Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-17-2017, 01:50 PM   #141
Rivet Master
 
Howard L.'s Avatar
 
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 681
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2012FB View Post
My guess the 30' and up had to many GYM failures reported. Perhaps a few angry customers demanded they fix the damage caused by tread separation on their new trailers. I am sure it is based on money/risk ratio not just because they are better for the customer.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
I'm truly surprised that AS is mounting original equipment tires in anything other than ST tires. To my knowledge Michelin states they do not recommend their passenger or LT tires for use on trailers. If that is still correct, seems like AS is trading one legal liability for another.
Maybe AS has something from Mich, in writing, that allows, or recommends, the use. Would be interesting to know.
Howard L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2017, 10:49 PM   #142
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbieri View Post
Did they modify the suspension? What changes did they make compared to prior years? Mine is 2004. Changing tires to what they show in the 2017 catalog is wrong.

It all come down to load range. What is the load bearing capacity of the tires your putting on the trailer. Are the tires capable of handling the load your asking them to carry and at what speed. Is it greater than and what is the safety margin?
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 07:13 AM   #143
Rivet Master
 
switz's Avatar

 
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction , Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
Images: 9
If the 2004 Classic has the stock GYM ST225/75R15D tires rated 2,540 pounds @ 65 psi and are 28.3" in diameter, then the Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires rated 2,680 pounds @ 80 psi and are 29.2" in diameter will raise the coach less than ½" and the should clear the wheel well trim with no issue, as the suspension moves the tire up and back when a bump is hit. The Michelin is not speed limited per the sidewall to 65 mph max speed like the GYM and holds air all the time.

However, one does have to acquire 16" wheels as well. The average cost is in the $1,600 rage for the Michelin tire and the SenDel T03-66655T wheels the factory installs on the 2015 and later Classics, the Eddie Bauer models and the Pendleton limited edition. There is that tire and wheel on display at the entrance hallway into the factory service center in Jackson Center, Ohio and they will, for a price, install them on any 25' or longer trailer.

The 16" Michelin tires would NOT fit on my 2015 23D International Serenity that came with 14" GYM ST215/75R14C tires rated 1,870 pounds @ 50 psi and are 26.7"in diameter on the stock 14" wheels. We were able to upgrade to the 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires rated 2,183 pounds @ 50 psi (derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use per federal regulations) and are 28.9" in diameter mounted on SenDel T03-56445T wheels (which have the five lug bolt pattern of the 10" brake drums. For 2017, Airstream now installs 12" brake drums and the 15" GYM ST225/75R15D tires since the 14" tires are going out of production.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC

TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell

2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
switz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 08:17 AM   #144
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
15" Michelin tires recommended?

The tires I use are rated load range E and more than the Michelin and dedicated for trailers. The sidewalls flex where as the Michelins don't. Mine are rated 80psi at 80mph. All without having to change rims. I would say that cost effective ratio is on my side. You also use load range D and that is the problem.
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 08:37 AM   #145
Rivet Master
 
2017 30' Classic
Anna Maria , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,641
Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsydad View Post
OK; I'll bite: What is "wrong" with swapping out the tires on your 04' rig to 16" wheels and Michelin tires? I hope your not offended, but many of us have made this switch and are happy. If AS is offering as an "option" now as many have said, not sure the issue? But, we are interested to know what we may be missing?

On our 2013 30' International I changed to 15" Michelin LTX 275/R/15 tires after the GYM failed.
The best decision ever. The ride is far superior as is stopping not to mention the luxury of not having to constantly fiddle with the tire pressure, even though I monitor it religiously having gotten into the habit.
franklyfrank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 08:45 AM   #146
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by franklyfrank View Post
On our 2013 30' International I changed to 15" Michelin LTX 275/R/15 tires after the GYM failed.

The best decision ever. The ride is far superior as is stopping not to mention the luxury of not having to constantly fiddle with the tire pressure, even though I monitor it religiously having gotten into the habit.

I just feel that it is to me money wasted and I just upgrade to a better tire. Besides I don't notice any ride difference since I have a trailer not a motor home and I don't sit inside going down the road. .
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 08:57 AM   #147
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbieri View Post
I just feel that it is to me money wasted and I just upgrade to a better tire. Besides I don't notice any ride difference since I have a trailer not a motor home and I don't sit inside going down the road. .
Hope your not going "80MPH" with that 30' Classic! With your 30', likely you may not notice any difference in ride. With my 25', it is a smoother ride for sure over the GYM which came with the unit. Wife noticed it also. But that's not only reason we switched. We have had great luck with all the Michelins we ran on our passenger vehicles and AS over the years. They preform well, no structural issues to date, achieve good mileage on tread, and as I mentioned, seem to ride better. But, doesn't mean everyone needs to be using Michelins...there are other choices, for sure.
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 09:37 AM   #148
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
When I go down the road in Montana and other northern states I have people passing me while driving at 60-65mph. It is amazing how people have total disregard for safety. I did have problems with the GYM tires but equate that to not understanding the limitations of the tire. Happy trails guy. Be safe.
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 01:18 PM   #149
Rivet Master
 
tjdonahoe's Avatar
 
2013 31' Classic
billings , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbieri View Post
When I go down the road in Montana and other northern states I have people passing me while driving at 60-65mph. It is amazing how people have total disregard for safety. I did have problems with the GYM tires but equate that to not understanding the limitations of the tire. Happy trails guy. Be safe.
I had no problem with the gym's, 3.5 years and 22,000 miles, some of the replacements were junk ,green ball for one, replaced with the michelins, they cost a lot more, you get what you pay for, there is no bargains out there..and they weren't made in China.i like Costco , and that is one that they sell..
tjdonahoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 02:55 PM   #150
Rivet Master
 
Boxite's Avatar
 
2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin) , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,922
Quote:
Originally Posted by louaxtjr View Post
Have run P235/75r15 Michelin LTX XL's for 4-1/2 years of full-time ...
These tires were chosen (back when we were preparing for full-timing) as the same tire could also fit our tow vehicle (1969 Chevy C-10.) This allowed us to carry just one spare.
Will likely replace with similar Michelins.
That's an interesting idea, carrying only one spare. But I don't/didn't realize the Chevy C10 had 6-lug wheels.... or were the wheels actually interchangeable?
Boxite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 03:25 PM   #151
Rivet Master
 
r carl's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin , Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbieri View Post
It all come down to load range. What is the load bearing capacity of the tires your putting on the trailer. Are the tires capable of handling the load your asking them to carry and at what speed. Is it greater than and what is the safety margin?
Well if you don't know, how did you know it was wrong before?
__________________
The higher your expectations the fewer your options.
r carl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 03:37 PM   #152
Rivet Master
 
r carl's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin , Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
Think about this, it would be suicide to put ST tires on a truck.
__________________
The higher your expectations the fewer your options.
r carl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 08:32 PM   #153
Rivet Master
 
tjdonahoe's Avatar
 
2013 31' Classic
billings , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard L. View Post
I'm truly surprised that AS is mounting original equipment tires in anything other than ST tires. To my knowledge Michelin states they do not recommend their passenger or LT tires for use on trailers. If that is still correct, seems like AS is trading one legal liability for another.
Maybe AS has something from Mich, in writing, that allows, or recommends, the use. Would be interesting to know.
Who says? No difference between steer tires and trailer tires on my big truck..been doing it for over 50 years....16" michelins on my 31' classic also...they are good if worried about the weight rating..
tjdonahoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 09:46 PM   #154
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
Guys. I am lost on some of these posts. Like NO DIFFERENCE, in reference to what.
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 08:56 AM   #155
Rivet Master
 
2017 30' Classic
Anna Maria , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,641
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbieri View Post
I just feel that it is to me money wasted and I just upgrade to a better tire. Besides I don't notice any ride difference since I have a trailer not a motor home and I don't sit inside going down the road. .
Running with the GYM over concrete pavement usually left the inside of the trailer a mess. Cushions on the floor etc.etc. Following one nightmare trip to Colorado on I-76 the shower door came crashing down. And no I wasn't ripping along at 70 MPH.
That was 3 years ago. Last year we did the same run with the Michelin's the ride was still a bit rough but everything stayed in place. I have to note that I also got rid of the Trunion Bar hitch and installed a BlueOx. That also improved the ride significantly.
franklyfrank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 09:11 AM   #156
Rivet Master
 
The Colonel's Avatar
 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Florence , Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 711
Blog Entries: 2
Swapped my new tires and rims out after 2K miles after hearing and seeing gym disasters. Over 6K on my 16" TO2s and Michelins and all is good. For those who stand by the gym, that's fine with me. This was my decision and I'm good with it.


DBLee and Southern Belle on the road
__________________
The Colonel and Southern Belle
The Colonel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 11:45 AM   #157
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
Quote:
Originally Posted by franklyfrank View Post
Running with the GYM over concrete pavement usually left the inside of the trailer a mess. Cushions on the floor etc.etc. Following one nightmare trip to Colorado on I-76 the shower door came crashing down. And no I wasn't ripping along at 70 MPH.
That was 3 years ago. Last year we did the same run with the Michelin's the ride was still a bit rough but everything stayed in place. I have to note that I also got rid of the Trunion Bar hitch and installed a BlueOx. That also improved the ride significantly.
Have to agree with this experience on our 25'. We replaced GYMs with Michelins this summer and on same camping trips to Glacier late in summer/fall, no cushions on floor either. Michelins do have smoother ride from my experience.
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 12:02 PM   #158
Rivet Master
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Golden , Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 915
Trailer ride is based more on tire pressure matching specific weight per Michelin's weight/PSI chart. A Michelin will give a stiff ride if at maximum pressure on a 25' for sure. Dial it in. On my 30' with 15" Nokians I am running between 65 and 70 depending on gear and temps.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
2022 25RBT FC, 50A Dual AC, Awning Package, 270W Solar, Convection Microwave. Ceramic Coat, Grand Lounge, 3" Lift, 16" Michelin RIBs, Multiplus II, Battleborn 400A, MPPT 100/50, Orion-TR 30, EasyStart (2), Easy Touch, AirKrafters jenRack, Onan 2500i, Truma Aquago Confort, Starlink, Pepwave, Parsec
2012FB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 09:29 PM   #159
2 Rivet Member
 
Barbieri's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 95
Your not supposed to be in a trailer while going down the road. So the question that begs to be asked. How do you know what type of ride you have? Please let's start getting serious.
Barbieri is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2017, 10:17 PM   #160
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
Stuff on the floor that started off put away is a good indication of a rough ride. The other is popped interior rivets.


Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
16" Sendel Wheels & 16" Michelin LTX Tires Ray Eklund Tires 688 03-02-2023 04:47 PM
Michelin LTX M/S versus Michelin LTX M/S 2 - Which Would You Choose? doutterson Tires 40 10-23-2016 09:08 PM
New wheels and tires upgrade to 16" & Michelin Tin Diesel Wheels, Hubs & Bearings 9 04-23-2008 10:48 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:11 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.