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Phoenix · 07-03-2016, 05:07 PM

Link to post that explains differences between Michelin XPS Ribs, LTX M/S2 and LTX A/T2:

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

All are 10-ply rated, load range E, light truck tires with 3 steel radial belts. However, the LTX M/S2 and LTX A/T2 have a 2-ply polyester casing (sidewall), while the XPS Ribs is 1-ply steel.

The current price for the XPS Rib is around $250, while the others are $175-180.

**jcanavera** · 07-03-2016, 05:33 PM

I'm not classifying ST tires as junk, but instead as marginal depending on your application and use. In mine, reliability means changing them out every 3 1/2 years, which for me is not a good value. So I respect the fact that for some, a ST tire is a perfectly reliable product. Like any product produced today there are various grades of quality and life expectancy. I buy products with the intent of expecting reliability and long life.

Jack

**jcanavera** · 07-03-2016, 05:36 PM

As far as the rib goes, I've heard that because of their construction they can be recapped and are suitable for commercial applications where recapping is a cost benefit.

bob carlseen · 07-03-2016, 05:39 PM

78 Tradewinds 25: considering replacing my 14" rims with 18" alloys using Michelin 245x60 latitude LT times, anyone see a problem?

**Action** · 07-03-2016, 05:59 PM

^^^^It may not fit in the wheel well.

>>>Action

OTRA15 · 07-03-2016, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Link to post that explains differences between Michelin XPS Ribs, LTX M/S2 and LTX A/T2:

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

All are 10-ply rated, load range E, light truck tires with 3 steel radial belts. However, the LTX M/S2 and LTX A/T2 have a 2-ply polyester casing (sidewall), while the XPS Ribs is 1-ply steel.

The current price for the XPS Rib is around $250, while the others are $175-180.

Thanks, that post reminds me that, in my impression, the Rib is intended mainly as a summer road tire, not the other way around, and that it does not do well in snow, mush, sand and gravel. I will check tomorrow on the other threads I mentioned earlier.

That post is two years old BTW, and I believe that Michelin's line-up of tires has changed almost entirely since that post was written.

Best to check with your tire dealer for sizes, specs and availability.

Peter

Moflash · 07-03-2016, 08:48 PM

I have had both LTX and Ribs.The Ribs ride just as well as the LTX.Both perform equally well in the rain and snow.On gravel the Ribs do not hold gravel in the tread as much as the LTX.
I have 25,000 miles on the Ribs and they show no wear.When it comes time to replace it will be the Ribs that I install.They are both good tires but the Ribs are better suited for my application with a higher quality build and thicker sidewalls.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

SpletKay06 · 07-04-2016, 03:54 AM

The Ribs are also rated for trailer use. The ltx m/s are not. The ribs have a steel casing and are made for commercial use the Ltx are not, the list goes on.

switz · 07-04-2016, 07:19 AM

The 15" GYM ST225/75R15D tires are rated 2,540 pounds @ 65 psi and are 28.3" in diameter. The 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires rated 2,680 pounds @ 80 psi and are 29.2" in diameter. The 16" Michelin is on the right in the left photo.

The 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL (prior generation to the new Defender series) is sidewall rated 2,183 pounds @ 50 psi but must be derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use and is 28.9" in diameter. That tire is on the right in the right photo. Max payload is at 41 psi and we carry 44 psi on the 23D (which we upgraded from the stock 14" GYM ST215/75R14C rated 1,870 pounds @ 50 psi and was 26.7"in diameter) as well as on the former 25FB.

In both photos, the GYM tires on the left had only the mileage on them from the factory to the dealership and then to my storage unit. The Michelins were brand new.

Soyboy · 07-04-2016, 07:19 AM

By the way, with all of the money everyone is throwing at tires and wheels, I think a tire pressure monitoring system is the first place to start. For instance, for under $250, TST makes a nice system, the TM 507. It mounts externally on each tire valve stem, so it is very easy to install and program. The in cab read out then "rotates" between each tire and gives you the pressure and insurance. It will alarm you if you have a problem and indicate the tire that is overheating or losing pressure. It won't indicate every problem with your tires, but it will give you a heads up on a lot of them. Cheap insurance. Not much more than the cost of one LTX.

**Action** · 07-04-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpletKay06

The Ribs are also rated for trailer use. The ltx m/s are not. The ribs have a steel casing and are made for commercial use the Ltx are not, the list goes on.

The XPS Rib tire is a light truck rated tire and is NOT rated for trailer use.

http://www.michelinrvtires.com/tires...!/info/xps-rib

>>>>Action

Soyboy · 07-04-2016, 11:29 AM

BTW, in reference to my earlier post about tire pressure monitoring systems, here is a link to RV Great Products. Chip, who is runs the site, is super helpful and basically specializes in selling the various TST TPMS systems.

Of course, there are other brands and you can always opt for the in tire units also. Dill is a very popular brand.

The spin on type basically replace your valve cap, they spin on to a point and then using a provided tool (this helps to make them theft resistant) tighten down. The also make an on the valve type that allows you to fill the tires with air, but they stick out a bit. Removing the sending units to put air in the tires only takes seconds more than it does to spin off the normal valve (of course you don't have to worry about checking the air as the info is right on your dashboard in the receiver). The weight they add to the tire is very negligible. They also have replaceable batteries that last about a year with constant use or longer if you take the units off the tire (that shuts them down) between trips or say over the off season. IIRC they have a 3 year warranty.

Rich Jenkins · 07-04-2016, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soyboy

By the way, with all of the money everyone is throwing at tires and wheels, I think a tire pressure monitoring system is the first place to start. For instance, for under $250, TST makes a nice system, the TM 507. It mounts externally on each tire valve stem, so it is very easy to install and program. The in cab read out then "rotates" between each tire and gives you the pressure and insurance. It will alarm you if you have a problem and indicate the tire that is overheating or losing pressure. It won't indicate every problem with your tires, but it will give you a heads up on a lot of them. Cheap insurance. Not much more than the cost of one LTX.

This is exactly what I use.

I did get metal valve stems, though. And removed the outer 'shell' that contains the locking mechanism to reduce weight further, on each of the sender units.

switz · 07-05-2016, 09:13 AM

The Dill TPMS Sensors are mounted inside the tire and have their own metal valve stem that protrude out of the tire. We used model 1506-453 on both the 23D and the Classic along with the appropriate Centramatic wheel balancers.

Rich Jenkins · 07-05-2016, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

The Dill TPMS Sensors are mounted inside the tire and have their own metal valve stem that protrude out of the tire. We used model 1506-453 on both the 23D and the Classic along with the appropriate Centramatic wheel balancers.

Good to know.

I might go that route on a future trailer, but for now, I'm happy with the service provided by the TST system and external sensors.

Sure would be nice to have them inside the tires, though.

lsbrodsky · 07-06-2016, 03:38 AM

The TSST also has inside sensors available. You can buy the external system and then when you decide to remove your tires you can spend the money on the internal sensors. That's my plan.
Larry

switz · 07-07-2016, 07:44 AM

With the Dill TPMS, make sure the installers mark the letter of the sensor/sender they put inside the tire on the wheel. The Dill receiver has a "chip" for each sender that is repositioned in the display module when the tires are rotated.

inthralled · 07-15-2016, 08:56 AM

Hello,
Has anyone upgraded a 22' CCD from 14" to 15" wheels successfully. I have read lots of posts and have conflicting information. I would like to do this upgrade and would like to hear from anyone that has successfully completed this change.
Thanks

switz · 07-16-2016, 05:41 AM

I used the 15" SenDel T03-56445 wheels and prior generation Michelin LTX {P} 235/75R15 XL tires side wall rated 2,183 pounds and derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use. My heaviest loaded wheel is 1,360 pounds and the the trailer scales at 6,063 pounds with 968 pounds tongue weight. We have two 3,000 pound rated axles.

I also used the Centramatic "200-221 standard" wheel balancers and McGard 24138 Wheel locks and 64010 regular lug nuts. The McGard were from Amazon and the Centrmatics were ordered direct from them.

SilveradoTX · 07-16-2016, 07:58 PM

Changed Airstreams 15" Goodyear Marathon's for 16" Michelin LTX M/S2 225/75R16 E rated at 80 lbs max, load rating 2680 lbs at 80psi. Had "Discount Tire" mount them on Sendel T03BM trailer wheels.
The reason: While towing a fifth-wheeler for 12 years, had three blow outs and luckily found a sidewall bulge in a fourth and replaced it before it blew. This occurred with three different brand trailer tires. I am always meticulous in maintaining tire pressure. Most rv trailer tires are made in China and manufacturing defects are much more common than American made light truck tires. I have run Michelin tires on my trucks for over 20 years never had a blow out. Any tire is susceptible to blow out or flat due to puncture or road hazard damage, but I have a great (peace of mind) knowing I've got Michelins on our "Silverado". Keep in mind that you loose about 200 lbs load rating capacity for every 10 lb psi drop in tire pressure below max psi