At 10 years of age it is likely time to replace them even if you don’t see the cracking. The materials are getting hard and the tire can fail from the inside out. Back in February I had a tire blow out on the motor home. No visible cracking but 8 years and almost 60K may have been the reason. Lost the tire, destroyed the wheel, and tore a bunch of stuff off the bottom. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jack Reynaert
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2015 12:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: favorite tires

It is important to understand that tire cracking can result from improper tire care too.

As these tires get harder to find, and if you do not put that many miles on them.
Look for a good non-silicon based dressing.

This is one of the best systems I have used.
http://www.autogeek.net/tuf-shine-tire-appearance-kit.html

Keeping tires clean from brake dust and road grime will help as well. However, if you are going to clean and dress your tires one of the best things to do is stay away from silicone based tire shines. Silicone draws out the tire's precious oils which will contribute to cracking. Try and find a water-based dressing and rubber specific cleaner. 

My tires are now nearly 10 years old, only 20k miles on them and no cracks.  Garage kept too.

Jack R.
84 Westy.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dan N
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2015 12:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: favorite tires

or get this...

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/search?keywords=spare+tire+carrier&x=59&y=18

On Sun, Apr 19, 2015 at 8:49 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> With some effort and deflating the clam shell can be modified to hold 
> that tire. A compressor under the back seat can inflate it when needed.
>
> Dennis
>
>