Need new tires! Confused.

dunkonu23 · 04-20-2013, 04:10 PM

Hi folks,

We need new tires on our 2003 new-to-us Adventurer 35U. The current Michelin XRV 245/70r19.5's have weather cracking on the sidewalls. My wife has done research and has decided she doesn't want Michelin's on it anymore--that means I'm lost. I know nothing about RV tires except to say I want to be safe. So...

What is the least expensive, safe tire that meets the specs of Michelin's? I know, that's a tough one.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

TXiceman · 04-20-2013, 04:13 PM

What is her reasoning that she no longer wants Michelin tires? Is it the cost. My opinion on tires (and brakes ) is that I want the best that I can afford. These are not areas to cut cost.

I have run Bridgestones on two motorhomes with no problems.

Ken

Ken

dunkonu23 · 04-20-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

What is her reasoning that she no longer wants Michelin tires? Is it the cost. My opinion on tires (and brakes ) is that I want the best that I can afford. These are not areas to cut cost.

I have run Bridgestones on two motorhomes with no problems.

Ken

Ken

Her rationale is based on forum posts about problems with Michelins. I'm with you on the best I can afford, and that's what I'm after. I'm hoping to get a wide range of recommendations and then research each.

Thanks!

Scott

sparkydog · 04-20-2013, 04:42 PM

Look at this way, Michelins made it ten years, which is recommended life span with no issues. There a lot of tires out there, many good, many bad. You've got a tough decision, but I sure wouldn't count Michelins out.

krivanj · 04-20-2013, 04:46 PM

Had many tire brands on three RVs and Michelins are the best, no say around it.

Muddypaws · 04-20-2013, 04:53 PM

I have Michelins but my next set will probably be Bridgestones. I've had them on my truck for 12 years (second set) and they wear like iron. The current set is 6 years old and look almost new.

I'm sure others will have different opinions.

C&SL · 04-20-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krivanj

Had many tire brands on three RVs and Michelins are the best, no say around it.

X 2

dunkonu23 · 04-20-2013, 05:09 PM

For those of you with Bridgestones, did you find RV specific tires or are you using "truck" tires?

Michelin's are back in the mix, but I would truly appreciate more options.

Thanks, folks.

Scott

JohnRR · 04-20-2013, 05:10 PM

I vote Michelin as well.

vsheetz · 04-20-2013, 05:14 PM

The last set I bought for a previous coach was Michelin XRV - never a problem in seven years and sold the coach with them on it. Just bought a set of Michelins XRV for the current coach - same size as yours. This purchase I looked at the other options (Hankook, Toyo, Bridgestone, etc.). For the quality and price/value and peace of mind, I bought Michelin again.

I bought through the FMCA proram and therefore a genuine Michelin truck tire dealer (no cars). They do a couple three motorhomes a day. While they sell a variety of other brands they commented they much prefer to sell the Michelin XRV - always pleased customers and no come backs with complaints.

ImagineIF · 04-20-2013, 05:19 PM

I'll stay with Michelins. I now have a 52,000 Prevost conversion and would not consider anything else. As for pricing; FMCA has the best pricing program.

traveler of california · 04-20-2013, 07:09 PM

We've had Michelins for over twelve years and they have performed well. If you decide to go with them make sure you use the FMCA Michelin Advantage program and save a few bucks on new tires.

Nick

Tom-NC · 04-20-2013, 07:14 PM

Hi,

Michelins get my vote and I have had them on my 3 motorhomes with no problems.

My Dw doesn't make those kind of decisions plus my decisions wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Good Luck!

jlfbatonrg · 04-20-2013, 07:15 PM

Toyo makes excellent tires specific for RVs. I replaced our Michelins with Toyos, saved a bundle of money and have better ride quality than we had with the Michelins. But the ral consideration is what are you going to be happy with?

RoyM · 04-20-2013, 07:22 PM

How many valid complaints has she seen regarding Michelin? It is a top quality brand but as with any product there are bound to be some problems, some are a manufacturing issue but many more are likely to be installer or owner related. After all, they sell millions of tires every year. If she researched other brands she would find the same thing.
My wife tends to get caught up in the internet, if she reads it here it must be true.

Kazoo Tom · 04-20-2013, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlfbatonrg

Toyo makes excellent tires specific for RVs. I replaced our Michelins with Toyos, saved a bundle of money and have better ride quality than we had with the Michelins. But the ral consideration is what are you going to be happy with?

I am also shopping for tires. The Michelin's on our unit have aged out at 7 years. All are showing sidewall cracks and I don't feel comfortable with them any more. My size is 235/80R22.5 which is very hard to find in other than the Michelin brand. I am told that the 245/75R22.5 is a useable replacement.

You mentioned that Toyo makes an RV specific tire. Could you please advise what the model designation is? AND approximate cost of the Toyo's? I have heard lots of good reports on the Toyo tires, although I have to admit the FMCA pricing makes the Michelin's much more reasonable.

jlfbatonrg · 04-20-2013, 07:43 PM

Kazoo Bob,

I think the Toyo exact replacement for you Michelin 235/80R/22.5 is the Toyo M154 245/75R/22.5 If you check the tire rotations per mile and the load specs etc. you will be able to determine if that's correct. I think Michelin is the only manufacturer that uses the /80R designation. Toyo and maybe some others make the designation as 75R. Our exact replacement for the Michelin 255/80R/22.5 were Toyo 265/75R/22.5. You should be able to check other manufacturers, just check the rotation per miles, and the other specs.

Toyduck · 04-20-2013, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom-NC

Hi,

Michelins get my vote and I have had them on my 3 motorhomes with no problems.

My Dw doesn't make those kind of decisions plus my decisions wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Good Luck!

UFO Pilot · 04-20-2013, 11:28 PM

Replaced our Michelin's with Toyo's August of last year and am very happy so far. The Michelin's were 6 years old and weather checking was starting. I saved about $1300 Toyo vs. Michelin. If you are near a Les Schwab, you can't find better customer service.

dunkonu23 · 04-20-2013, 11:40 PM

Tell me more about the FMCA, if you can. I've looked at their website and checked out their sample pricing which is outstanding and I'm considering joining. Since I have limited time, once I join, can I start using the Michelin tire benefit immediately? If so, there is a dealer within 40 miles of me but I'm not certain if the discount would apply there.

Thanks again, folks. All the replies are truly appreciated.

Scott