longhaul vs regional tires

[pkmesser]

Can anyone give a good explanation of the differences between longhaul-regional-urban tires, as well as the suitability of each for mh usage? My first thought was that longhaul were designed for better heat resistance, but I am not sure of that. (Before anyone says, "look it up on the manufacture's website", they don't explain it, only saying what each version of their tire is classified for!)

[CoastieSCPO]

The original tires on my coach were Michelin XRV's and I had them on there for about 6 years. They were made for RV applications and we went all over the country with them. They did well but I really can't classify them as being regional, long haul or urban because I drove the rig in all three types of environments.

I replaced them in 2009 prior to a trip to Alaska with 6 new Michelin XZE tires upon the recommendation of my tire dealer. These tires are truck tires and, as such are used in long haul applications. They are two ply better and two load range superior to the original XRV's. They also rode harder than the original tires so I reduced the air pressure according to Michelin's instructions. I'm not an expert, but I believe that the heat resistance with the XZE's were superior to the original equipment tires.

With the new tires mounted, we went to Alaska, the western US and drove on some of the nastiest Pennsylvania highways without problems. Sorry PA folks, but the roads in the Keystone State are not real good. Based on the drivability, comfort and wear of the new tires as compared to the others, IMHO, they are far superior.

Bob

[pkmesser]

According to Michelin's current specs, the 235-80-22.5, XRV and XZE are both load range G.

[CoastieSCPO]

Originally Posted by pkmesser

According to Michelin's current specs, the 235-80-22.5, XRV and XZE are both load range G.

That may be so, but my original ZRV's were, I believe load range "F".

The tires on my coach are 19.2 inch and they are Load range "H'. Hence, they are two letters up from "F'.

[pkmesser]

My tire size is 22.5, the original XRV's from 2004, are also load range G, so for this size, no change. Still does not anwer question about longhaul vs regional vs urban. (XZE are rated as regional, may be fine, but, the classification raises a flag, other manufacturers have the same classification concern, any tire will probably hold up a few years, but what about years past 6?)

[dieselclacker]

PK,

Will the Michelins last much longer than six years? I know you are from Tehachapi, I used to live in Lake Isabella, and my original XRV Michelins cracked really bad in that climate. I had to replace the fronts at 5 years and the rears at 6.I replaced the fronts with XZE Michelins, and the rears with Toyo's. The rears were sidewall cracked really bad, and I always kept them covered. I remember I was almost afraid to drive it down the canyon to Bakersfield to get the replacement tires. I have heard the terms you mentioned for long haul, local and regional tires, can't help you in explaining the difference in the different tires, but I suspect they would all work well in motorhome service.

[336muffin]

Does anybody know about the Michelin "Coach" tires. Long haul, regional, etc.?

[texnet]

Originally Posted by 336muffin

Does anybody know about the Michelin "Coach" tires. Long haul, regional, etc.?

Since Michelin markets the Coach tire as All-position, long-haul charter bus tire designed for mileage, safety and comfort I believe they would be Long Haul

We installed a set of 8 on our coach last June and love the ride, comfort and handling of the coach with the new tires!

[Mr_D]

From the Michelin Truck and Light Truck DataBook

The specific tread design used should only be considered after the vehicle type and user vocation has been examined.
There are several categories of tire service applications:

HIGHWAY
Heavy loads and high speeds for extended periods of time.
Primarily interstate or divided highway.

REGIONAL
Medium to heavy loads, frequently on 2-lane roads.
Vehicles generally return to home base at night.

URBAN
Stop-and-go delivery ... service within a limited radius –
metro and suburban.

ON/OFF ROAD
Heavy loads and slower speeds, operating on a mixture
of improved secondary and aggressive road surface.

ON/OFF ROAD
Very heavy loads normally on poor or
unimproved surfaces.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by dieselclacker

PK,

Will the Michelins last much longer than six years? I know you are from Tehachapi, I used to live in Lake Isabella, and my original XRV Michelins cracked really bad in that climate. I had to replace the fronts at 5 years and the rears at 6.I replaced the fronts with XZE Michelins, and the rears with Toyo's. The rears were sidewall cracked really bad, and I always kept them covered. I remember I was almost afraid to drive it down the canyon to Bakersfield to get the replacement tires. I have heard the terms you mentioned for long haul, local and regional tires, can't help you in explaining the difference in the different tires, but I suspect they would all work well in motorhome service.

That depends........
on the climate and sun exposure as well as temps.
Here in the great Northwet 10 years is not out of line, but I replaced mine (dated 4701) in Sept 2010 so it was about 9 years on them. They were showing some cracking around the lettering.

[pkmesser]

Dieselclacker
My tires are dated in April, of 04, (forget exact week). The right rear, which sees sun from noon on, in the summertime, has modest cracking. Looking at the Michelin guide on cracking, it would not be a candidate for replacement, just based on that. The left side tires don't see sun except if we are traveling. The right front sees very little sun at home either. The mh is parked faceing east, with the front under a shadetree in the summertime. Other than the rr, the rest of the tires show no discernable cracking. Now, Lake Isabella is normally about 15 degrees hotter than here, almost as hot as Bakersfield, never figured that out. I am thinking about replacement, only because they are coming up on 8 years.

[docj]

We bought Michelin XZE2+ tires last summer; they are "regional" tires rated for RV use. They were a big improvement over the XZA2's we had. I think the regional rating is the reason they have more crosswise "cuts" which seem to improve the overall handling ability. I am making that assumption without any real proof since I can't find any written explanation. All I know is that they are quiet, handle well, and have a very comfortable ride. I think that's everything tires are supposed to do.

[pkmesser]

Mr_D;

Thank you! That is what I was looking for. Now, I spent an hour on Michelin's website, saw a lot of information, but missed this, you are better than me!

Now my take, based on those catagories, I would think a regional tire would be ok, most of us don't drive without stopping at night. (their statment of returning home at night, is the same as stopping for the night). An urban or city classification might not be so good, as those imply slower overall speeds. Anyone think differently, I sure am open.

[Papa_Jim]

My understanding of the difference between long haul and regional tires:

Long Haul: thinner rubber covering on sidewalls for smooth ride. Smooth tread design and harder rubber tread compounds to lessen rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. The only negative thing that I am aware of is that hitting a curb might cause a tire to blow out.

Regional: thicker rubber covering on sidewalls primarily for curb impact protection. Coarser tread design and softer rubber tread compounds to better be able to eject stones and debris from the tread, and to offer improved traction control in high traffic and city driving.

Personally, I don't think it matters much which tire you choose. I think that either one will probably work just fine on a motorhome.

I think that either tire has the same cords inside, and it is the deterioration of those cords over the years that requires the tires to be changed, on average at about 6 years.