Community Forums

rpgibbs · 12-26-2013, 04:52 PM

We are considering buying a 2006 Holiday Rambler Admiral 37' coach that still has the original Michelin tires. The DOT Manufacture code is 4105 which means they were made in the 41st week of 2005. That makes them over 8 years old (13000 miles). I am not one to scrimp on tires so I would like some suggestions as to whether replace these tires with the Michelin tires (235/80R22.5 XRV) or go with another brand that has comparable quality tires. Also, what can I expect to pay for these tires (both Michelin and others) plus installation? Thanks

GaryKD · 12-26-2013, 05:13 PM

Hi rpgibbs,
Are you a member of FMCA? If not consider joining. They have a partnership with Michelin tires that provides a very good price for Michelin tires. Go to Tire Connection - Michelin Advantage Program to learn about the program. $378.52 is the FMCA Michelin Advantage price for your tire size. This is for the tire only.

StevenNSteph · 12-26-2013, 06:12 PM

Yes it's time to replace them. Don't skimp on tires, a blowout on the front can easily ruin your day so I consider it pretty cheap insurance.

As far as which tire - well that's like asking which is better Ford, Chevy or Dodge? I personally have had very good luck with 22.5" Michelins .

If you are a member of Costco they can order them for you too. They don't install but I have found their prices to be the cheapest by quite a bit. I order mine there and then have a buddy pick them up in a truck and take them to a local tire store that installs that size (many don't so call around) OR to a local semi-truck service center.

gruelens · 12-26-2013, 07:59 PM

I personally just went through the exact same situation. I have an '07 MH that had '05 tires. In October I made a change that I am pleased with. Below is the entry I posted to the forum two months ago.
Changed My Tire Size
I am writing to let you know what I recently did with my tires. Hopefully, it may help someone else.

My 2007 Mountain Aire 3991 is on a W25.5 chassis and had 2005 Michelin XRV 235/80/22.5 factory tires with 35K miles on them.

On 10-21-13 I put on 6 new Firestone FS560plus 255/70/22.5. These tires are H -one load range greater , a fraction of an inch less in diameter, and a fraction of an inch wider than the 235's. In addition they are a popular size for trucking. This makes them more available and priced more competively than the factory 235 size. They have a greater weight capacity so I can run with approx. 10 psi less in each wheel position than before.

I was torn between spin balance w/weights and adding balancing powder. The shop had both but recommended spin balance. Their reason was on rare occasion they find a new tire that requires too much weight to balance (manufacturing error) when they spin it. Using powder would not require spinning and therefor they would not pick that up. The 4 rear tires required a few ounces, the 2 front tires took zero weight to balance. I still am on the fence between the two balancing methods.

I was also seriously considering BF Goodrich and Toyo at other locations in the same town. All three brands were within 150 bucks of each other total for a set of six tires.

I purchased the tires at GCR Tire Center just north of Eugene Oregon (land of no sales tax). The date code on the Firestones are "4013". My total cost for 6 tires, mounted, balanced, new stems, take old tires.... out the door = $2160.