Tire life

[raveson]

I have had my set of michelin 225-70R-19.5 tires on the 345 for about 5 years. Just noticed the fine line cracks starting on the side walls. Guess it's time to replace eventhough tread is still good at approx 20,000 miles. The cost of Michelin as compared to Goodyear G670RV is about the same. Any thoughts as to the better of the two? Priced lower cost tires (Road Lux) but the thought of cheep tire wear and or blowout does not seem to be worth the additional $700 - $800 extra.

[Bob Thompson]

A couple years back, I asked a Michelin tech about tire cracks and was told that they usually aren't a problem until they become wide enough to put the edge of a credit card in them. At that point they are wide enough to expose belts to nature's elements and thus deterioration.

[raveson]

My cracks are hairline and close to the rim not the tread. They are parrallel more or less to the rim.

[Robfike]

Raveson,
We went with the Goodyear G670RV's 5 years ago. At this point we do not have any cracks showing up. We have put about 30,000 miles on the tires. So far I am very happy with them, and would replace them with the same thing.
The only thing to look at is the fact that they are a little wider than the Michlins. The clearance is a little close between the inside sidewall of the Tag tires and the inner wheel well area. On our MH it is not a problem.
Rob

[raveson]

Robfike,
Today I was considering placing the order, after your response, will definitely try the Goodyears. Thanks!

[gloran]

Raveson
Thats the bad rap that Michelins have had, that they crack easier than other brands. I was told this before I bought mine. They are six year old and no cracks yet but I do park it inside.

[r carl]

Michelins crack sooner than any other tire i ever had. Had to take them off with half the tread remaining.
4 to 6 yr life. Its all in the rubber formula.
Ive seen Uniroyal Larado tires >10yrs with no cracks to speak of.

[Robfike]

Glad to help!

[r carl]

I have Goodyear 225-70R-19.5 tires on my work truck that are 9yrs old and not a single crack. Good tires.

[cooperhawk]

Michelins started blowing out three years ago and I replace them with all Goodyears. So far no problems.

[Mike Leary]

I'm on my third set of Goodyears; trouble-free, I get around 80k from them.