Thoughts on Tires

[Gthree]

After a lot of research - - on the web, in these forums (fora ?), and talking to several tire shops locally - - I decided to forego the Big3 brands. Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone were all pushing or passing $400 a tire for 225/70R19.5 and there were some offerings for about half of that. I agonized over <buy American>, but it's clear that major manufacturers are based all over the world, so it really became a selection process based on reliability and owner reports.

My final choice - - influenced no small amount by fleet truck usage reports - - was the Double Coin (Korean) brand. Yes, I know that trucks wear out their tires while RV’s age-out their tires. But nonetheless, the high praise and generally positive acclaim convinced me to take a chance on DC’s for just above half the cost of the high-priced spreads.

Mounting and balancing went without a hitch, and the new shoes seem to fit well. In fact, one remarkable change from my old Michelins is that the DC’s run very smoothly over the road-ridges that always resulted in a nasty <bang> from the Michelins. I’ve also noticed a slightly easier response to washboard, without the horrible shattered-chassis feeling of the older tires. I believe that some of this change might be to the old-age Michelins having hardened (9 years old), but the new DC tires just seem a lot more <rubbery> than my old tires. A feature I noticed, which is not obvious from online photos, is that the DC has deeper grooves (longer wear) but also wider grooves (shorter wear). The tread overall width is also slightly narrower. The deep tread and wide grooves make for less rubber on the road, and a slightly more loose-dirt-or-snow-tolerant design, and might also account for the more-flexible feel of the rubber on the road. There is no apparent difference in noise whatsoever. I don’t have any experience yet with them on wet surfaces. But the large sipes should promote really good drainage.

Another interesting thing that influenced my decision is that DC tire casings are warranted with no time limit, through the SECOND re-treading. No, I do not expect to re-tread my RV tires, or re-groove them (also permitted). But this warranty seems an indication of high confidence on the part of the manufacturer and the distributors which have to back it up.

Lastly, I noticed that the specified weight of the same-size tire is 70# for the DC and 57# for the Michelin. Quite a difference (I did not actually weigh them). The Michelin is rated at 14 ply while the DC is 12, but both have the same spec load range F. The sidewalls and/or casing seems a bit stiffer – for example, the sidewall bulge (at same tire pressure and vehicle weight) was noticeably smaller on the DC than the Michelin. This might seem to make for a stiffer ride (not the case observed), but it sure does make for more tire-to-tire clearance if I ever have to mount my tire chains (rare).

After only 1500 miles, it’s obviously not possible to rate them any better than <so far so good>, but I like what I’m seeing. The tires seem robust and my wallet is not so thin as it might have been. I’ll post again after some more time and distance.

[garyspang]

Excellent research. I opted for Kelly tires and saved over $100 per tire over Michelin tires (x6=$600). I know for a fact that Michelin has the best lateral adhesion dry or wet, but I hope I never need it.

[kben39]

I went with the DC in 275x70r22.5 and am happy with them 400.00 mounted and balanced.

[mr300ce]

These tires came on my Bounder when I bought it. They were 4mo old with 500mi on them. 8R19.5

RT500 Trailer Truck-Tires, Light Truck Tires - Double Coin

I too have researched tires, and found these to be a very good tire for the $$$, and possibly better than those big name brands. Truckers have been using them for a lot of miles. (millions)

The receipt said 6 tires mounted and balanced....$900.
Bought from the largest tire store around here.

So far (3000 mi) I am happy with them.

I suspect that if I had a problem out on the road, I would easily find a replacement at a truck tire shop.

[336muffin]

Michelin.

[toneumanns]

Originally Posted by 336muffin

Michelin.

What he said.

[njs42]

Nice rundown.

I hope you are as happy with your DC's as I am with my second set of Michelins 235/80-22.5's. I run them trouble free 10 years on my MH and 60k on my car (toad). $450 each mounted, tax, excise etc; and balanced steers.

You are pleased with your deal and I am as well. As good as it gets.

[336muffin]

Originally Posted by mr300ce

These tires came on my Bounder when I bought it. They were 4mo old with 500mi on them. 8R19.5

RT500 Trailer Truck-Tires, Light Truck Tires - Double Coin

I too have researched tires, and found these to be a very good tire for the $$$, and possibly better than those big name brands. Truckers have been using them for a lot of miles. (millions)

The receipt said 6 tires mounted and balanced....$900.
Bought from the largest tire store around here.

So far (3000 mi) I am happy with them.

I suspect that if I had a problem out on the road, I would easily find a replacement at a truck tire shop.

That is a trailer tire.

[RickO]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the great write up.
Please keep us posted as to how you like them as time goes on.

Rick

[mr300ce]

Originally Posted by 336muffin

That is a trailer tire.

Yep. But the tire store has been in business for 35yrs, and sold 100's to Motorhomes with no issues, so I'll runn with them.

[TAZ]

Gthree,

Which model did you go for? I have been looking at new tires and your research and feedback has caught my interest.

[Gary RVRoamer]

My final choice - - influenced no small amount by fleet truck usage reports - - was the Double Coin (Korean) brand.

Just for the record, Double Coin is a Chinese brand, not Korean. And they don't make tires - they are just a private label for tires produced by the Chinese Manufacturers Alliance (CMA), a group of Chinese tire and rubber plants that have a cooperative marketing agreement.

[Gthree]

Well I thought for sure I read Korean but oh well....
Model is RT500.
BTW these are supported by LOVE'S and other major truck stops.

[Ed-Sommers]

I went with DC's also, but had RR 150's installed.

Ed
USN Ret.