Michelin Tire Shortages?

[Skipper 05MA]

I have entered the RV tire replacement zone (7yrs.) and have replaced all of my 315/80 22.5 drive and tag tires with some delay in availability. The issue arose that the fronts 365/70 22.5 were ordered and backordered according to the dealer. This was in early October. I am still waiting for tires which my dealer says "just show up on the load". I actually got stranded about 150 miles from home when one of the tires split in the sidewall. Luckily, I found a used tire and was able to make it home. During the coarse of trying to locate a tire I was informed by no less than 4 Michelin dealers they have multiple tires on backorder. They claim they never know when and or if the tires are coming until they receive their shipment which is on a weekly basis. One dealer in Joplin told me they had over 500 Michelin tires on backorder.

It would seem there should be some avenue to put pressure on a company to communicate inventory/supply status to their dealers and customers. My guess is one large reason for the shortage is the number of RV Manufacturers that use this size tire on new chassis.

Has anyone else experienced this situation? If so, do you have a solution?

[Mr_D]

I had to wait about 3 months for my four 365/70 tires to be made and shipped. The drive axles 315/80 were no preblem. When they all came they were all less than 5 weeks old.
Manufacturers don't make all tire sizes all the time, they make a guess as to how many will be needed for new rigs and replacements for the year, then produce that many. Sometimes they guess low and a shortage exists till the next production run. Michelin holds some back for emergencies like a blowout but won't release them for just replacements.

[2Escapees]

RV tires in this size are made on the same equipment as truck tires. OEMs get first priority when capacity is maxed out although they are not the highest profit margin customers. Business has been very strong in the heavy truck / RV business so spot shortages are going to happen. If a particular tire is sourced in France for example then you also have competition for the capacity amoung replacement and OEM European customers too. I know it's trying but Michelin and others do a pretty good job of fulfilling their supply commitments.