Community Forums

DOGHOUSE26 · 06-08-2018, 10:20 PM

My 2006 Inspire came with Toyos and they were a great tire for me for 10 years and 50,000 miles and they still had a lot of tread left. My coach has always been stored inside and I couldn't find any cracking on the sidewalls but after my first front tire blowout a closer examination revealed slight cracking in between the tread grooves so I replaced all of them with Firestone 591s. Cost was never an issue for me but my tire shop explained the tires should never be kept longer than 8 years and if I was a full time RVer the higher cost for Michelins would pan out but since I only average 5,000 miles/year why waste the money and take a chance getting trying to get maximum wear out of the tires over 10+ years. I was lucky when I had my blowout and I certainly don't want to do it again if I can help it. My Firestones roll just fine now I'm debating my next task, Roadmaster or Konis Shocks and Air Bag Replacement.

Peralko · 06-09-2018, 12:13 AM

We had Toyos on our '95 Affinity, and we had two of them lose the tread on separate occasions. The second time the tire went it still had 100 psi after losing the tread. I would not recommend Toyos to anyone. Replaced Toyos with Michelin, and had seven years of trouble-free service before I replaced them with Michelins. Will not consider any other tire but Michelin on our current coach.

**CountryFit** · 06-09-2018, 08:19 PM

there isn't a black and white on tires. there are always good and bad on each group or each brand. what to get is mainly depending on what a buyer's comfort level is at.

if your pocket is deep, look into top tier like michelin, goodyear, bridgestone and so on,
or look at the 2nd tier such as bfgoodrich, hankook, toyo, yokohama, sumitomo, etc.
some even use 3rd tier like samson, double coin, cooper... didn't hear many complaints, either.

Smitty77 · 06-10-2018, 10:39 AM

Another way to go on tires, is to put a Tier 1 tire on the steers, and Tier 2 or 3 on the Drives/Tags.

When we bought out used coach, we negotiated a credit towards new tires. Way back then my research had me down to three tires: Michelin XZE* ('*' added a bit more meat to the already robust XZE sidewall, for curb bounces. My tire source said they were designed for school bus usage, due to the higher probability of curb bounces during their life time.), BF Goodrich ST230 and Bridgestone R250's. The local time manager called the warehouse, and confirmed they could cherry pick 8 tires all under 3 months of age, in the XZE*'s. He gave me a good price, and included spin balancing of all wheels, and the install (not a big deal) of Centramatics on all axles too. We always feel the XZE*'s were a safe, solid, and good handling tire.

We lost two of them to a pot hole in California, at about age 5. During a tire shortage, and replaced them with the only tires we could find that were under 6 months of age - BF Goodrich ST230's. Had the ST230's mounted to the steers, as they were the newest. Also a good handling tire, and about 5-10% softer riding over expansion joints.

At about 6 1/2 years of age on the remaining 6 XZE*'s, I started my research for replacement tires. This time around, I elected to shift from 12R's to 295/80's - because then I could get the Michelin XZA2's. We moved the ST230's (12R) tires to the Tag position, and mounted and balanced all 6 XZA2's. My wife and I both felt that they were another ~5% less stiff ride over expansion joints improvement over the ST230's. So that was a nice bonus. Plus, their rolling efficiency was much better the either the XZE*'s or ST230's. (We changed some engine parameters and added a FASS pump to our coach at the same time, so not sure which should get the most credit. Probably a bit from each, but over about the next 4-5K miles - we saw a solid .5MPG improvement over the life of our coaches usage.)

OK, so that's what were doing to day.

But, if shopping tomorrow for 8 new shoes, I'd probably put Michelin XZA's on the Steers, and Hankook's or Yokohama's on Drive/Tab position.

No right or wrong on any of these, just choices as far as what tire you feel will serve your needs and budget, best.

Travel safe, and best to all,
Smitty

B Bob · 06-11-2018, 08:35 AM

Michelin and Goodyear are the only companies that make RV specific tires. I have had very good experience with both of these brands. I have had no zipper blowouts on Michelin, no "rivering" on Goodyear. But then I have also had very good results from Firestone and Dunlop.

When I went from Dunlop to Michelin (FMCA program) on the steer tires a couple of years ago they did seem to ride smoother. And I did like the idea of top brand tires on the front. My only comment on Michelin is that the ones made by Michelin in the USA seemed to have less cracking issues than some Michelins I had made in Spain. Don't know why the ones made in Spain had more problems.

I would have to say that Michelin through the FMCA program are expensive compared to Firestone or Dunlop. I have had Firestone tires on my drive axle now for just at 7 years. I have had one repair from a nail. Other than that they have worked perfectly and have no cracks at all. There is a very slight deterioration where the body of the tire turns into the tread area. After this years summer trip I am going to replace them. I think with Firestones. After I got the last four Michelin tires through the FMCA deal I checked prices. Michelins were in excess of 40% more.

My only iron clad rule on motorhome tires is I will not buy any not made in the USA. We are the only country that makes and has lots of big RVs. We know how to make the best tires for them. Plus I want to keep US workers employed. And I don't care what anyone says about this. I made my money in this country when I was working and I am spending it here now that I am retired.

bneukam · 06-11-2018, 11:10 AM

How you care for your tires is more important than the brand you purchase.
Have your coach weighed when loaded and run the correct psi that the tire manufacturer recommends.
Use max pressure when storing the coach.
During hot summer months I would always schedule my trips where I would be off the road by 1pm.
Inspect all age tires for cracks, on the side wall, and between the treads.
Keep them covered from the sun, and apply 303.
Like others have mentioned Centramatics balances the whole wheel, and hub, personally I feel they are well worth the cost.
Like B Bob mentioned buy USA, when possible, buy China only as a last resort.
Just my .02

BRex45 · 06-11-2018, 11:20 PM

I considered Ling Long, Dong Feng, and liked the name of my third choice, Double Happiness tires. How could you not like a tire with a name like Double Happiness?

I settled on Hankook's for the steering and put the 3 year old Michelins on the back. The Hankooks ride super smooth and handle well. About 900 bucks installed (2)