7 new tires. Dynatrac RA200 vs Bridgestone R187

[whybother]

Replacing all 6 8R19.5 tires, plus spare, on our 1995 Fleetwood Flair. (P32, duallies in the rear -- not a tag axle.)

Unfortunately, the tire shops near us are not currently able to get Sumitomo or Toyo in a 8R19.5, so our choices basically boil down to Bridgestone R187 and Dynatrac RA200.

All of the shops say they think the Dynatrac is a great tire. Most don't think the Bridgestones are worth the extra ~$800-$900. (From what I understand Dynatrac is a made-in-china tire, by same parent company as Double Coin.)

One shop recommends putting Bridgestones on for steer since, as they are often "a rounder tire", giving a "potentially nicer ride" without having to "round off" the Dynatracs, then using Dynatracs for the drive and spare to save a few (~$600) bucks.

I notice the Dynatrac has a slightly higher speed rating than the Bridgestone (M vs L), though I'm guessing that Bridgestone is just being more conservative in its rating.

Anyone have any direct experience with these tires they're willing to share? Stability of ride on an older P32 chassis, road noise, blowouts, etc.?

[KenZ71]

No experience with FMCA or their tire program but about to give it a try.

From my understanding start here https://fmca.com/rv-tires-discounts

Plug in email & size needed

Get a few quotes, pick one

Enter credit card info & shipping info

Bam, tires show up - probably best to send to a shop & setup install

[whybother]

Originally Posted by KenZ71

No experience with FMCA or their tire program but about to give it a try.

From my understanding start here https://fmca.com/rv-tires-discounts

Thanks. Unfortunately, FMCA only seem to have discounts for Michelin and Continental, and they only have 225/70/19.5 or 245/70/19.5 for 19.5 rims, neither of which will work well with my rig. (Most of my local shops advised against conversion from 8R19.5 to 225/70/19.5.)

[johnhicks]

Did they say why not to use 225 tires?

[whybother]

Originally Posted by johnhicks

Did they say why not to use 225 tires?

Potential issues with dual spacing, speedometer inaccuracy, lower MPG, ~3/4" drop in clearance, etc.

[HarryStone]

Try simpletires.com. Free delivery and quick too. I had my tire delivered in 2 days; on a Sunday!!!

[whybother]

Originally Posted by HarryStone

Try simpletires.com. Free delivery and quick too. I had my tire delivered in 2 days; on a Sunday!!!

I would still need someone to mount/balance/install them -- and most shops around here won't stand by the tire they install if they didn't sell it to you, so may not be worth the savings.

If I did order from simpletires.com, I'd probably grab the Sumitomo ST718. Other than a lower price, any real difference between the Sumitomo and Bridgestone R187?

Anyone have problems with the Bridgestone R187?

[Charlie 5320]

Originally Posted by whybother

I would still need someone to mount/balance/install them -- and most shops around here won't stand by the tire they install if they didn't sell it to you, so may not be worth the savings.

If I did order from simpletires.com, I'd probably grab the Sumitomo ST718. Other than a lower price, any real difference between the Sumitomo and Bridgestone R187?

Anyone have problems with the Bridgestone R187?

I ran the Bridgestone R187 several years ago, never had any problems with them. They were balanced with lead weights. The last couple coachs I've owned the tires have been balanced with beads. The coach I have now the PO put on Hankooks. They seem OK too, but I only have a few thousand miles on them.

Simple tire will have an installer in your area most likely. My Good year dealer installed a set of tires on my Dolphin because they couldn't get Good Year tires in my size at the time.

[whybother]

Originally Posted by Charlie 5320

Simple tire will have an installer in your area most likely.

Finally heard back from them: "Unfortunately, we currently have no Preferred Installers for your tire size in this area."

[1sgtDavo]

Just an FYI, dynatrac tires are made in Thailand not China,they are usually used in commercial applications. I have them new on my Fleetwood coranado I will let you all know how they work out.

[SmilingSam]

afaik, a soft tire is due to the side wall construction, whereas you absolutely want a very strong stiff road surface/tread construction - many plies are a good thing.


and yes tires can be softer, but then 5lb less pressure can make softer too.


GL!

Originally Posted by whybother

Replacing all 6 8R19.5 tires, plus spare, on our 1995 Fleetwood Flair. (P32, duallies in the rear -- not a tag axle.)

Unfortunately, the tire shops near us are not currently able to get Sumitomo or Toyo in a 8R19.5, so our choices basically boil down to Bridgestone R187 and Dynatrac RA200.

All of the shops say they think the Dynatrac is a great tire. Most don't think the Bridgestones are worth the extra ~$800-$900. (From what I understand Dynatrac is a made-in-china tire, by same parent company as Double Coin.)

One shop recommends putting Bridgestones on for steer since, as they are often "a rounder tire", giving a "potentially nicer ride" without having to "round off" the Dynatracs, then using Dynatracs for the drive and spare to save a few (~$600) bucks.

I notice the Dynatrac has a slightly higher speed rating than the Bridgestone (M vs L), though I'm guessing that Bridgestone is just being more conservative in its rating.

Anyone have any direct experience with these tires they're willing to share? Stability of ride on an older P32 chassis, road noise, blowouts, etc.?

[chuckftboy]

Bridgestone is a quality tire and was selling tires way before most Chinese or Taiwanese company's were considering the US market. There is a good reason your local dealers suggested using them as the steer tires.

[elbeau54]

Originally Posted by HarryStone

Try simpletires.com. Free delivery and quick too. I had my tire delivered in 2 days; on a Sunday!!!

Absolutely