes some interesting points here. Having the RettroBands installed on the new Dutch Star. Got a helluva deal on them. So the price is taken out of the equation. Please don't ask I had to sign a non disclosure agreement....
Conceptually, RettroBands are a great idea, if there is no downside to tire life....

I am on the fence as to what to think. Yeah, there's peace of mind with any safety device and I've seen a lot of the RV industry marketing on fear. I'd really like to talk to someone at Michelin RV for example to see what they say about "stuff inside tires". Tires, I'm guessing, are designed to have an air cavity and they engineer how temperatures are mitigated and how tires should flex. Some third party comes along and decides to fill the cavity with something which a tire manufacturer has not tested against. Can safety devices contribute to failure or a shorter lifetime of the tire? I don't know but these are just questions I have with my engineering brain having to analyze anything and everything. Tire blowouts have been and always will be my biggest fear in RVing. Same with is an old tire that's been good for 5-7 years better than something new and unknown? When are tires failing? What are the stats? Are they in the initial 1-2 years or later in life? Again, I don't have the data.

 

[team bradfield]

I put them on mine, safety comes before cost

 

[sheridany]

Wait a second. @Joe Goodxrvn are you saying you have a new DS? You know the rules on RVF. Pictures required of a forum member that gets a new coach or the forum popo will be knocking on your door. Congrats.

 

[Neemer]

Wait a second. @Joe Goodxrvn are you saying you have a new DS? You know the rules on RVF. Pictures required of a forum member that gets a new coach or the forum popo will be knocking on your door. Congrats.

X100!

Joe’s been conspicuously absent for a while here. It’s good to see @Joe Goodxrvn posting again.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Wait a second. @Joe Goodxrvn are you saying you have a new DS? You know the rules on RVF. Pictures required of a forum member that gets a new coach or the forum popo will be knocking on your door. Congrats.

On order, to be delivered Summer of 2023. Went over to Independence to check on a similarly painted Dutch Star and discuss Starlink Install.

Teaser on paint color...

 

[Richpatty]

Congrats on the new rig! Exciting times for you!

 

[Biggie]

Lots of fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) in this thread.
Here is some actionable information from Michelin regarding RV tires that folks can put to use in weighing the risk/reward of run flat devices, and RV tire maintenance in general. Note the info regarding the additional risk that run flat devices pose with potentially causing damage to the inside of the tire, which is the most insidious type of damage because it cannot easily be inspected.

https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/RV_Tires_Brochure.pdf

 

[Jim]

Oops!

 

[Jim]

I think I read the entire thread, and while I saw where there were several "failures", I didn't see what the definition of failure was. What actually happened to the Rettroband that they called it a failure?

My coach had already Rettrobands installed when I bought it, and I don't know if they are the original ones or the upgraded ones. But I will find out when I have the coach over at NIRVC in about 3 weeks.

 

[Fish]

I think I read the entire thread, and while I saw where there were several "failures", I didn't see what the definition of failure was. What actually happened to the Rettroband that they called it a failure?

My coach had already Rettrobands installed when I bought it, and I don't know if they are the original ones or the upgraded ones. But I will find out when I have the coach over at NIRVC in about 3 weeks.

They were overtightened and then separated inside the tire. Tire guys who said "Torque wrench, I don't need no stinking torque wrench!!" The new ones have an anti strong arm tire changer dumbass device incorporated.

 

[Truckertom1953]

I'm not an RV'er, but as an OTR trucker since 1973, I'd like to share a few thoughts about Retrobands and heavy truck front tires in general. First, I average 125 to 175 thousand miles per year and expect to get 190 to 250 thousand miles from a set of 11R×22.5 16 ply steer tires. In all these miles and years I've experienced exactly 1 (ONE) steer tire blowout. Now, that said, obviously my tires don't sit for days or weeks without being on the road and my tires are going to wear out before they "time out" from old age. Anyway, for what it's worth, from my point of view, proper balance and alignment are imperative and relatively easily attained. After that, I cannot overemphasize MAINTAINING YOUR TIRE PRESSURES!!!!! This is not a set and forget process. At least once a month or after every major change in temperature and every time I hook a different trailer I check all my tire with MY tire gage that I trust. Anyway, for sure, the steer tire pressures are critical!!! For what it's worth, 2 of the best alignment specialists on the planet recommend to me years ago to run 120 psi in my steer tires of the above mentioned size and ply rating. That has seemed to give me better wear out and casing life over the year. Lastly, do I think the retrobands work? Obviously that's a resounding yes, however, for the expense compared to my personal perceived risk of a blowout, I don't see it as cost effective. But, this is a matter for each to decide I only hope my input is helpful! Be safe!!!

 

[Neemer]

Thanks, @Truckertom1953. It’s interesting to get your perspective on the topic.

As an aside, as much as I love driving, and especially driving my rig, I cannot imagine driving that kind of mileage year after year. I would be looking for a tall cliff over a rocky shore after the first year.

 

[AbdRahim]

I don't have them. If I were a wash in money, I probably would. Of course, if you never have ablowoutthey were not worth it, but if a steer tireblows out and you totalthe rig or sustain injuries, it would have been well worth it. Unfortunately, thesethings can only be determined by hind sight. I think it is a matter of risk tolerance and budget.

Btw, I stopped counting years ago. I have driven over 1.5 million miles in almost everything other than an 18 wheeler and tour bus. Fortunately, I only experience one slow blow out ona rear tire cut by glass in the road. I hope I never experience an instant blowout on any tire.

 

[Richpatty]

And I agree… I appreciate a truckers point of view. But, like you mention, RV tires sit a lot and that can be bad for them. I would also think you do not have tires for over 5 years like RVers do, which contributes to failures. I would also think losing control of an RV is easier on an RV then a truck, but you would have to let us know that…

For these reasons, I would be willing to fork over the dollars for just a little peace of mind…

But everyone has their own opinion on thisnine