Tires: other than Michelin & Goodyear, what do you think?

[RAG]

It’s time to replace the (6) original Michelin 225/70R-19.5 tires on a newly acquired ’04 Land Yacht 30. Of course, Michelin and Goodyear are excellent choices, but are there others?

There seems to be much speculation regarding Bridgestone, Toyo, BF Goodrich, Sumitomo, Hankook, Continental and even Cooper. Has anyone made or considered the anti “M or G” decision with positive results, or might that be a foolish move?

Sure would love to hear from you…….

[perryg114]

BF Goodrich is owned by Michelin. I have been putting BF Goodrich on just about everything I own. Tire Rack is a good place for reviews on tires.

Perry

[Coloradobus]

Derek,

Would you by any chance be a member of the FMCA. (Family Motor Coach Assoc) The information and program code is listed in the aricle a few months ago. Or, go the FMCA main site and look for tire info in the members section. If you are, they have a plan in conjunction with Michelin where RV motorhome tires are very aggressively priced thru the Michelin dealer. Once there, you need to mention the national program to that store.
It can be a differnce of many hundreds of dollars savings instead of paying full retail.

[RAG]

@Perry:
I too have been a major BF Goodrich fan over the years. Currently, that's what's on our Power Wagon. I didn't know how well their commercial tires would translate to RV. ST230's???
Thanks!

@Derek:
Not FMCA, or at least not yet. The current quote I have on XRV's is $2,894 out-the-door. Good???
Thanks!

[DaveFL]

Originally Posted by RAG

It’s time to replace the (6) original Michelin 225/70R-19.5 tires on a newly acquired ’04 Land Yacht 30. Of course, Michelin and Goodyear are excellent choices, but are there others?

There seems to be much speculation regarding Bridgestone, Toyo, BF Goodrich, Sumitomo, Hankook, Continental and even Cooper. Has anyone made or considered the anti “M or G” decision with positive results, or might that be a foolish move?

Sure would love to hear from you…….

I was planning on replacing SOON but the gremlins didn't want to wait, my plan was a good American tire, but in front of a Cooper Tire center I got a blowout stopped at a light, went in and dealer said it would be a week to get American tires, but Kumho, Korean was available if I order before 11 he would have them to install by afternoon. I was on my way by 3pm. So much for plans.

[Florida 55]

I have been talking to my local independent tire dealer about replacing the 15" Goodyear Marathon's that came on my trailer with 16" wheels and Michelin tires. While he sells Michelins, he is strongly recommending I purchase Firestone Transforce HT 225-75-16 instead of the same size Michelin LTX MS. The Firestone's run $50 less per tire, are a 10 ply E rated LT tire. My dealer says he has experienced good service from the Firestones on his trailer and has sold a number of them for 5th wheel and commercial trailers with no complaints.

In addition he is recommending using a balancing powder inside the tire instead of Centramatics or normal wheel balancing weights.

I ran a search on the forums and didn't find anyone posting about their experience with these Firestones on an Airstream. I'm also wondering about the balancing powder. Can anyone shed light on these tires and the use of balancing powder?

[RAG]

@DaveFL:

Good to hear from you again. Sorry for the gremlins, but how are the Kumho's working-out? At least, it sounds like the dealer kept his word and that's not always the ultimate outcome.

[RAG]

@Florida 55:

There's a thread about "sand" balancing on 19.5" here:

Balancing Tires with Powder/Firestone FS 560 - iRV2 Forums

[DaveFL]

Originally Posted by RAG

@DaveFL:

how are the Kumho's working-out? .

Thought I had a problem but checked the front spring airbags, they were low brought them up to 55 pounds and MH performed like the original Michelin's ride. Still have Michelin's on the front, they were replacements by PO so I think they still have a few years left. MH tires don't wear out they get old. If your sidewall's are brown it is a sign of outgasing of components of the rubber. Keep track of the build date code and replace, Michelin recommends 8 yrs or less, others on the web say 6 but storage conditions would be a key factor. Sun and ozone will do it.

[toastie]

Went with Maxxis M8008 ST Radial 22575R15 E 10 ply Load rate 2830. 90psi

toastie

[Mike Leary]

My feeling about tires, after all these years, is buy the best, your life depends on them. Goodyear tires and dealers have been good for me. I run the most expensive 12 ply tires they make.

[crazeevw]

I found Cooper Tires with a G range load rating. $175 a piece from a local independent. That price was over a month ago, but thinking at the rate I'll be using Airstream for the next few years, a practical decision. But then, Mike makes a great point. Your life depends on those tires......
Thanks, Derek

[dadstoy]

Opinions are a dime a dozen, but if I had the money and drove the MH a lot I would put on BF Goodrich. Two months back I put on Sumitomo and saved myself a $1000. I've put about 1500 miles on them so far and I'm happy.

[Mike Leary]

I did run Toyo tires years ago, wore them out really quick.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

I did run Toyo tires years ago, wore them out really quick.

I just looked at my Goodyears and checked the files, that's 40k. I run 110 lbs.

[RAG]

Are Michelin XRV in 225/70R-19.5 still being manufactured, or are the ones available new-old-stock from whenever?

[Max Well]

There are no other tires than Michelin! (Or at least tires that stay round.) I have worked on cars for 34 years and don't recommend anything but Michelin. They are on my own cars and my Caravanner, too!

[Aage]

FWIW, Continental, Hankook, Nokian, General and Cooper were all rated in the top half of Consumer Reports' recent test of truck tires.

[crazeevw]

IMHO tire choice is relative to your use of motorhome and your wallet. For me, I'll probably go with Coopers, then when going to full-time status, Goodyear or Michelin's

[ROBERT CROSS]

This may help in your decision.....

Bob