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Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 18:07

lotsofspareparts

Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA

Karma: -9

Senior Member

Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting the rest on my flying lessons account.

I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more than I have so who better to ask?

I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?

I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.

Thanks guys,

Jared

Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253463 is a reply to message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 18:19

Otterwan

Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I'm really happy with my Michelin LTX A/T 2

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=LTX+A%2FT+2&partnum=275R6LTXAT2V2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1 =yes

And I know I'll set of a firestorm by even mentioning this, but Michelin gives these tires a 10 year life span.

1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253464 is a reply to message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 18:26

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

You are starting another tire war.
You are going to get recommendations on every tire ever made.

Here are my thoughts.

You probably will never wear out a set of tires before they age out so tread wear is not a major issue. If you follow the Michelin RV recommendation you will be replacing them in 10 years.

Traction may be an issue if you ever park on grass and it rains overnight. I recommend an On-off road tire. Most people do not use these.

You need to use either load range D (LRD) or load range E (LRE). They are only about $5.00 difference so I recommend LRE.

As far as brands go, here are my choices from cheapest to most expensive.

Kuhmo KL78 (On road - Off road)

BF Goodrich Commercial TA

Michelin

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253470 is a reply to message #253464]

Fri, 27 June 2014 19:50

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

I like my Kellys: http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/kelly/safari-atr/p/tv142000533
MADE IN USA!!!
I didn't get them from that website, I can't remember where I got my last 2, but I do remember getting them for $152.00 each with free shipping. If I can find the website on the house computer I'll post it in this thread later.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253471 is a reply to message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 20:07

jhb1

Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004

Karma: 0

Senior Member

lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 19:07

Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting the rest on my flying lessons account.

I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more than I have so who better to ask?

I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?

I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.

Thanks guys,

Jared

It is my understanding that flying lessons are free it is the landing lessons that are the expense. Maybe one of the two Ken's H or B will correct me if I am wrong.

John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253472 is a reply to message #253470]

Fri, 27 June 2014 20:19

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

This is where I got my last 2 Kellys: http://www.treaddepot.com/tire/357468253.html

Apparently a little less expensive now, but I didn't check on the shipping this time. Nice tires, smooth ride, load range E, and keeps the US workers employed...if that is important to you. I got my previous 4 from the tire store where I was working at the time. They were the only tires in that size and load rating the salesman had access to that were made in the USA. All other brands were made in India, Korea, Canada, or China. I already had some China made tires with excellent tread on the front, but later I found out that even though I could balance the Chinese tires, one of them was not concentrically round. So I got 2 more Kellys and now all 6 are the same. And I'm good to beyond the GVW of the coach by more than 25%.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253473 is a reply to message #253472]

Fri, 27 June 2014 20:22

powerjon

Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Jared,
The only recommendation that I will make here is that you at the least you should run a poly side wall steel treaded tire. It will give you the best ride. I have tried all the different combination in the last 15 years and that for me was the best ride. Also get the load range E tire only. Some have run the LRD tire on the 23 foot lighter coaches, but when you get your 26 foot coach loaded up for that big trip with all the things that your wife needs to have your going to weight more that you think. A 12000+ pound coach with everything loaded will be closer to 14K and that is my personal experience, your may vary.

As for the brand of tire my personal brand is Michelin and it is what I have run the last 7 years on 2 coaches. I have also run the Firestone RTS tire. Everyone has an opinion on tires and mine for you is to look and see what is available out there both in brand, price and availability and choose what you like, because you have to be happy with what you have.

JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

On Jun 27, 2014, at 9:19 PM, Terry wrote:

> This is where I got my last 2 Kellys: http://www.treaddepot.com/tire/357468253.html
>
> Apparently a little less expensive now, but I didn't check on the shipping this time. Nice tires, smooth ride, load range E, and keeps the US workers
> employed...if that is important to you. I got my previous 4 from the tire store where I was working at the time. They were the only tires in that size
> and load rating the salesman had access to that were made in the USA. All other brands were made in India, Korea, Canada, or China. I already had some
> China made tires with excellent tread on the front, but later I found out that even though I could balance the Chinese tires, one of them was not
> concentrically round. So I got 2 more Kellys and now all 6 are the same. And I'm good to beyond the GVW of the coach by more than 25%.
> --
> Terry Kelpien
> 73 Glacier 260
> Smithfield, Va.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan

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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253474 is a reply to message #253471]

Fri, 27 June 2014 20:21

James Hupy

Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010

Karma: -62

Senior Member

You are going to get many opinions as to which tires are the best. But, in
the west, the most frequently used tires are B.F. Goodrich, steel belted
tread, fabric sidewalls. Then comes Michelin, same type of construction.
Both are made in the same place, Canada, in the same plant. Probably next
in the Pacific NW is Les Schwab Tires, Toyo brand. All three are equal in
quality and close in price as well. If you use tire rack online, you can
see prices all over the map. Before I left on the Route 66 rolling rally, I
installed a brand new set of B.F. Goodrich tires along with a brand new set
of 7 American Eagle alloy wheels with the 4 9/16" center hole. This is my
second set of these tires, the first ones aged out, but the tread looks to
be 50% left. Did not want any tire trouble on this trip. Your personal
finances may guide you in a different direction, but, buy the best tire
that you can afford, and worry about that tiny clicking noise that you can
only hear when the engine is hot.(grin)
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

On Fri, Jun 27, 2014 at 6:07 PM, jhb1 wrote:

> lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 19:07
>> Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting
> the rest on my flying lessons account.
>>
>> I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more
> than I have so who better to ask?
>>
>> I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a
> great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?
>>
>> I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.
>>
>> Thanks guys,
>>
>> Jared
>
> It is my understanding that flying lessons are free it is the landing
> lessons that are the expense. Maybe one of the two Ken's H or B will
> correct me
> if I am wrong.
>
> --
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale
> Montreal Qc.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253481 is a reply to message #253474]

Fri, 27 June 2014 21:56

lotsofspareparts

Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA

Karma: -9

Senior Member

James Hupy wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 18:21

You are going to get many opinions as to which tires are the best. But, in
the west, the most frequently used tires are B.F. Goodrich, steel belted
tread, fabric sidewalls. Then comes Michelin, same type of construction.
Both are made in the same place, Canada, in the same plant. Probably next
in the Pacific NW is Les Schwab Tires, Toyo brand. All three are equal in
quality and close in price as well. If you use tire rack online, you can
see prices all over the map. Before I left on the Route 66 rolling rally, I
installed a brand new set of B.F. Goodrich tires along with a brand new set
of 7 American Eagle alloy wheels with the 4 9/16" center hole. This is my
second set of these tires, the first ones aged out, but the tread looks to
be 50% left. Did not want any tire trouble on this trip. Your personal
finances may guide you in a different direction, but, buy the best tire
that you can afford, and worry about that tiny clicking noise that you can
only hear when the engine is hot.(grin)
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

On Fri, Jun 27, 2014 at 6:07 PM, jhb1 wrote:

> lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 19:07
>> Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting
> the rest on my flying lessons account.
>>
>> I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more
> than I have so who better to ask?
>>
>> I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a
> great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?
>>
>> I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.
>>
>> Thanks guys,
>>
>> Jared
>
> It is my understanding that flying lessons are free it is the landing
> lessons that are the expense. Maybe one of the two Ken's H or B will
> correct me
> if I am wrong.
>
> --
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale
> Montreal Qc.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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I do live in the Pacific NW, all three of my other vehicles have Toyo Tires. Toyo AT on my S-10, and my Dodge Quad Cab, Toyo AT II on the wifes Durango.

I will see what Les Schwab has as far as Toyo or BFGs, we have an account but will be paying outright, get it done with no payments.

Thanks to everyone for the info provided. Will definitely be going with load range E, and a poly sidewall.

Jared

Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253483 is a reply to message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 21:57

lotsofspareparts

Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA

Karma: -9

Senior Member

And that Tiny clicking noise turned into a blown motor Jim?

Was it a plugged oil passage?

Jared

Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253484 is a reply to message #253471]

Fri, 27 June 2014 22:07

lotsofspareparts

Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA

Karma: -9

Senior Member

jhb1 wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 18:07

lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 19:07
Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting the rest on my flying lessons account.

I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more than I have so who better to ask?

I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?

I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.

Thanks guys,

Jared

It is my understanding that flying lessons are free it is the landing lessons that are the expense. Maybe one of the two Ken's H or B will correct me if I am wrong.

Landing is the easy part if you know how to flare properly, hold her in ground effect, and throw in enough right rudder for P factor, I also have to compensate for an overpowered (180hp) C172.

Landings take finesse, flying, depending on how high is easier than driving.

I am still working on the rudder. Should have soloed by now, my CFI got hired on by United Airlines. He will be flying a CRJ-200 in a month.

Jared

Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

[Updated on: Fri, 27 June 2014 22:24]

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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253486 is a reply to message #253483]

Fri, 27 June 2014 22:17

James Hupy

Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010

Karma: -62

Senior Member

Nah, I was speaking half jokingly about the clicking. It is just that there
will always be something in a GMC that will command your attention just
after we think we have all the problems taken care of. (Grin)
Jim Hupy
On Jun 27, 2014 7:58 PM, "Jared" wrote:

> And that Tiny clicking noise turned into a blown motor Jim?
>
> Was it a plugged oil passage?
>
> Jared
> --
> Jared & Tina Lazaron
>
> Daughter: Alina Lazaron 7yrs old
>
> 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"
>
> GO SEAHAWKS!!
>
> Arlington, WA 98223
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253488 is a reply to message #253486]

Fri, 27 June 2014 22:51

lotsofspareparts

Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA

Karma: -9

Senior Member

James Hupy wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 20:17

Nah, I was speaking half jokingly about the clicking. It is just that there
will always be something in a GMC that will command your attention just
after we think we have all the problems taken care of. (Grin)
Jim Hupy
On Jun 27, 2014 7:58 PM, "Jared" wrote:

> And that Tiny clicking noise turned into a blown motor Jim?
>
> Was it a plugged oil passage?
>
> Jared
> --
> Jared & Tina Lazaron
>
> Daughter: Alina Lazaron 7yrs old
>
> 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"
>
> GO SEAHAWKS!!
>
> Arlington, WA 98223
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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I like it, makes them fun to own cause you never know what will happen next.

I love a challenge....

Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253489 is a reply to message #253459]

Fri, 27 June 2014 22:57

Bob de Kruyff

Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 17:07

Sold my quad, using some of the money to re-tire the Coach and putting the rest on my flying lessons account.

I want to hear pros and cons, you guys have been driving these way more than I have so who better to ask?

I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?

I already have 16in Alcoas so I have a lot of options.

Thanks guys,

Jared

Judging by the replies it looks like the tire wars of old may be over. Regardless of brand I think we all like "poly steel" tires which have steel belts and polyester sidewalls. This greatly reduces rut wander. Load E is probably a wise choice for most. When it comes to brand, I currently have BFG T/A's and they are great but a little "loose" on center. The tread is semi aggressive for good wet traction. Even though the GMC is sort of a unique animal when it comes to handling, I can speak from personal experience on the same size on our fleet (about 80,000 trucks on this size) that currently I prefer Uniroyal (now a Michelin brand as is BFG), General, BFG, and Michelin in that order. That is based on ride and handling--not life. The Uniroyal is an expensive tire to produce and may not be around that much longer.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253504 is a reply to message #253459]

Sat, 28 June 2014 08:57

jhbridges

Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga

Karma: -74

Senior Member

I have Coopers, mostly because the folks I deal with have been selling me tires and providing advice for decades. The owner went to the Cooper warehouse and picked me 6 dated three weeks or so old. I believe they're 225s, load range E. Ride noticeably better than the Transforces which came on the coach, which had aged out with about a third of the tread left - p.o. did several CA - GaA runs on them over the years as well as using the coach for pleasure.

--johnny
76 23' transmode norris
Braselton ga

Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253507 is a reply to message #253459]

Sat, 28 June 2014 09:17

A Hamilto

Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 39

Senior Member

lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 18:07

...I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?...

The vast majority of people here report good handling with polyester sidewall steel belted radials. Be aware that at least two people complained that their GMCs were all over the road until they switched to steel sidewalled tires.

When you have ride height set correctly and it is doesn't want to stay between the lines, it is hard to figure out if it is alignment, steering/front end component wear, rear suspension or tire problems.

So keep in mind that a very small minority say their problems cleared up with steel sidewalled tires.

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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253509 is a reply to message #253507]

Sat, 28 June 2014 09:42

RicksGMC

Messages: 145
Registered: May 2012

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I'm currently running 245/75-16 and the ride is great the wider tire seems more stable, but it's time to replace them and I'm worried if I switch to the 225 the ride will be affected. However if (when) I switch the airbags to the Sully or the Quad I don't want to have issues with the clearance which it sounds like the 245's might have.

Rick

Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert

On Jun 28, 2014, at 9:17 AM, A. wrote:

> lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 18:07
>> ...I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?...
> The vast majority of people here report good handling with polyester sidewall steel belted radials. Be aware that at least two people complained that
> their GMCs were all over the road until they switched to steel sidewalled tires.
>
> When you have ride height set correctly and it is doesn't want to stay between the lines, it is hard to figure out if it is alignment, steering/front
> end component wear, rear suspension or tire problems.
>
> So keep in mind that a very small minority say their problems cleared up with steel sidewalled tires.
> --
> '73 23' Sequoia For Sale
> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> Upper Alabama
> _______________________________________________
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Rick Rick&Tammy Drummond Prior Lake MN '74 (re)Painted Desert

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Re: [GMCnet] Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253517 is a reply to message #253509]

Sat, 28 June 2014 10:25

powerjon

Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 5

Senior Member

The 245 tire will create some clearance issues depending on what you have for suspension. Had a friend that had put on Jim K first airbag replacement bag with the metal support to the bottom(that was recalled) and had chewed them up with a 245 size tire, they worked ok with the 225 tire. I have an update much heavier version (Buskirk) 4 bag which is a copy of the Harrison 4 bag system. I also have bigger air bags than either the Harrison and the Jim K 4 bag. With bigger bags I had less clearance. I have found NO difference in ride between the 245 and 225 tire in ride. IMPO I think it is a subjective feeling, because I have them it must be better. Everyone that I know that has switch to the poly sidewall tire has notice an improvement in going down the road. That said, many things can affect you're handling and the tires can be just one item. Our first coach in 1997 when we changed, it went from a handful to two finger steady driving. As for going back to all steel tires, the comments that I have heard is they wish that they had stay with the poly sidewall. The all steel tire if your in ruts as many roads have today will steer you all over the road and that is from personal experience. Deep ruts will affect the steering on any coach, the steels with the non flexible sidewalls can be a handful. As I have said in the past I have run all three available combination of tires and the all steel on the front position was the absolute worst. Not flaming anyone here but, that is my personal experience over the last 15 years with the GMC, your may vary. The combinations that I have run. All steel all position, (the worst ride) - All poly, all position, ( The best ride over the years) - Poly on the front, steel on the rear (225 tire size) OK Ride - Poly on the front, Steel on the rear (245 tire size) OK ride and noticed no difference in ride between the big and small rear tire sizes. Once again your experiences may vary!

JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

On Jun 28, 2014, at 10:42 AM, Rick Drummond wrote:

> I'm currently running 245/75-16 and the ride is great the wider tire seems more stable, but it's time to replace them and I'm worried if I switch to the 225 the ride will be affected. However if (when) I switch the airbags to the Sully or the Quad I don't want to have issues with the clearance which it sounds like the 245's might have.
>
>
>
> Rick
>
> Rick&Tammy Drummond
> Prior Lake MN
> '74 (re)Painted Desert
>
> On Jun 28, 2014, at 9:17 AM, A. wrote:
>
>> lotsofspareparts wrote on Fri, 27 June 2014 18:07
>>> ...I read somewhere that a steel belted tire with poly sidewalls gives a great ride with no jarring, anyone care to comment on that?...
>> The vast majority of people here report good handling with polyester sidewall steel belted radials. Be aware that at least two people complained that
>> their GMCs were all over the road until they switched to steel sidewalled tires.
>>
>> When you have ride height set correctly and it is doesn't want to stay between the lines, it is hard to figure out if it is alignment, steering/front
>> end component wear, rear suspension or tire problems.
>>
>> So keep in mind that a very small minority say their problems cleared up with steel sidewalled tires.
>> --
>> '73 23' Sequoia For Sale
>> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
>> Upper Alabama
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253524 is a reply to message #253463]

Sat, 28 June 2014 11:51

cbryan

Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas

Karma: 3

Senior Member

Yes, that's right. Mostly the tire wars seem to be over. If Michelin does say ten years, I would tend to trust them. Watch that inflation, though! Maybe put in nitrogen to make sure they are properly inflated as much of the time you can manage. Has anyone put a little green slime in to see if it slows the natural loss of air in a tire over time? (In America, Espen, Green Slime is a slimy liquid put into tires to seal small leaks.) There are many other products. None of them tout lessening air loss over time, so far as I remember. I thought that the slime might get into the pores and seal them.

I am grateful for the comments so far on tires. A "balanced" discussion. I learned a lot here. Going with my new priorities rearranged due to the forum input, which are, in descending order for 16" tires,

1. Sorry to say, but price is a very large consideration. It's not a killer, but lack of a good price causes further
shopping.
2. Steel belted, Load Range E, non-steel sidewalls.
3. Recent manufacture.
4. Traction rating in the wet. I like a tire with continuous tread blocks, which seem to run quieter, if more susceptible
to hydroplaning, which I find easy to "watch" when driving. These are sometimes known as "highway tread" tires. Though
wet traction may suffer, on the fronts. Lots of razor cut sipes but few blocks of tread. We aren't in the place that
braking traction with the best on the far rears is a concern, are we? Different brands on different axles? I didn't
think so.
5. Country of origin, brand. (Unless Michelin is different on their ten year recommendation due to special manufacture
compared to other brands.) They then would justify spending double the price. If others recommend ten years, and have
been recommending ten years for more than the past few years, I am a little skeptical about all of them. YMMV.
6. Tread life rating, white letter, rolling resistance, extra smooth ride, gas saving, etc. Way down the list.

I am very grateful for all the input. You are talking tires, you are talking safety. To each their own.

Carey

Carey from Ennis, Texas 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.

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Re: Anyone have a good tire recommendation? [message #253525 is a reply to message #253459]

Sat, 28 June 2014 12:12

cbryan

Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas

Karma: 3

Senior Member

OK, Found this michelin bulletin dated May, 2006. I quote it in its entirety:

"The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of
various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential
to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time.
For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions,
and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is
subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately
predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by
consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected
regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire's
suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should
continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires' visual condition and
inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air
loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from
service to prevent tire failure.
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone.
However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the
service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that
any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be
replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even
if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a
new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer's tire replacement recommendations, when
specified (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers
should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with
DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending
with "0304" indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004. (See back.)"

Didn't see a ten year recommendation here, only an inspection each year after five. This inspection, to be thorough,
may include demounting the tire to inspect to see if any broken steel wires are inside, if any powdered rubber
is inside. This may get costly every year.

Thanks for your attention. If there's a newer relevant bulletin please post it here.

Carey

Carey from Ennis, Texas 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.

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