Michelin XTA Tires - Just Curious

[RustyJC]

I'm asking this question in the Excel forum as I believe PI has been supplying the Michelin XTA tires as OEM equipment for awhile now.

Whenever the topic of upgrading from the Goodyear G614s comes up and the 17.5" Michelin XTA tire is discussed, invariably the 62 MPH (100 km/h) speed rating of this European tire arises as a point of concern. I upgraded to 17.5" J-rated aluminum wheels and the 215/75R-17.5J Michelin XTA tires earlier this year before our summer trip from Houston to Williams, AZ for the iRV2 National Rally. Even in 100+ degree ambient temperatures between Houston and Albuquerque, the tires performed flawlessly with minimal heat buildup at a normal 65 MPH cruising speed, and I didn't worry if traffic conditions required a brief excursion up to 70 MPH or so.

So, my question is, has anyone ever heard of a speed-related failure of a Michelin XTA tire in 5th wheel service?

Rusty

[rockintom]

Rusty, the tire man is back!!! Welcome! Having pulled a number of miles with old GY 614s (about 70,000 miles total). I have only driven the Michelins you described about 5,000 miles and have towed only a small amount in ambients over 90*. At the hottest ambients these Michelins run much cooler......like 130* vs. 150*F with the GY. Of course, I run max air pressure at 120 lbs. and the sidewall flex is minimal at that pressure. I may back off the pressure as it rides a bit rough and I find alot of things off the counter and on the floor!!! So far I'm sold on the Michelins and I'm feeling good enough to reduce the pressure a bit.

I have the same speed story as you....Most 60-62 MPH with burst of short downhill spurts of 70+ MPH....no problem.
Any one else care to comment? rockin'

Side note: At that same time we are going downhill, my lovely bride has her Rosary Beads out??? What's up with that???

[davydee]

I haven't heard of any speed related problems, either. We tow with a F450 and it's "sweet" spot for towing is about 60, but we, too, have had brief excursions up to 75 with no issues. Unlike Rockin', we launched our coffee table into the rear wall with PSI set at 120. We traveled through the heat wave with PSIs of about 108. However, I've dropped down to just under 100 PSI per wheel and we rarely experience any furniture movement now. Based on actual axle weights, we could drop to as low as 80 PSI. So I'm comfortable that we've added enough air to cover any speed or heat build up. David

[Diesel Guy]

Hello I run my Michelin's @ 95 psi and at 62 miles per hr with no problems but I did change my 2 front tires as I myself did a bad thing I had my controller set too hard & skidded flat spots on the tires that was a 800.00 dollar lesson.Good thing I make big bucks lol

[Bruce and Jenna]

Originally Posted by rockintom

Rusty, the tire man is back!!! Welcome! Having pulled a number of miles with old GY 614s (about 70,000 miles total). I have only driven the Michelins you described about 5,000 miles and have towed only a small amount in ambients over 90*. At the hottest ambients these Michelins run much cooler......like 130* vs. 150*F with the GY. Of course, I run max air pressure at 120 lbs. and the sidewall flex is minimal at that pressure. I may back off the pressure as it rides a bit rough and I find alot of things off the counter and on the floor!!! So far I'm sold on the Michelins and I'm feeling good enough to reduce the pressure a bit.

I just ordered the 17.5" XTA for my almost identical (older) trailer. What PSI you using now?

Just to be sure, did you need to modify the wheels or anything else to install the XTAs in place of your 16" GYs? I made sure to specify a 9/16" lug.

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna

I just ordered the 17.5" XTA for my almost identical (older) trailer. What PSI you using now?

Just to be sure, did you need to modify the wheels or anything else to install the XTAs in place of your 16" GYs? I made sure to specify a 9/16" lug.

Bruce,

I think you misunderstood.....I bought the new rig with the XTA upgrade already installed at the factory. But I can tell you there are no modifications you will have to make. FYI...my rig has the Alcoa aluminum wheels with 9/16 studs.

I know this may suprise some of you......since I've always been an advocate of running max tire pressure, mainly due to the questionable characteristic of the good ol' GY 614 reputation. The temps (I've gauged temps as high as the 160* F area ) were high and I ran at max pressure to reduce sidewall flex.

Out of habit I ran the max pressure at 120 psi on the XTA in the beginning.....The tire weight capacity is so much higher than the 614 it ain't even funny. The sidewall flex on the XTA is so slight and ride is very stiff. I have backed off my pressures and watched tire temps...I am comfortably running 110 with a noticeable difference in ride and stuff is staying put in the rig better.

I still put 125 psi in these tires when setting for anytime more than 2 months and spin the tire/wheel 180* every 2.5 months (1 time in our winter home) just to eliminate any possiblity of flat spots (doubt if that would be an issue on these stiff walled tires). Oh, if you haven't noticed....I'm still just a little anal kind of cat!!!! rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

Thanks.

[MakinSmoke]

Originally Posted by rockintom

I still put 125 psi in these tires when setting for anytime more than 2 months and spin the tire/wheel 180* every 2.5 months (1 time in our winter home) just to eliminate any possiblity of flat spots (doubt if that would be an issue on these stiff walled tires). Oh, if you haven't noticed....I'm still just a little anal kind of cat!!!! rockin'

Really?

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by MakinSmoke

Really?

I see you went back and edited your first post......you aren't afraid of offending me are you???? Virg you are a mess.... Thanks for giving me the attention I deserve!!!

[Still Working "NOT"]

Originally Posted by rockintom

I see you went back and edited your first post......you aren't afraid of offending me are you???? Virg you are a mess.... Thanks for giving me the attention I deserve!!!

DESERVE!!!! Heck I thought you earned it, fair and square. But I must admit your the only mess on here. the rest of us are in our right mind.

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by Still Working "NOT"

DESERVE!!!! Heck I thought you earned it, fair and square. But I must admit your the only mess on here. the rest of us are in our right mind.

Umm huhhh....yeah...right...whatever...bib baby!

Name calling seems to give me such satisfaction and makes me feel very child-like!

[Still Working "NOT"]

Originally Posted by rockintom

Umm huhhh....yeah...right...whatever...bib baby!

Name calling seems to give me such satisfaction and makes me feel very child-like!

Quote from Rockhead on other subject.

"I told her I've been living a real great lifestyle by having "grape juice" everyday cause I heard it had antioxidants in it......that's when she smacked me!!!! Obviously, she heard about me and my antics through the "grape vine"! "

That is the reason the sweet little 99 years young lady saw how you are. Child like antics bring out the in you. Just like some of the rest of us do.