Tread Separation on Michelin LTX225/75R16(E) M+S2

[r carl]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Thanks Phoenix and Bob for the replies. Here is a full quote from the referenced winter experience.

Phoenix, glad your Ribs apparently helped you out tread-wise, but could you comment on the quote from Tire Rack in Post #79 about these being intended as summer tires? What about the compound losing its grip on dry pavement in really cold temps? Isn't that a concern?

Thanks,

Peter

It could be they mean its not an all season tire so don't use it as one.

[Phoenix]

Below is a link to a previous post explaining the difference between three Michelin tire models. The description for the LTX MS/2 probably still applies to the new Defender tire.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1485434

In the 50,000 miles on our first set of XPS Ribs, about 1/3 of those miles was in near- or sub-freezing weather on dry or rain-soaked improved roads. Only a few hundred miles was on ice and snow; as we usually sat those days out, waiting for the roads to clear. The other 2/3's of those miles was in warm weather, where the Ribs excel.

If we lived in snow country, I would NOT install XPS Ribs on a vehicle's drive wheels. However, for us, TOWING with Ribs on our Bambi has not presented any traction problems in cold weather (even on snow, as described above). That said, if we towed extensively on snow-packed/icy highways, or off-road, I would definitely consider a different tire.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

There are some RIB users here and they have posted. Not many...but they report great success.

Re; piece of mind from blow outs.
Over fiftyseven years of driving all kinds of cars, trucks, trailers with all makes of tires I experienced exactly 1 thread separation/blow out. That was three years ago on our 30' International a GYM ST tire.
I have never ever worried about it prior to that and since because I don't intend to ever run ST tires again.
As an aside fyi, years ago we used to retread partially worn ST tires on our semi dumps to save money. We would run the a set for half their life and than had them rethreaded to extend its use. It never worked out that way because invariably the retread would separate from the casing long before it would wear out. Needless to say we gave up the practice and switched to using new Michelin and or Bridgestone tires.

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the clarification!

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Below is a link to a previous post explaining the difference between three Michelin tire models. The description for the LTX MS/2 probably still applies to the new Defender tire.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1485434

In the 50,000 miles on our first set of XPS Ribs, about 1/3 of those miles was in near- or sub-freezing weather on dry or rain-soaked improved roads. Only a few hundred miles was on ice and snow; as we usually sat those days out, waiting for the roads to clear. The other 2/3's of those miles was in warm weather, where the Ribs excel.

If we lived in snow country, I would NOT install XPS Ribs on a vehicle's drive wheels. However, for us, TOWING with Ribs on our Bambi has not presented any traction problems in cold weather (even on snow, as described above). That said, if we towed extensively on snow-packed/icy highways, or off-road, I would definitely consider a different tire.

[Moflash]

I am with you OTRA15.Unless your Airstream is self powered traction is not an issue the same with cold weather rating.People on this forum crack me up!Lol

[mikeinca]

I don't need tires for my new FC, and I'm a little late to this discussion, but I've read this thread with interest. The Michelin Ribs look like they might be a good alternative to the GYM's but one question I'd have about them is their weight. According to the Tire Rack, a Michelin XPS Rib in size 225/75/16 weighs 49 lbs. By comparison, a GYM in size 225/75/15 weighs 29 lbs. Add the difference in weight between a 15" and 16" wheel and you're probably looking at a delta of almost 25 pounds.

More importantly, that's 25 additional lbs. of unsprung weight at each wheel. On a car, that much increased unsprung weight would have a major negative effect on ride and handling. I realize that trailer suspension design and handling offer different challenges than those with an automobile but it's such a significant weight difference that it at least raises some questions.

[RandyNH]

Hmmmm... Weight.. That's a curious point, while I understand that it would all be included in the scale weight and would matter for ship or flight travel. If said weight is on the front side of the suspension, then does it really count the same? Is it a chicken crossing the road thing?

[mikeinca]

Putting the question of the effect of an extra 100lbs of wheel and tire on payload aside for a moment (not to say that's not also an interesting consideration), my concern would be whether the ride and handling of the trailer would be affected by 40-50% of additional unsprung weight at each wheel. A similar percentage of unsprung weight increase would ruin the handling of my Porsche. Comparing apples to cucumbers, I know, but one has to wonder if that much added weight is within the engineered parameters of a particular trailer's suspension design. I don't know much (well, anything really) about trailer suspensions, just sayin'....

[blkmagikca]

I am pleased to be able to report that Michelin has written to me and is covering the claim for the damages to the AS and the tire replacement.



It is comforting to know that Michelin stands behind their product.

[OTRA15]

Good news, thanks for the follow up!

[GCinSC2]

Sorry for your issue but many thanks for the info and follow up.

I'll be sticking with Michelin for future tire purchases.

[cliffcharb]

Kudos to Michelin

[Andrew T]

The XPS rib is a great heavy duty tire that can withstand horrific abuse. I have seen them run 800 pounds over load capacity. However they are far too stiff and heavy for an Airstream. The unsprung weight does matter.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

I am pleased to be able to report that Michelin has written to me and is covering the claim for the damages to the AS and the tire replacement.



It is comforting to know that Michelin stands behind their product.

Maybe this will knock the wind out of these folks that said that Michelin won't stand behind their tires on a trailer.......