315/80 vs 12R - was Overweight

[Pete Masterson]

Just looking at tires on trucks or busses doesn't necessarily tell the full story. Truckers might like Michelin because they can be recapped (retreaded) perhaps more frequently than some other brand. Mexican busses might use Michelin because Michelin sells the 'seconds' that they can't sell elsewhere there...

Huge purchase quantities, special terms or discounts, and numerous other factors go into the business decisions. Airbus has sold many airliners even though the industry generally favors Boeing as being "better" -- but (gov't owned) Airbus had often given financing deals that Boeing simply can't match. These kinds of situations and deals abound.

I have no doubt that Michelin makes great tires. I've had quite a few of their tires on various cars I've owned over the years. But there are several other great brands. Toyo, Sumitomo, Yokohama -- I see those on trucks and busses in this area all the time.

Thenon sequituris, it's just the tires between you and the road ... well, the fact is, it can be Michelin, Toyo, Sumitomo, Yokohama, or the cheapest Chinese brand.... but after 5 or 7 years (depending on who you talk to) you'll have to replace those tires, since you'll most likely not wear 'em out.

There are certain levels of quality. Any tire dealer can tell you that X or Y is a premium tire and that J or K is the cheap tire. In some cases, the cheap tire is perfectly acceptable and the reason it's "cheap" is that the rubber compound used will wear faster, but the casing is OK. In other cases, the quality of the cheap tire is just plain not a wise choice, especially for a steer tire.

I had a Toyo on my tag axle blow out on my last trip. It was my fault, I should have known better than to let it go, but I thought, Oh, it'll make one more trip. The tire service replaced it with a Goodyear. Probably not my first choice if I had my druthers -- but it's also probably going to give perfectly adequate service just the same.

A local commercial tire service offers Sumitomo and has some good prices. Sumitomo seem to have a decent reputation. The tire service is one of the dominant independent commercial tire stores in the Bay Area ... and they must have satisfied customers to have achieved that as they've been in business for 50+ years.

If you "believe" that Michelin are "the best" -- well, enjoy them and take comfort in your belief. But there are other rational choices that don't necessarily mean that subpar, dangerous tires will be used. Probably any of the premium brands can do a good job if the correct model tire is selected (one that's suitable for the type of use and weight carried that an RV subjects it to).

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 26, 2009, at 6:48 PM, Steve Pfiffner wrote:

I know from experience that Michelins are great tires. However in my long career owning and operating medium and heavy duty trucks I found Yokohama truck tires were the price/performance champs. One more opinion!

Steve

Wannabee

On 3/26/09,<b class="gmail_sendername">birdshill123[/b]<"birdshill123@yahoo.com"> wrote:

Ron Marabito:

Talking tires is like talking politics. Every one has an opinion. I dont think an RV'r would install Michelins for read wear. AS you stated we will never wear them out. I just installed 6 Michelin XZE's on our 88FC35. I went for Michelin because they are the best. Better handling for one. You have to be very carefull when buying truck tires for an RV. Some are steer axle only. Some are drive axle only. I look at what the buses in Mexico run and it is Michelin by a long shot. There are cheaper options and I happen to think there is a reason why they spend the extra money. It is one thing to buy a cheap battery. If it failsyou get another. Tires are the only thing between you and the road. If it fails..................!


Bruce
1988 FC35