Community Forums

Rich and Cork · 03-14-2012, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

JJH3rd,
The reason that the Michelin XRV has a more flexible side wall that makes it feel like a softer ride is because these ties were made for the RV market and do not have steel belting like you would think all Michelins have. This is what I was told when talking to Michelin techs the last time I researched tire before purchasing my Bridgestone R280 295/75R22.5 steel belted tires about 3 years ago. This was as apparently an executive decision by Michelin to keep them more price competitive.

Another tid-bit of info, is that the Goodyear G670 tires that are generally made for the RV market are made with a softer rubber compound so they will wear out faster so they will be more apt to be replaced in the recommended life span of RV tires.

Best of Luck
Yukon jack

Say what? I have 40,000 miles on mine and the tread depth is half of the original......which means I could go 70-80,000 miles.....not bad.

JJH3rd · 03-14-2012, 09:38 AM

Update from the tire store.

The Bridgestone R250 - 245/75R22.5 is closer in size to the Michelin 235/80s

The coach has about 28K miles on the odometer so it isn't the tread wear its the time-on-wheel that is the problem.

From the Michelin technical bulletin:

"Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually." and

"While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit."

Our set of Michelins will be 8 years old this year.

JJ

Benandlar · 03-14-2012, 12:29 PM

I have the Michelin tires and had serious tracking problems when I first started to drive this unit (2008 Southwind 35A). The posted pressures were 95 front and 90 rear. I weighted the unit (four corners) and then went to the Michelin site - turns out all wheels should be 80 psi and what a difference that made in handling. Tires run cool and no wear issues. I checked the posted pressures against the Michelin site and to use those figures I would have to be way over the gross weight. Best to follow the advise already given by others re weighing your unit and getting the right pressure.

GaryKD · 03-14-2012, 12:43 PM

Hi rlawson,
I don't have the details with me, but in general, I just got 275X70X22.5 Michelin XZA2 tires. At tire stores I was quoted $664. I paid $496 via the FMCA Michelin program. This price is a single tire price without all the other add on costs that are the same for any tire.

chasmatt · 03-14-2012, 08:56 PM

I just ordered Michelins for my Tradewinds through the FMCA program. The dealer told me this was the only way to buy if I could use the program. Our 230x80x22.5 tires will be just over $400 each plus local tax and mounting. The old tires were 8 year old Yokohamas. They were on the coach when we bought it. I never liked the way they rode or handled. I've always been happy with Michelins on my cars so I think we wil be happy with the new tires. They will be in on Monday. I'll have them installed Tuesday.

Leonardwd66 · 03-15-2012, 09:32 AM

For some time now I have been reading old and new posts on tires. It seems any tire that does not have a well name brand is made in china. In my internet search I ran across a DOT list that tells you where a tire is manufactured, http://www.harriger.com/tire4.htm, should answer a lot of questions about tires.http://www.harriger.com/tire4.htm

frankdamp · 03-15-2012, 10:33 AM

The pressure rating molded into the tire sidewall is the absolute maximum cold inflation pressure that should be used. It's not the in-service inflation pressure. That depends on the weight the tire is supporting, and your tire dealer should have the manufacturer's perssure/weight numbers.

When we bought our GT, the tires were 8 years old and looked bad, so we replaced all 6. Since we're in Les Schwab territory and have an outlet in Anacortes, we went there and got Toyos. They're 19.5 size on our rig, and a full set, with new stainless steel stems and dynamic balance ran just under $2300.

They threw in a front-end alignment for free. The store manager went to some trouble to fins the newest manufacture date they had, and all six of them were only 6 weeks old.

wolfer · 03-27-2012, 05:05 PM

Personally I would buy Michelin XZE's as they have about 3/32nds more rubber than the cheaper michelin tires. I just changed mine out on the steering axle at 65,000 miles and am still running the drivers. Sidewalls are probably stiffer and the price is more but in my opinion they are well worth what they are asking. I don't believe in putting rags on my coach. I kept the take offs for spares they still have plenty of tread left and are 10 years old. The sidewalls have no checking or signs of age.

(PS) Each vehicle is a different weight and distribution of weight. I drove over the road trucks for many years. If you want to get the absolute best wear out of your tires this takes a little time but here is what I do. I load the coach like I usually use it. I get some white sidewalk chalk. I mark each tire across the tread in a level parking lot. I drive a few revolutions on each tire and look at where the chalk has worn off. If it is worn on the outside you need to add more air. If it wears on the inside you need to take some air out. Trust me it will make all the difference in the world. Tires are not cheap especially these days.

JJH3rd · 03-28-2012, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfer

(PS) Each vehicle is a different weight and distribution of weight. I drove over the road trucks for many years. If you want to get the absolute best wear out of your tires this takes a little time but here is what I do. I load the coach like I usually use it. I get some white sidewalk chalk. I mark each tire across the tread in a level parking lot. I drive a few revolutions on each tire and look at where the chalk has worn off. If it is worn on the outside you need to add more air. If it wears on the inside you need to take some air out. Trust me it will make all the difference in the world. Tires are not cheap especially these days.

Thanks for this tip and information about the XZEs. I'll try it next time we use the MH.

njs42 · 03-28-2012, 07:47 AM

Facts according to my own experience with my tires only:

Michelins 235/80-22.5's came off at ten years and looked great still. No cracks inside or out, but ten years is plenty for tires so I put on new.

I believe I could have had another few years out of the tires but the risk inceases with age.

The base price w/o tax at Costco for the same tire was $375.00 (it included a $70.00 off for four coupon which Costco runs annually on Michelins).

The tires were two weeks old when installed. I said I would not accept anything other than a new tire and Costco/Michelin delivered just that; new ones.

I can tell the difference in my new tires, more supple ride which I attribute to new rubber.

Installation and balance at another shop was under $300.

While not wanting to criticise the program FMCA just did not work for me, dealers sketchy about how it worked, no one would give me cost upfront. So I just gave up on it, but that is just me. I hear many who feel they have benefitted and it worked for them.

The Costco price was competitive with anything I have seen since from any source.

My personal record with Michelins is wonderful, I take care of them and they have never failed me.

Over the years I have had very few problems with any tire regardless of brand. A few flats during my 55 year driving experience, that's it.

wolfer · 03-28-2012, 05:55 PM

Norm I was going to put a set of xze drivers on to replace mine as I replaced the steering tires a few months ago. They wanted 2400 and change for 4 mounted. I have been looking for a better buy. Does Costco carry the XZE or just the XRV?

njs42 · 03-28-2012, 07:08 PM

Wolfer: I do not know what other sizes they offer. I was surprised actually to find out they could get my tires. It does no harm to ask.

wolfer · 03-28-2012, 10:49 PM

I called my local store after I read your post and the guy on the phone said they could get the XZE or the XRV either one and said right now they are having a sale on another brand but they would have one again probably after this one went off. It will be a while. He quoted me $375. Per tire for the XRV's and $430. for the XZE's and said it would take about 5 days to get them in. He also said if I waited til the michelin sale was on it would save me $70. Dollars on the 4 tires and he said as well that they will not mount them. Thats about $1720. minus 70 if I wait and then find someone to mount them should be a heck of a lot less than the $2400. I was quoted at the Michelin Dealer. PS I saved the Front End Take offs and was planning to mount a spare after finding a wheel but the 22-5 6 hole wheels are scarce used and they wanted $275. each for new wheels and they are hard to come by too. My coach is an older Safari.

njs42 · 03-29-2012, 01:12 AM

Glad to hear it is working for you. Have them call the supplier before you order and inquire about the DOT date. When they did that for me I received new tires, made the week we called and delivered the next.

Les Scwab did my install, you can negotiate a bit with them. But they may not be able to spin balance if that is what you prefer. Otherwise look for a commercial big tire shop.

Good luck.