Michelin XRV vs. XZE

[richf]

I want to replace the front tires on my Meridian and have had good luck with the original XRV's. One local shop is quoting XRV's another XZE's. Same price ($540 each mounted, balanced, etc.). Tread depth on XZE is 4/32 greater, both 14 ply.
Anybody know if there is a difference in motorhome ride or handling with these two tires?
Rich

[RJay]

Hi Rich,
The XRV was designed with a thinner side wall to produce more flex and a softer ride. My guess is the XZE has a thicker sidewall. If it was me I'd go with the XZE.

[skigramp]

As I understand it "plys" means nothing anymore ... it is now "load range"

I understand that XZE are designed for trucks and XRV are designed specifically for motorhomes ...

When I replaced my tires I selected XRVs ... I got about 70,000 miles out of the first set ... I doubt if I will still be driving it after another 70,000 miles ...

[Sammie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp As I understand it "plys" means nothing anymore ... it is now "load range" I understand that XZE are designed for trucks and XRV are designed specifically for motorhomes ... When I replaced my tires I selected XRVs ... I got about 70,000 miles out of the first set ... I doubt if I will still be driving it after another 70,000 miles ...

It sounds to me like the motorhome will wear out before you ever do.

Sammie

[mfire1339]

We changed out our XRV's for XZE's two years ago and did NOT notice a difference in ride.

Mike

[RJay]

Yes, I put XZE's on my suncruiser when I went fulltime and looked like new when I sold it 3-1/2 years later. The only problem I have was a flat on the outside right read when I ran over the hook of a cargo strap laying in the road in Alaska. Good tires.

[Steve N Sal]

The XZE's have a stiffer side wall. I replaced my XRV's with the XRV's. Had them put on at a truck center and the salesman suggested I stay with the same. I guess I just didn't question his knowledge. The XRV's I replaced were two weeks from being 8 years old and had 30K on them. The sidewalls were just starting to crack. He said I probably could have gotten by another year but I have the piece of mind in changing them.

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve N Sal The XZE's have a stiffer side wall. I replaced my XRV's with the XRV's. Had them put on at a truck center and the salesman suggested I stay with the same. I guess I just didn't question his knowledge. The XRV's I replaced were two weeks from being 8 years old and had 30K on them. The sidewalls were just starting to crack. He said I probably could have gotten by another year but I have the piece of mind in changing them.

Cracking/checking of sidewalls seem to be the biggest problem with Michelins.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935 Cracking/checking of sidewalls seem to be the biggest problem with Michelins.

THEY WERE 8 YEARS OLD They should have started cracking/checking!

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935 Cracking/checking of sidewalls seem to be the biggest problem with Michelins.

Your right, especially with the XRV's soft sidewall.

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texnet THEY WERE 8 YEARS OLD They should have started cracking/checking!

Your right about that. Problem is, the other brands don't crack or check.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935 Your right about that. Problem is, the other brands don't crack or check.

I disagree... I have seen 7-8 year old Goodyears with cracking/checking. It all depends on how they are taken care of and the quality of the specfic run of the tires.

I personaly perfer Michelins. I have ran them on all my non-RV vehicles for years. The last set I had on my Lincoln Navigator had over 100,000 miles on them and even though they had some tread left and no cracking/checking I replaced them just because it was time. Our Monaco has Goodyear Marathon LHS tires on it now, 8-9 years old with 67,000+ miles, no cracking/checking but they are at the age they need replaced due to age.

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texnet I disagree... I have seen 7-8 year old Goodyears with cracking/checking. It all depends on how they are taken care of and the quality of the specfic run of the tires. I personaly perfer Michelins. I have ran them on all my non-RV vehicles for years. The last set I had on my Lincoln Navigator had over 100,000 miles on them and even though they had some tread left and no cracking/checking I replaced them just because it was time. Our Monaco has Goodyear Marathon LHS tires on it now, 8-9 years old with 67,000+ miles, no cracking/checking but they are at the age they need replaced due to age.

I also use Michelins on my pasenger cars. they are great if you put lots of miles on them. My Motorhome is kept in my garage when I'm not on the road. I travel about 5 months a year. I removed my Michelins because I was not willing to accept the amount of checking that Michelin felt was acceptable. I will also say that I never had a problem with the Michelins other than the sidewall deterioration. Take a look at the attached chart about acceptable levels of checking. My level is zero.


http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showph...=13769&cat=963

[J&SW]

I recently changed from XRVs to XZEs, at the recommendation of my local tire dealer. I first tried the Sumitomos ST718s, but strangely could never get them properly balanced.

The XZEs did ride more firmly at first, and I had some squirming going down the road, but it was because I had too much pressure in them initially (100#). I reduced the pressure down to a more appropriate 90# and they are running fine now. Can't tell any difference from the old XRVs. I do like that I can safely up the pressure if I max out my load.