Need New Tires, Which are BEST?

[tjshively]

2005 Alpine Coach, 36' FDDS
I am going to need new tires as mine are now 10 years old. I am looking for advice from fellow Alpine owners as to which tires they believe to be the BEST and why they believe that. Thanks

[Koop]

Wow...that's like asking what car is best, which motor is best, what oil is best.

I think it depends on the application and personal preferences. I'm partial to Toyo tires from my RV based on experience and references from a friend who managed a fleet of over-the-road and logging trucks. He thought they returned the best bang for the buck when he analyzed performance for the task and durability.

I've found them to be cost competitive and haven't experienced any trouble with them. I've purchased two sets and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again.

BTW - Western RV must've thought the same as they were the OEM supplier for my coach in 2003.

[vsheetz]

I have purchased three sets of Michelin XRV and had zero problems with them.

Last set via bought via the FMCA Michelin program.

[Grandpere]

As Koop said, best is in the eye of the beholder. I put on Sailun tires because they were cost effective and had an all terrain tread pattern. I wanted that because we do a lot of boondocking and paved roads are not part of that equation.

So go with the tread pattern you like, a price you can afford, and a tire brand that has been around for a while.

[Mule Skinner]

I shopped around two years ago and found Michelin's at $4200.00. Toyo's at $3400.00. I've always found Michelin to be a great tire.
But, my coach came with Toyo's so that's what I bought.
The Toyo's are 16 ply. The Michelin's were 14 ply. I would guess that Michelin makes a 16 ply tire?
I bought from Less schwab. They spun balanced all 6 tires.
One thing though, I lost a front hub cap right after the install. They must be installed vary carefully.
Everyone has an opinion, this is mine

[JohnInAz]

I don't own an Alpine, but if I got 10 years service on my tires, I would buy the exact same brand that I already had.

[Doggy Daddy]

Trailer tires, car tires, truck tires and RV tires are all different. EACH have individual needs and requirements. Truck tires have stiffer side walls giving a harder ride than RV tires. Co$t, ride, born date, how many miles you drive a year, and how well you care for your tires are all factors in what you select.
For my motorhome I like the ride and grip of the road of Michelin XRV.

[dennismhamm]

We put continental tires on ours this time and they are a 16 ply tire and also ride great! My father law owns a sod and logging company and all he runs on his trucks is the continental tire and has never had a blow out or any other problems with the brand. I researched the tires before i spent 4000 and am glad i bought this brand.

[Dogpatch]

I don't own an Alpine but have bought new tires for the 5 coaches I've owned in the last 5 years.

I'm a big advocate of buying a proven tire without paying through the nose for name. I don't believe in buying a Ferrari when a Cadillac will do.

I have put Toyo M154 -16 ply - All Position tires on several coaches with great success in steering, handling and ride. In my research on tire issues, I couldn't find any that had as few negatives as the Toyo's. Price averaged around $3200 installed out the door.

On my most recent coach, I couldn't get Toyos anywhere close enough to where I bought the coach and opted for the Hancook AH12's. These were also a 16 ply All Position tire. They have performed well with no issues in the several 1000 miles I have put on them. They handle and ride well. Cost for these installed out the door was $2600.

Personally, I stay away from the cheaper mainstream trucking tires such as Sailun, Double Coin and the like. Not that I have any experience to say anything derogatory, just a preference to stay with certain brands known for their quality and performance.

[bamaboy473]

There is no national system for measuring tire safety, so we have to rely on the DOT guidelines (which all 22.5 tire manufacturers follow)

My opinion is that measuring tire brands can only be done on price and looks; not on wear or safety. Since many/most MH tires are not connected to and protected by TPMS, failures due to under-inflation can't be quantified.

If you follow this line of thinking, then the "Best" tire looks good and is inexpensive (while having the same characteristics as other brands).

I got a full set of Samsons delivered for $1500, M&B for another $360. That was 4500 miles ago and no complaints. They are all monitored by a TPMS system.

Your results may differ.

[sdcyclist]

My coach 2006FDDS came with Toyos and I had great service with no tire problems for 8 years. I replaced the 4 rear tires with Bridgestones ($2518)--the fronts were already replaced with Bridgestones due to excessive edge wear on the OEM Toyos.

sdcyclist

[Algoma]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

I have purchased three sets of Michelin XRV and had zero problems with them.

Last set via bought via the FMCA Michelin program.

XRV are not available in a size that fits the Alpine. I have Yokohama 103ZR but any named brand tire will work.

[Tom and Patty]

TJ,
If you want the best ride I would go for Michelin it can't be beat. I took off Toyo (OE) at 7 years and installed Bridgestone R260. Last year I removed those got $100 in trade per tire and installed BFG. The ride is better and expansion cracks are quieter. However every time old tires are replaced the ride is always better. Just be sure the size is the same, the ply is the same or higher.......but a heavier ply WILL NOT allow you to reduce PSI, and weigh the four corners if the coach.
PM me if you want more info.

[Jim A]

TJ, Tom has not steered me wrong on tires yet! I got Michelin's myself.

And if nobody already told you, get those 10 year old tires off of there ASAP. (Obviously you are trying to do that.)