Need Michelin Tire Information

[time2play]

We are ready to replace the Goodyear tires on our 2013 Classic, and we need some help determining which Michelin tire to buy.

I've read previous threads, but they all point to a Michelin tire which has been discontinued (Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2).

There are 2 tires which show up on the Michelin website when I enter this criteria: LT225/75R16

• Defender LTX M/S: LT225/75R16/E 115/112R BSW
• LTX Winter: LT225/75R16/E 115/112R BSW

Would you recommend either of these tires to replace our Goodyear? Thank you so much for your help on this.

[ROBERT CROSS]

This is our 'new tire' year...plan on replacing with GY Endurance
Keeping the 15" Alcoa's that i like.😂

FWIW....our experience, 2 sets of GYM's since new, one nail, no failures. 😳

Bob
🇺🇸

[vintagemotor]

The Defender LTX M/S is Michelins direct replacement for the LTX MS2 that AS has been using for awhile and what I would recommend, IMO the best tire to keep the Aluminum up and the rubber down. The winter version has a bunch of siping cut into the face of the treads so that you slip less on ice, so not needed for your application.
The Goodyear is just a rehash of it's latest poor quality tire, if you had the 15" wheels I would have recommended the Carlisle Radial Trail HD E 10 ply.
Happy Airstreaming!

[SteveSueMac]

TTP - are your original Goodyears the 15" load range D tires? If so, picking either of those 16" Michelins will also require new wheels (many threads on that).

I think the "Defender" name is the new version of the same tire - I'm not familiar with what was upgraded. I think they did something similar in the Passenger (non-LT) version of that tire in the 15" version. That may or may not be an option for you depending on fully loaded weight of your trailer hitched and loaded for camping.

Hope that helps some on the Michelin front.

I'm thinking of swapping my Michelins for the GYEs Bob referenced when I start the new season in 2019 (this year will be a full 5 years). Reviews of this American made ST tire seem pretty good so far - I've seen them live on a friend's triple axle and they seem like an entirely different beast than the GYMs.

Good luck whatever you decide!

[time2play]

Thank you both for your help. So yes, we will need new wheels. We currently have the 15" Goodyear Marathon tires.

So it looks like the Michelin Defender or the Goodyear Endurance? I've been reading so many negative comments about the Goodyear, I not sure what to think about that. Pros / cons on either??

And thank you again.

[time2play]

Oh I missed the Carlisle Radial Trail HD recommendation. One more to consider...

[Camr]

Check out the Michelin LT XPS Rib Tire. From my trucking career experience, we always ran Michelin Rib tires on the steering axle where safety was a priority. As for the drive axles, anything round qualified!!!!!!😩

[gklott]

Originally Posted by time2play

We are ready to replace the Goodyear tires on our 2013 Classic, and we need some help determining which Michelin tire to buy.

We also highly recommend that you consider the Michelin XPS RIB, LT225 /75 R16 115Q E1 BSW.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1191482
This shows how we upgraded to 16" wheels too.

Yesterday at Discount Tire, we replaced all four tires we installed in 2012. After 45,000+ miles, there was plenty of tread left. We had sidewall age cracking and were approaching the 6 year point. Total cost out the door was $1197.43. Part of that was 4 repair and replacement certificates totalling $150. We have two $100 mail-in rebates that further reduce the cost.

Michelin lists the XPS RIB in the RV inflation tables:
https://www.michelinrvtires.com/refe...tion-tables/#/

73/gus

[RJJ]

Originally Posted by time2play

~

I've read previous threads, but they all point to a Michelin tire which has been discontinued (Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2).

There are 2 tires which show up on the Michelin website when I enter this criteria: LT225/75R16

• Defender LTX M/S: LT225/75R16/E 115/112R BSW
• LTX Winter: LT225/75R16/E 115/112R BSW

Would you recommend either of these tires to replace our Goodyear? Thank you so much for your help on this.

I replaced brand new marathons on my new trailer with MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S, 235/75R/15. I checked with Airstream service before purchasing. I purchased them thru Costco and Discount Tire installed them. The tires have been performing well and I have no worries about them. I am a Michelin fan of 20 years and have never had an issue with the tires... running over a nail or screw doesn't count. Check them out.

[SteveSueMac]

I see you properly installed them with the white letters facing out! That's the only way it should be done [emoji3]

[jamieb1086]

Did the upgrade last year and very glad I did. Upgrade your Wheels to the Sendel T02 or T03, then the Michelin Defenders LT 225 75 R16 load range E. Super tires!

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by jamieb1086

Did the upgrade last year and very glad I did. Upgrade your Wheels to the Sendel T02 or T03, then the Michelin Defenders LT 225 75 R16 load range E. Super tires!

Yep mine have 22,000 miles and show no wear...70 lbs air on our 13 31’ Classic

[gr.austin]

Two opinions: 1. Never buy a China made tire. I don't care what brand. Look for something other than made in China. China's quality is uncontrolled. One might be great and then the next not so great. 2. If you change tire sizes make sure you match the tire pressure to the load + 10-15%. Max pressure (80 psig) on a E rated tire will tare your trailer apart in less than 10,000 miles. My classic weighs 9000 loaded. I have the tire pressure around 50-55 psig not 80.


Even though the best tire out there is the Michelin Defender Michelin does not warrant them when on a trailer. But who cares the best is the best even without the warranty. My friend took a 25' FC across country (Syracuse to LA) and claimed 3 tires under warranty. What a great warranty.


Happy Streaming

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by gr.austin

Even though the best tire out there is the Michelin Defender Michelin does not warrant them when on a trailer. But who cares the best is the best even without the warranty. My friend took a 25' FC across country (Syracuse to LA) and claimed 3 tires under warranty. What a great warranty.

There's a thread on here where a guy's michelin came apart and he sent a claim to michelin along with the repair bill from Jackson Center. They paid him nearly $1,300 to replace the tire and cover the trailer damage. Not saying that would happen every time, maybe in his case the right person got the claim on the right day.


Which tires are you referring to that your friend had three warranty claims? That's great warranty service, but my next question is, 3 blown tires in 5,000 miles? Hmmmm.


I'm still on the fence between the defender and endurance.

[HHPJ]

Just going through all this with Vinnie’s Airstream. I own a 2017 25a FC. 15 wheels and GYM with under 200 miles on the clock.

Upgrading my OEM to 16s and Michelins. Fist big trip and first stop is Vinnie’s up north Lol... is there a market for my 15 wheels? I don’t think my conscience would allow me to sell The GYMs even with less than 200 miles... lol

[rmkrum]

I'd sell for the value of the wheels, note the age and condition of the tires, and let the buyer decide. Just be up front about it.

For some situations, GYMs are 'just fine'.

Some swear by them, others, like us, swear at them when one took out a wheel well and a lot of plumbing on streetside rear...all four got replaced that day...with "anything but Goodyear". And yes, the tire pressure was checked regularly before travel and during...

We run Michelin products if at all possible on cars, TV and AS...have an anecdotal "much lower failure rate" experience with them.

Firestone tires tried to kill me and my family twice, so they are an absolute 'no-go' brand around my vehicles...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by gklott

Michelin lists the XPS RIB in the RV inflation tables:
https://www.michelinrvtires.com/refe...tion-tables/#/

73/gus

RV'S not trailers..correct?

Bob
🇺🇸

[guskmg]

Discount Tire will sell you warrantees for Michelin tires on your trailer and gladly honor them. And, that comes with free balancing and rotations. Like all tire shops,
make sure they jack ithe trailer up correctly.
guskmg

[cbburke]

On my 2018 Classic 30' with under 3000 miles.
A 16" Michelin LTX ate a bolt. Found out Airstream is putting out of production tires on their new coaches.
One tire store said no warranty on an RV. Looked on Michelin website. Couldn't find that disclaimer. Called Discount Tire. No problem,bring it in. $69 for a new Defender out the door mounted and balanced.
Oh and by the way the Defender doesn't fit on the spare carrier without a tweak. It's a bit wider.

[RJJ]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I see you properly installed them with the white letters facing out! That's the only way it should be done [emoji3]

Absolutely! I insisted on it. When new, the white letters were blue! I was disappointed to learn the color was just a production process and would wash off... oh, well...