Hankook Tires, which one

[timjet]

Originally Posted by richard5933

My impression, after researching and reading countless reviews and tire industry blogs, quality is about the same across the spectrum on the top-tier tires. Each has had its problem moments, but generally speaking it's more a matter of personal taste than anything else when choosing between top-tier tires. Get into the lower-quality tires and less expensive imported tires, and all bets are off in my book.

With that said I have no doubt that you can find the proper size tire, from a top-tier brand, at a price that will be comparable to the Hankooks.

Important consideration would be your rim width. The Hankook's specifications state 9" rim, the Michelin state both 8.25" and 9". What rims are on your coach? Have you confirmed that whatever tire you're considering is rated for your rims?

Richard; what do you consider top tier tire brands?
I currently have Michelin XZA2 Energy 295/80R/22.5. Can I tell from that what size the rims are?

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by timjet

Richard; what do you consider top tier tire brands?
I currently have Michelin XZA2 Energy 295/80R/22.5. Can I tell from that what size the rims are?

Rim size might be stamped into the rim, but you'll have to search for it. You might also have luck looking at the brochures for your year and model. Or, try calling the manufacturer and see if they can look it up by the VIN.

Top tier? To me that includes Firestone, Continental, Toyo, Goodyear, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Michelin, Hankook, and probably a few others I can't think of off hand.

[theroc]

Originally Posted by richard5933

<snip?

Top tier? To me that includes Firestone, Continental, Toyo, Goodyear, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Michelin, Hankook, and probably a few others I can't think of off hand.

I agree.

My own observations and understanding through the years (and I'm not an expert) is that tire tiers are sometimes nebulous and change from time-to-time. They also can vary by the different categories of tires.

I've always considered the first-tier commercial (OTR, RV, urban, etc.) to be essentially Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone are the three that inevitably through the years are considered top-tier. First-tier are considered the premium brands and typically will have the highest profit margins. Their advertising costs are the greatest compared to other brands.

Third tier tire brands are usually the ones manufactured by the Chinese-based companies and there are quite a few of them nowadays used by commercial truckers in the U.S. with good results ...not all are "china bombs."

Tier two tires are the "catch-all" category and the one where most brands that are not considered tier one or tier three tire brands will be categorized.

Attached is a recent study that lists tiers in each category ...again, just about every category will at least include Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone. Toyo and Yokohama are now being considered more and more in the top tier which in the past, wasn't always the case.