Tire choices, recent experiences

[gorwig]

I know this topic has come up a number of times, but the most recent general thread that I found is now a couple years old.

I am going on 6 years from tire manufacture, and I'm starting to see the dreaded small hairline cracks around sidewall lettering. Time to replace. My current tires are Michelin XRV 235/80R22.5 G. They have been ok, but I think they have fairly soft sidewalls. I am loaded light, and if I use the tire chart pressures (80-85lbs) for my weight I seem to get more wandering in crosswinds. If I inflate to sidewall max pressure, it goes straight but I feel every pebble in the road. In talking with local truck/RV tire shops, my alternatives with stiffer sidewalls are (6 balanced tires):

Bridgestone R250F 245/75 R22.5 G for around $2500 out the door

Goodyear G670 245/75 for about $3200

Michelin XZE 235/80 for about $3200

Toyo M124Z 245/75 for about $1900

My motorhome is a 2004 National Seabreeze LX 8321 on a W22 chassis. Toyo has an issue with National RV products and to a lesser extent with RV applications in general, but a direct call to them indicated that as long as an authorized dealer confirmed the vehicle weights they would approve installation. As I understand it, Toyo's issue with National was with some overweight from factory diesel units.

OK ... What are your most recent (last year or so) experiences with these tires, and are there any other choices? They have really gotten expensive, so I don't want to mess up!

Gary Orwig
2004 Seabreeze LX 8321

[GaryKD]

Hi from one Gary to another Gary,
I've been riding on Michelin tires since 1965. This is cars and RVs. Only had two problems that were handled under warranty, via Michelin. There is 44K miles on the current coach tires and they look new. I as long as they perform, will continue to purchase Michelin.

[AFChap]

My coach came with Michelin XZA2 in load range H. The Michelins were great. One went bad after 4 yr and Michelin gave me an adjustment on it, but after a lot of searching my Michelin dealer was unable to find any XZA2 or 3s in load range H. I went with Continental HSL in load range H for about $100 less apiece compared to the XZA2 price. I have 18k on those two Contintentals on the front, and 2 mo ago replaced the rears with 4 more Continentals. The 7 yr old Michelins I threw away look great inside and out with no checking at all. I keep them covered when parked. The 4 Continentals I just bought were $1800 spin balanced w/new valve stems. They ride and handle very well ...hope they look as good at the 7 yr point as the Michelins did!

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'd stick with the Michelins because they are the right size (exact match). The others are only "close". Put a Davis TruTrack bar (panhard rod) on the front if you have steering problems.

Those tire prices sound extremely high. I just bought some Goodyear G670's in the big 295/80R22.5 size and paid $501 apiece, mounted and balanced (no sales tax included in that price). Could have had Bridgestones or Toyos for less. Michelin a few dollars more.

[paz]

Quote:

Originally posted by RV Roamer: Those tire prices sound extremely high.

I agree. Unless XZE tires are a lot more expensive than XRVs (I think it's the other way around - XRVs are more expensive), the price sounds high to me, too.

I just replaced 2 tires with a warranty adjustment, but the price before adjustment was $364 per tire. The total price for 6 Michelin 235/80R 22.5 XRVs would come to a little over $2700 with Federal excise tax, disposal fee, environmental fee, mounting, balancing, and 6% sales tax. Got the tires at Tire Centers, Inc. in Charlotte, but they have shops all over the country.

Costco can get Michelin RV tires (I don't know if they're XRV or ZXE) at a very good price, but most Costco locations can't do the installation. You will need to find a truck tire dealer who is willing to install tires you bought from someone else.

BTW, I asked the shop about the XZE tires and they said they were designed for delivery trucks and have heavier sidewalls to withstand possible curb scrubbing. The XRVs have softer sidewalls for better ride and a higher amount of UV protection since RV tires frequently spend a lot of time in storage.

A previous post recommended a Davis TruTrack on the front; but a rear track bar may also help, especially if you have a relatively long rear overhang. The Henderson rear track bar I installed made a big difference for me.

[LVJ58]

I would highly recommend the Bridgestone R250F tires. Second choice would be Continentals.

Good luck with your choice.

[beaverjim]

i think if you go to michelins site you will find out that xze,xrv,xza's etc. are all listed as rv/motorhome tires. they are not all available in all sizes/ratings. a lot has changed the last couple of yrs. check it out.
jim

[DriVer]

When I bought my new set of tires (6) I went with the original equipment, Michelin XRVs.

[Andy M]

I have the Michelin Energy tires as well. When I studied the charts for air pressure, and I did as the charts mentioned, the coach seemed to wander when driving down the road and something just didn't feel right. I stepped up the pressure by 15 psi and all was good and no more wander.

[robbstein]

I replaced 2 Michelins about 18 months ago on the front due to a bad wear pattern. Put Bridgestone R250's in their place. Just replaced the rear 4 tires with Bridgestones. Paid $2287 in So. Calif. for the 4 of them. So far, with the two older tires, 12,000 miles, no wear and they ride pretty close to the Michelins, but a little stiffer. They do handle good on the road. Will get a feel for the full set as we leave March 1 for the eastern area and Perry, GA FMCA Convention. These tires are larger than your needs - 295/80R/22.5 LRH. I run them at 100# front and 95# rear due to weight.

Robb & Sue Steinheider
Lexington the Dalmation
2003 Ultimate Advantage
2002 Saturn L100 Toad

[GaryKD]

To those recommending Bridgestone tires, how does your coach handle on wet roads? Wet meaning there is visible water on the road.

[Joe and Pam]

I had Goodyear all around on our coach. We had some problems with the front end and took the coach into a shop in Redding Ca. The tires were about 7 years old with some small cracks. They aligned it tightened the bearings couldn't find the cause of the vibration. The Goodyear tires were cupping on the out side and the end side. He recommended the Bridgstone tires. Two on the front. Two weeks later around Monteray Ca I noticed a bubble on one of the rears. Took it to another shop and he could not match the Goodyear tire so it was 4 more bridgestones. I like them and the ride.