Tire Shopping

[mrdonut12]

Bill,
I'm getting rear tires put on Monday. The current tires are
about 5 years old.
I did a lot of research and checked with some truckers on brands.
Yokohama got good ratings from the truckers.
I just HATE Michelins. There was a time many years ago when I
wouldn't have any other tire on my cars. I've been in the auto
service business for many years and during my time as a new car
service department manager, I dealt with many tire warranty issues
with Michelin tires. I had many times when they wouldn't warranty a
failed tire for reasons I felt were unacceptable. I even spent
company money to buy tires for customers who weren't happy. I even
involved the vehicle manufacturer on several of these occasions, to no
avail, since the tire warranty was separate from the vehicle warranty.
For these reasons, I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for a
Michelin warranty.
DISCLAIMER: This was many years ago and things may be different
now. I'm sharing this information since this is a forum where we
share experiences and information for mutual benefit. I'm only
telling you my recollections of my experiences. I stand behind my
work no matter what and I expect the same from the products I use. At
the time I don't believe this company shared that attitude towards
it's customers. I don't give money to companies I don't like.
This is my own opinion and I could be wrong. There are 2 sides
to every story.
Back to tires...The tire guy said this Yokohama tire was designed
for school buses, had a new technology in sidewall construction and
was made to bounce off curbs. Sounds like the tire for me. ;o)
The tires themselves will be $300 each for 11R 22.5 LRH.
Mounting and Equal will be another $30 each.
I inquired about going to 12R 22.5 and he said the wheels I have
were designed for the 11R, not the 12R. I'd have to get wider wheels
for the 12Rs. Easy decision.
My rear axle weighs 19,100 pounds full of fuel, water, propane
and enough tools to overhaul the rig. :o) I think the LRH tires in
that size are good for close to 24,000 pounds, so I have a great
safety margin.
While the rear tires are being replaced, I'll have them install
the new rear shocks I got from Earl at Blue Bird. With the rear tires
off, the rear shocks are right out in the open.
There's more than you wanted to know.... LOL

George Witt
81 FC 35
Lincoln, Nebraska


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape"
wrote:
> Well, I am still investigating possible tire replacement brands. I
> read many of the previous archive postings on the ongoing tire
> debate. Many have a strong opinion about there favorite tire
> manufacturer, especially the loyal Michelin followers. There were
> also other brands mentioned such as: Kelly, Goodyear, BF Goodrich,
> Toyo, a Les Schwab tire called Double Coin, Bridgestone etc.
>
> The 12R 22.5 load range H Michelin tires are about $500.00 each,
> installed and out the door.
> They carry a seven year / 700,000 mile manufacturer defect warranty.
>
> We presently are quite happy with our Firestone T575 tire. This tire
> is obsolete and no longer manufactured, the replacement Firestone is
> FS560 or Bridgestone R250
>
> Our questions are:
> Does anyone have experience with the Firestone FS560?? ( In the 12R
> 22.5 LRH size)
> Why should an RV owner help subsidize a seven year / 700,000
> warranty??
> Which brand are you happy with ??
>
> Maybe this should be a poll?
>
> Any inputs are appreciated,
>
> Bill 88 fc