Michelin or Toyo

[Smack]

OK, I've been on every RV blog and tire comparison website on the planet and still haven't found the information I'm looking for, so I decided to come to the experts. The people who have first hand experience.

I have a 2008 Fleetwood Bounder 35h with Michelin 235/R8022.5 XVR's that need to be replaced.
I'm a full timer, so my coach is packed to the gills and I also tow a small car on a dolly. I drive hard and have super-stabilized suspension which enables me to get up and down winding canyon roads at closer to car speeds than RV speeds and the Michelins feel like they're glued to the road.
I love the smooth, cushioned ride and the traction I get from the Michelins, because I drive so much, but what I don't love is the cost to replace them.
My tire guy recommended switching to Toyo 245/80R22.5 M154 tires, and at almost half the price of the Michelins, I'm kind of leaning that way too, as long as I don't have to give up on ride and performance.
I've heard that Toyo tires have a much stiffer/ harder sidewall than the Michelin, which says to me it's going to be a harder and bumpier ride.

Any comments on ride quality and performance, or pros and cons of one tire over the other would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone. Happy Holidays!

Steve

[select55]

go with the toyos as good or better and 1/2the price

[UFO Pilot]

I replaced my factory original Michelin's with Toyo's 4 plus years ago and I don't see any difference in ride or handling. Unlike the Michelin's my Toyo's still look new, not a single crack.

[GREGORYJ]

I also switched to Toyo's and found no difference from the Michelin 235/R80x 22.5 and where a great price. The Toyo's I got as replacements where a slightly different size that you mentioned, they were 245/75R x 22.5 M154 and where very close to the Michelin's revolutions per mile, so little or no noticeable speedometer error.. Also they did give off a slight smell (manure like) for the first year that one noticed if close to them but it didn't really both us. Others have mentioned this as well.

[Smack]

Thanks for the info. I've heard others say their toyos smell like manure too. Don't really mind as long as the smell stays outside!.

[Mody n Domy]

I went from Goodyears to Toyos 4 years ago and like them however they are 19.5. I had them bead balanced and apply 303 protectant and keep them covered when parked. The ride is fine, we fulltime and are packed to the max and our toad is a Jeep Wrangler.

[tmw188]

Manure?


iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[gfs1943]

I replaced my Michelins with Toyo, same size as your tire guy recommended. I don't load or drive like you do, so my info may not apply. I can not tell a bit of difference between the Toyos and the Michelins I had, as far as ride and handling. If I ever have to replace the tires again, I won't hesitate to use the Toyos.

[mrfix]

switched from michelins to toyo M154's on a 2015 holiday rambler, better tire, handles better and carries the coach better.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by tmw188

Manure?


iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

Oh ya I have Toyo's too.


iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[mccrob]

1/2 price for the Toyos I haven't found that big of difference best I can get is Toyo 1/3 less for my size

[Smitty77]

Here is a comparison on rolling resistance, from Michelin, but I found it a good tool when we were shopping.

I believe the Toyo M154 would be a stiffer riding tire then your current tires. Not sure if the XZA2 or XZA3 would fit, but believe they too would be less stiff then the M154. Also suspect the XZA2/3 would have less rolling resistance (May yield in a slight improvement in MPG.) then the M154. Noise differences? Surprise, I have no opinion either way on this, as I've driven a grand total of ~120 miles on 6 years old OEM Toyo's, when we first bought out then used coach. I can say that our XZA2 tires are quieter then the XZE* and or BF Goodrich ST230 tires.

Also when shopping, I had many owners that I trust, recommend the Hankook AH12's. If I were not driving on the Michelin's, I'd probably be Hankook's now. AH11's are reportedly well liked too. Just not sure which, if either, of the Hankook's would meet your size noise.

Happy hunting,
Smitty

That being said, the M154 is solid performer, with happy owners.

[johnhicks]

My Toyos have been fine at four years. And yes they are a little smelly for a couple of years.

[RichLove]

Originally Posted by mccrob

1/2 price for the Toyos I haven't found that big of difference best I can get is Toyo 1/3 less for my size

Are you looking for tires Bob? Find me a good price too