Tires

[Smitty77]

I've heard many positive's on those tires, look forward to hearing how they the new shoes ride...

Gsanders1 is at the same RV Park we are, and I believe he has Continentals from when I was doing my research. Next time I bump into him, I'll ask (Or heck, even look!) at what shoes he has on...

Also would be interested in the pricing of these tires thru FMCA.
Best,
Smitty

[smlranger]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

I've heard many positive's on those tires, look forward to hearing how they the new shoes ride...

Gsanders1 is at the same RV Park we are, and I believe he has Continentals from when I was doing my research. Next time I bump into him, I'll ask (Or heck, even look!) at what shoes he has on...

Also would be interested in the pricing of these tires thru FMCA.
Best,
Smitty

Conti's are $587 plus FET Michelin $684 plus FET.

[wfalch]

Hope this is going to come thru, 3 Michelin types, which one should I chose>

[wfalch]

OK, I was trying to be cute when I posted that image. Hope the following will get me a response.
I currently have Michelin 295/80R22.5 XZA2's on the steer tires and I want to replace them, this is what FMCA is showing. Looking for the best.

XZA2 Energy Thread XZA2 Energy FMCA price $664.42
X Coach H LZ LRH Thread X Coach H LX FMCA price $726.32
X Multiway 3D XZE LRH Thread X Multiway 3D XZE FMCA price $761.64

Going to change the front shocks to those EVO 99

Most likely going to do this in AZ in March, place called TCi
Also, there is a place in AZ that does Source Engineering

[CarlAda]

I have the Energy on my steers.....nice!

[smlranger]

The XZA2 Energy seems to be the preferred tire for big coaches. I see them on many. It is what the selling dealer put on my coach when we bought it in 2013. Other than some sidewall cracking, they have been excellent in every other respect....handling and ride.

[gsander1]

Smitty is correct. I have Continental HSL1 Coach 315X80 R22.5 on the drive and tag all installed in May 2012. Steer tires are Michelin XZA2 Energy installed June 2016.

The Contis, while good tire, are relatively noisy and stiff. I would not install them again. The Michelins are quiet and smooth. I really like them for steer and may install them in the rear when needed. The only reason I hesitate about XZA2s on drive and tag is price. I'll also not use 315s in the rear again. They are complete over kill in my application.

[smlranger]

Originally Posted by gsander1

Smitty is correct. I have Continental HSL1 Coach 315X80 R22.5 on the drive and tag all installed in May 2012. Steer tires are Michelin XZA2 Energy installed June 2016.

The Contis, while good tire, are relatively noisy and stiff. I would not install them again. The Michelins are quiet and smooth. I really like them for steer and may install them in the rear when needed. The only reason I hesitate about XZA2s on drive and tag is price. I'll also not use 315s in the rear again. They are complete over kill in my application.

I'm getting the HSR2sa and​ will stick with 295/80's. Reviews I've read say they give good ride and handling.

[smlranger]

Well, actually I will end up with the Michelin XZA2's. My dealer ordered six Continentals and asked them to send fresh date codes since they were for a RV customer. They sent six 3 year old tires to the dealer. My dealer called me and said he called Continental and was told they don't have the manpower to look through their inventory for date codes and that we (the dealer and the customer) just had to take whatever they send.

So, the dealer said he had plenty of XZA2's in his own warehouse in NC. And his folks would sort through them for more current dates. He called me back today and said he had six on the way with 7 month old dates. With the FMCA pricing, the difference between the Conti's and the Michelins is less than $500.

[CarlAda]

Same thing with the Contis I ordered....2 years old....fahgetaboutit

[harleyjt]

Originally Posted by CarlAda

Same thing with the Contis I ordered....2 years old....fahgetaboutit

Now we know why Continental wanted to get in on the FMCA plan... they are wanting to get rid of some old tires and figured this was a way to generate some sales.
jt

[birddog2you]

Glad everything worked out for you. 7 months isn't too bad. Enjoy your new tire ride.

[Smitty77]

The RV'ing community volume, is not sufficient to warrant many of the large tire warehouse distributors to 'cherry pick' dates for our usage. Obviously most OTR truckers and busses, wear tires out by miles usage - so age is typically not an issue for them.

Glad you shop was able to work with you to find reasonable Born On Dates! I'd also have run with 7 months old without a problem, though 6 months and under is always my desire. When you get them, just for grins, let us know where they were manufactured. My set were made in England.

And you're ~$500 is very similar to the price delta I paid for my replacement tires early last year. I look at that as about $72 a year, or $6 a month...

Hope you did not have to tip them to get those new optional tires that are great for parking, the square ones. Yes, they really hold a spot well while parking, distinct safety advantage while parked on a hill. Can be a bit bumpy going down the road, but hey - that's where DP's "air ride suspension" really pays dividends!

Best to you,
Smitty

[smlranger]

Smitty, I agree that the RV market is small when compared to the huge commercial truck/bus market. However, if Continental (or anyone else) agreed to do a special deal with FMCA to expand their customer base, they would do well to consider the needs of that customer base.