Community Forums

mbrandt1402 · 05-02-2014, 08:53 AM

My fronts are 3 yr old Michelin XRVs. I need to replace the 4 drive axle tires. With the FMCA Michelin program and an opportunity to buy them in Oregon (no sales tax), 4 Michelins will be about $240 more than 4 Toyos from my local Les Schwab. Both prices are out-the-door, mounted and balanced with stainless shot.

The specs for the two tires are remarkably similar. Same load rating, both 14 ply, .1" difference in tread width, 1 rpm difference, etc. The two tires are obviously aimed at the same market. I have 4 aluminum wheels, so the tires will never be rotated.

I'm leaning toward Michelins, but just barely.

Which would you choose and why?

caninecop · 05-02-2014, 09:11 AM

I can only give my experience with Toyo, The Toyo were on the RV when we purchased the rig, and they gave us great service. I replaced them because of age, not due to wearing out. At the time I replaced them I had only been RVing for about 6 months, I think now I would keep them a little longer based on the knowledge that I have found on this board and Tiffin board.

jimcumminsw · 05-02-2014, 09:25 AM

I run nothing but Michelins tires on all of my vehicles even my 5er has Michelin XP-Ribs on it. My Ram has the Michelin M/S2 tires and the Jetta has the Michelin Defender on it.

I look at more than just the name; I check for ride comfort, less rolling resistance means better fuel economy and braking performance is important too along with tire noise. Michelin seems to have this covered fairly will. The Michelin tires seem to have a better tread life for their tires than other brands so this to me equates to lower cost per mile overall. The only thing Michelin lacks is the aggressive look that some of the other tires have.

Just my humble opinion.

Jim W.

deandec · 05-02-2014, 09:32 AM

I would spend the $240 on fuel. Most tire debates for motor homes seem to be of the Chevy vs Ford variety since everyone has a fleet of one.

**TonyDi** · 05-02-2014, 10:03 AM

If you are leaning toward Michelins then do it. If the difference is only $240 over a seven year avg. lifespan that translates to $34 dollars a year. Good luck with you choice.

2 Stroker · 05-02-2014, 01:11 PM

I went through FMCA also and got (6) 295/80R22.5 and went through Superior Tire Service - Northeast Portland - Portland, OR | Yelp ln Portland,Or EZ in and out with lots of room and a large covered bay.
2 stroker

njs42 · 05-02-2014, 01:19 PM

Go where you lean.IMHO, Actually you cannot make a mistake both tires have plenty of fans. When faced with the same choice I went back to Michelin because they have always been a good tire for me they came with my National product and I worried the price down close as you have. My problem was deciding where to lean, you already know.

ramblinboy · 05-02-2014, 01:30 PM

I was going to replace my 7 year old Michelin XRV with same but no availability till end of May. I'm going with Toyos as an equivalent and more common tire in the event of an unplanned replacement.

UFO Pilot · 05-02-2014, 01:46 PM

My factory installed Michelins showed signs of sidewall cracking in less than 3 years. I replaced with Toyo's from Les Schwab in Oregon 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. I asked about warranty on the Toyo's and they said satisfaction guaranteed as long as I own them. Michelin has zero warranty (MH tires) as far as I know. By the way, Les Schwab gave me $300 for my old tires after the price for 6 was a done deal.

mbrandt1402 · 05-02-2014, 05:11 PM

2Stroker, I made an appointment at Superior earlier in the week, before I found out that the Toyos were still cheaper than Michelin through FMCA discount. You are confirming what I saw in the map/sat photo - easy access. I'll probably have my race trailer in tow, so that becomes even more important.

I won't be wearing these out, so the warranty will be based on time. Michelin is 60 months, Toyo is 66 months. Some posts have said the Michelin warranty goes from mfg date, but that is somewhat incorrect. It goes by invoice date unless there is no invoice, then it goes by mfg date.

I just found out that the Michelins were made last October. Anything less and I would be okay, but I'd like to have something newer than 6 month old tires installed.

I'm back on the fence, while Superior finds out if they can get fresher tires.

**CountryFit** · 05-03-2014, 10:09 AM

i just noticed you said both were 14 ply... was that right? i replaced front tires with bridgestone 12r22.5 about two years ago, i saw on the tire wall it was 19 ply. if i am not mistaken, the higher number of ply the stronger the tire is.

Coma · 05-03-2014, 01:31 PM

I have Toyo on the MH now and they wear well. I have had great results with Michelins on other vehicles. There is more to tires than load ratings and plys. Siping, grooves, block construction and size have a large input into how the tire performs. Lets face it, on dry roads at 35mph almost any tire will do. Put rain slick off camber turn in the mix I want the peace of mind of a company like Michelin.