Community Forums

theroc · 04-20-2022, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregory S

I just purchased a set of Sumitomo ST 719's (245 70R 19.5) yesterday in the San Diego area. I was under the impression that they were made in New York, based on numerous posts I've read on this forum. I was a little surprised when I picked up my motor home to see "Made in Japan" stamped on the sidewalls.

That actually surprises me too as i've been told all along (for the past several years) that the ST719 and ST719 SE are manufactured at their Tonowanda NY plant. So it was probably me who was doing the most spreading of that information on this forum. In fact, see this review and also read the comments at the end that I'll screenshot below: go HERE

"The Sumitomo brand holds credible reputation within the tire industry, courtesy of its innovative design, superior quality, and precision engineering. The ST719 medium truck tires are manufactured at the company’s plant in Tonawanda, which was launched in late 2016 on the back of a staggering $87 million investment. The company’s objective is to double its capacity for light truck and passenger tires to 10k units/day by the end of 2019. The Erie County, NY-based plant features Sumitomo’s latest innovations, including the exclusive 4D Nano Design technology. The addition of ST719 to the Sumitomo product line shall offer fleets and dealers more efficient performance over time."

My apologies but in actuality, I'd almost prefer the tire be made in Japan. Not that it makes any difference at all as the same manufacturing standards are used no matter what plant they come from. But it's like the car situation ...many prefer their Toyotas be made in Japan instead of being assembled at a plant in Mexico or the U.S. when it shouldn't make any difference as it pertains to quality (many have differing opinions on this, however).

The main reason I keep posting that many of the Sumitomo commercial truck tires are manufactured in New York is that many of us would also like to buy products that are using U.S. labor.

I wonder if it's because of the labor shortages that we've been experiencing here during the pandemic? I do know there was an article a few weeks ago about Sumitomo upgrading their plant in New York so perhaps that might play into it too:

Sumitomo begins $129 million upgrade to tire plant in Tonawanda

.

Gregory S · 04-21-2022, 06:49 AM

Actually, I am not complaining that the tires were made in Japan. I was just a little surprised. I am very happy that the local dealer who installed them was able to obtain a full set of 6. Thank you for your explanation, though.

MO Fred · 04-21-2022, 07:41 AM

I have been running a set of Sumitomo tires (275/70R22.5) for past 4 years. Great ride quality and have held up well over 30k miles. Tires still appear new. I will continue to buy Sumitomo in the future.

Hpozzuoli · 04-21-2022, 07:49 AM

I am using Dynatracs now. I had Michelin’s on her that lasted 2.5 years before they started cracking. Prior to that the PO had Toyos that didn’t last much longer. He replaced with the Michelin’s as part of the sale and they failed this past year. Not wanting to repeat history at a cost of 6k I opted for the Dynatracs. While I was getting these mounted the tire shop was also outfitting a number of fire trucks with them. He said they are the best tire nobody knows of. No complaints thus far. Just throwing an option out there. I know many folks are hesitant to try different brands, but these cost me 2k as part of a deal I worked out with the tire shop. I originally wanted Toyos, but nobody could them.

JoeSR · 04-21-2022, 08:21 AM

Last year I replaced my front Goodyear G670 tires with BF Goodrich Route Control S, 245/70R19.5 Load Range H. I could not tell the difference in ride quality, even with the increased load range. This year I replaced one set of G670s duals with another pair of the Route Control S. I want my tires to age out at different times.

BTW, the Goodyears were at 10 and 11 years old when I replaced them. I looked very carefully. They showed no signs of cracking. I did the mounting and install myself. If there was any visible damage, I would have seen it. I felt like a fool to replace them. Maybe there is some benefit for living in the frozen north.

VetPartTimer · 04-21-2022, 11:21 AM

Awesome info everyone, exactly what I was hoping for.

So far I'm leaning towards the Sumitomos, but have to say that the BF Goodrich and Hercules having me thinking a bit too!

CamJam1 · 04-21-2022, 05:07 PM

My coach had Sumitomo 718 on it when I bought it. They've served me well, but I replaced the steers with Toyo M154 when they reached the 5 year mark. The Toyos seem to ride a little smoother and less likely to follow the grooves, which is perhaps nothing more than the difference between old tires and new.

Still have the Sumitomos on the rear and will replace them at the seven year mark, probably with Toyos. Toyo also makes Nitto tires, which I have had a good experience with on one of my other vehicles.

Both my Sumitomos and Toyos were made in Japan.

Crasher · 04-21-2022, 06:20 PM

I don't think it matters what brand you choose. Every brand has satisfied customers that feel theirs is the best. On a MH, 90% of them will not put on enough miles to wear them out. If you are going to replace them in 7 years, pick a brand that your dealer likes and fits your budget. They will serve you well.

Sweetbriar · 04-22-2022, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

I don't think it matters what brand you choose. Every brand has satisfied customers that feel theirs is the best. On a MH, 90% of them will not put on enough miles to wear them out. If you are going to replace them in 7 years, pick a brand that your dealer likes and fits your budget. They will serve you well.

Couldn't have said it better.

Tuscany · 05-01-2022, 05:44 PM

I have been happy after replacing my G679's with Sumitimo ST719 275 70 22.5 H. See story below

I replaced my noisy & badly wearing G670 front tires with Sumitomo's and have been very happy with the low noise level, even wear pattern and easy steering. The G670's came "new" on the new Thor MH in 2014 (replaced 2020). I was so happy with them I replaced the 4 rear G670's with Sumitomo also in 2021. Still happy! And, yes, I did have the G670's balanced and aligned to no improvement. One official Cummins dealer said the passenger side bearing sounded like it was "going" so I had that taken care of at a Freightliner dealer with no noticable improvement in steering or noise. However, when I put the Sumitomo's on front all the noise and unsteady steering (present since the RV was purchased new) magicly disappeared. I think I must have had a defective G670 on the front passenger side from the beginning. All is well now, but wasted a few hundred dollars on the "bearing rebuild".

Ray,IN · 05-01-2022, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

Here is a better deal for those tires.

https://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/t...f=sum718_t.cst

Sailun truck tires are now made in Vietnam, since 2016. They use the same construction design as Michelin.

TheCatsRV · 05-01-2022, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Sailun truck tires are now made in Vietnam, since 2016. They use the same construction design as Michelin.

Mid year 2021-dated S637s made in PRC, but these are 19.5s or 17.5s.

VetPartTimer · 12-21-2022, 05:31 PM

Needing to make my decision within a few months now, so researching a bit more. Still leaning towards the Sumitomo ST719.

So I was looking at the Sumitomo site, and when I select a tire for Bus/RV (all position), it displays the ST918.

I went back to specifically pick the ST719, it says these are not for my vehicle (Bus/RV).

Anyone know what the deal with this is?

mlpeloquin · 12-21-2022, 05:49 PM

I replaced my Good Year tires with Toyo tires. Great tires as well. All brands mentioned here are great tires. So get the best price and make them balance them. A lot of shops don't balance the big RV tire sizes, and get a front end alignment. Things change when potholes are hit on our great interstates.