Tires-RV versus truck type

[mb2875]

I have been looking into buying a new set of tires and a few of the guys in my FMCA chapter said they had bought tires specific to RVs versus a truck type tire. Any information on these types? Are they more expensive and is the ride that much different?

[kenandterry]

I’m no tire expert, but have done some research on this topic.

RV tires have slightly softer sidewalls for a softer better ride. Truck tires, pound for pound, give a harder ride because the sidewalls are stiffer/stronger with the idea that trucks will more often carry at or beyond their load capacity. It’s the nature of the industry to push the limits.

Also, RV tires, and with the manufacturers knowing we’re parked more than travelling, build them with slightly higher chemistry to prevent damage by the sun’s UV rays.

Hope that helps.

[FleetMan]

Many of us have gone with truck type tires and never looked back. If there is a difference in ride quality, I have not noticed any.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by FleetMan

Many of us have gone with truck type tires and never looked back. If there is a difference in ride quality, I have not noticed any.

I put "truck rated" tires (Double Coin) on my last rig - a 1999 Winnebago Adventurer - and found the ride stiffer and not worth the cash savings. I'll never do that again!!

Yet when I read the reviews (98% truckers), they all loved them.

[Cdr151]

In my opinion because it says rv it’s gona cost more. I have used truck tires on many motorhomes and have never felt a difference other than more money in my wallet. Haven driven tractor trailers and triaxeles for most of my life I’ve realized that as long as you keep correct air pressure and change them when dot requires you will be fine using them. Keep covers on them if there in the sunlight and I keep the rv on blocks of wood when I store my motor home in the garage on concept

[79cvx20]

This is what I'm going to do the next time I need tires. I talked to the gentleman that answered their phone and he said Michelin Tires for RVs were a waste of money even though they ride a little better some cases but they still need to be replaced every 7 years. I I've never heard of anyone wearing out their tires on a diesel pusher in 7 years. I asked about problems with cheaper tires and he said they have had very few. He quoted me about $2,500 total price for a full set of 6 delivered to a local tire shop , and he pays them to mount and balance them for my 2002 Monaco Windsor 40 PST.
Tires RV sets One price for 6 tires mounted and balanced
Jeff at:
http://www.worldoftires.com/about-us/#
Other 866-501-1998

[lwmcguire]

Every poster on this forum swears Toyos ride better than Michelins

And some lower the psig to get a better ride

It would be quite interesting to see some real data on the handling and ride versus the major brands

My Michelin tires ride and handle very well, hopefully down the road I can maintain both qualities when replacing them

I run 110 psig and they run cool also

[TXTiger]

I just replaced my Mitchelin with Yokohama. First trip was two days ago from Phoenix to Las Vegas on Hwy 93. The road was horrible so can’t say for sure but I think the Mitchelin did ride smother and handle better that the Yokohama’s do, but for the money difference the Yokohama’s are not too bad.

[W5CI]

RV tires vs Truck tires is only a marketing gimmick to get more of your money. Any truck tire will safely run on your motorhome for more miles than you will ever run them. IMHO as a retired trucker

[Bill767]

IMHO, you can call them whatever you want, RV or truck tires. After 2 sets of Michelins cracked so bad after a mere 3 1/2 years, I said never again, and installed Toyos, I guess "truck tires". My wife and I both agree, they ride noticeably better than the Michelins after putting 12,000 miles on them, and the steers require a higher pressure than the Michelins still with a better ride.

[scbwr]

I'm a MH rookie, but after 3K+ miles on Toyo M154 tires installed last summer, I see no reason to buy more expensive "RV" tires by Goodyear or Michelin. With the amount of money I saved, I have no problem replacing them at the 6 or 7 year mark or sooner if necessary.

[CampDaven]

Saying that at 3000 or 12000 miles “and the are great” is like saying they were great going around the block. It’s the YEARS that matter!
I have 4 new Yokohama tires on my steer axel. I hope they stay this good after 7 years.
My other 4 tires are Michelin, and are still great after 5 years.

[apr67]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Saying that at 3000 or 12000 miles “and the are great” is like saying they were great going around the block. It’s the YEARS that matter!
I have 4 new Yokohama tires on my steer axel. I hope they stay this good after 7 years.
My other 4 tires are Michelin, and are still great after 5 years.

The ride of the tires typically doesn't change after they are broken in, which is usually a few thousand miles on a car. On an RV I would assume 10k and they are broken in.

Handling will change through out the tread life however. As they wear they have a little less grip, but they also have a little less tread wiggle. And of course rain has an bigger impact on worn tires (and on brand new tires because of the mold release compound..). I can't imagine most RV folks ever pushing the handling of an RV far enough however to see a difference. Now if you are related to Joey Chitwood....

[distaff]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Saying that at 3000 or 12000 miles “and the are great” is like saying they were great going around the block. It’s the YEARS that matter!
I have 4 new Yokohama tires on my steer axel. I hope they stay this good after 7 years.
My other 4 tires are Michelin, and are still great after 5 years.

Didn't know Tyrell made a motorhome -