315/80 vs 12R - was Overweight

[Don Bradner]

The price was $709.89 each, before a lot of taxes, etc.

The MSRP is something over $800, but I'm not sure if anyone ever charges full
list.

So far the X Coach is only 295/80, which is an inch less in diameter than the
315/80 XZA-2 and 1.3 inches less than the 12R XZE*

To handle your weight, assuming equal weight on each axle end:
315/80 XZA-2 95 PSI
295/80 X-Coach 110 PSI
12R XZE* 115 PSI

On 3/26/2009 at 1:02 AM Bob Lawrence wrote:

>Hi Don,
>What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
>Next month I want to get new steers.
>I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
>Trying to figure what way to go.
>My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
>Bob Lawrence
>84 PT36
>Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to death
>today)
>
>> Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved my
>2+ year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
>>
>> Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of
>handling the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
>>
>> The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
>>
>> A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to
>replace the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was
>intolerable for a steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left tag
>wheel had multiple cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back
>to outer. Not good. The local tire place had a lot of excellent used ones,
>so I replaced that wheel. Going to have a lot of work to get it looking as
>good as the other ones
>> Don Bradner
>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

[sfedeli3]

Hi Bob,

I'm getting my XZA2's for around $600 through a tour bus operator. Many of
them will gladly "add" tires to their next order to get a better discount and
then just sell them to you. It has worked great for me. Most will mount and
balance them too for another $30 or so. I usually remove the wheels myself and
take the loose rims to their shop. They will remount then new tire on the rim
for around $10.

Shane Fedeli
85PT40
Hershey, PA

-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
wrote:
>
> Hi Don,
> What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
> Next month I want to get new steers.
> I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
> Trying to figure what way to go.
> My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to death
today)
>
> > Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved my 2+
year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
> >
> > Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of handling
the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
> >
> > The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
> >
> > A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to replace
the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was intolerable for a
steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left tag wheel had multiple
cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back to outer. Not good. The
local tire place had a lot of excellent used ones, so I replaced that wheel.
Going to have a lot of work to get it looking as good as the other ones
> > Don Bradner
> > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
> >
>

[Bob Lawrence]

Hi Shane,
I hope that price is for a pair!! If not....my gawd!!
Bob (who is sitting down for this one)
Los Fresnos, Texas

> Hi Bob,
>
> I'm getting my XZA2's for around $600 through a tour bus operator. Many of
them will gladly "add" tires to their next order to get a better discount and
then just sell them to you. It has worked great for me. Most will mount and
balance them too for another $30 or so. I usually remove the wheels myself and
take the loose rims to their shop. They will remount then new tire on the rim
for around $10.
>
> Shane Fedeli
> 85PT40
> Hershey, PA
>
> -- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence" wrote:
> >
> > Hi Don,
> > What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
> > Next month I want to get new steers.
> > I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
> > Trying to figure what way to go.
> > My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
> > Bob Lawrence
> > 84 PT36
> > Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to death
today)
> >
> > > Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved my 2+
year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
> > >
> > > Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of handling
the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
> > >
> > > The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
> > >
> > > A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to replace
the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was intolerable for a
steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left tag wheel had multiple
cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back to outer. Not good. The
local tire place had a lot of excellent used ones, so I replaced that wheel.
Going to have a lot of work to get it looking as good as the other ones
> > > Don Bradner
> > > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> > > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
> > >
> >
>

[ronmarabito2002]

Why would you want to pay +$200 to $300 per tire for Michelins? Do you actually
perceive that additional value in your tires? I have yet to wear out any tire
unless it was mis-aligned or damaged. Mine change due to age and a less
expensive tire does the job.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner" wrote:
>
> The price was $709.89 each, before a lot of taxes, etc.
>
> The MSRP is something over $800, but I'm not sure if anyone ever charges full
list.
>
> So far the X Coach is only 295/80, which is an inch less in diameter than the
315/80 XZA-2 and 1.3 inches less than the 12R XZE*
>
> To handle your weight, assuming equal weight on each axle end:
> 315/80 XZA-2 95 PSI
> 295/80 X-Coach 110 PSI
> 12R XZE* 115 PSI
>
> On 3/26/2009 at 1:02 AM Bob Lawrence wrote:
>
> >Hi Don,
> >What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
> >Next month I want to get new steers.
> >I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
> >Trying to figure what way to go.
> >My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
> >Bob Lawrence
> >84 PT36
> >Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to death
> >today)
> >
> >> Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved my
> >2+ year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
> >>
> >> Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of
> >handling the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
> >>
> >> The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
> >>
> >> A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to
> >replace the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was
> >intolerable for a steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left tag
> >wheel had multiple cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back
> >to outer. Not good. The local tire place had a lot of excellent used ones,
> >so I replaced that wheel. Going to have a lot of work to get it looking as
> >good as the other ones
> >> Don Bradner
> >> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> >> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

[birdshill123]

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 fails you get
another. Tires are the only thing between you and the road. If it
fails..................!


Bruce
1988 FC35

[Steve Pfiffner]

 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 fails  you get another. Tires are the only thing between you and the road. If it fails..................!



Bruce
1988 FC35

[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

[Don Bradner]

I can only put it this way: tires are one thing I'm not looking for the least
expensive alternative.

On 3/27/2009 at 12:26 AM ronmarabito2002 wrote:

>Why would you want to pay +$200 to $300 per tire for Michelins? Do you
>actually perceive that additional value in your tires? I have yet to wear
>out any tire unless it was mis-aligned or damaged. Mine change due to age
>and a less expensive tire does the job.
>
>R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
>wrote:
>>
>> The price was $709.89 each, before a lot of taxes, etc.
>>
>> The MSRP is something over $800, but I'm not sure if anyone ever charges
>full list.
>>
>> So far the X Coach is only 295/80, which is an inch less in diameter
>than the 315/80 XZA-2 and 1.3 inches less than the 12R XZE*
>>
>> To handle your weight, assuming equal weight on each axle end:
>> 315/80 XZA-2 95 PSI
>> 295/80 X-Coach 110 PSI
>> 12R XZE* 115 PSI
>>
>> On 3/26/2009 at 1:02 AM Bob Lawrence wrote:
>>
>> >Hi Don,
>> >What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
>> >Next month I want to get new steers.
>> >I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
>> >Trying to figure what way to go.
>> >My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
>> >Bob Lawrence
>> >84 PT36
>> >Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to
>death
>> >today)
>> >
>> >> Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved
>my
>> >2+ year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
>> >>
>> >> Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of
>> >handling the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
>> >>
>> >> The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
>> >>
>> >> A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to
>> >replace the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was
>> >intolerable for a steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left
>tag
>> >wheel had multiple cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back
>> >to outer. Not good. The local tire place had a lot of excellent used
>ones,
>> >so I replaced that wheel. Going to have a lot of work to get it looking
>as
>> >good as the other ones
>> >> Don Bradner
>> >> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> >> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------------
>> >
>> >Yahoo! Groups Links
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

[rogerwwebb@...]

FWIW - I now have Michelins.

In 2007 Ibought Goodyear G149 tires, which were a bit less expensive and I thought would be just as good. I was wrong.

I had catastrophic tread separation with less than 9,000 miles on two separate occasions, both times caused damage to the coach. Goodyear replaced thetires and paid for the coach damage. However, asI did not trust the tires I asked for a refund or replacement of all the tires. Unfortunatelythe G149's were the only tire they made (including other brands they own) that fit and although they offered to replace all the tires with new G149's I was uneasy with such action, as they could/would not tell me why a new set was going to be better than the old set. I got disgusted and changed out to the Michelins. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND GOODYEAR TIRES due to this experience.

R. W. Webb

91 WL

Cedar Rapids, IA

In a message dated 3/26/2009 9:44:19 P.M. Central Daylight Time, bluethunder@... writes:

I can only put it this way: tires are one thing I'm not looking for the least expensive alternative.

On 3/27/2009 at 12:26 AM ronmarabito2002 wrote:

>Why would you want to pay +$200 to $300 per tire for Michelins? Do you
>actually perceive that additional value in your tires? I have yet to wear
>out any tire unless it was mis-aligned or damaged. Mine change due to age
>and a less expensive tire does the job.
>
>R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
>--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Don Bradner" ...>
>wrote:
>>
>> The price was $709.89 each, before a lot of taxes, etc.
>>
>> The MSRP is something over $800, but I'm not sure if anyone ever charges
>full list.
>>
>> So far the X Coach is only 295/80, which is an inch less in diameter
>than the 315/80 XZA-2 and 1.3 inches less than the 12R XZE*
>>
>> To handle your weight, assuming equal weight on each axle end:
>> 315/80 XZA-2 95 PSI
>> 295/80 X-Coach 110 PSI
>> 12R XZE* 115 PSI
>>
>> On 3/26/2009 at 1:02 AM Bob Lawrence wrote:
>>
>> >Hi Don,
>> >What did you have to pay for the steer tires?
>> >Next month I want to get new steers.
>> >I see Michelin has new X Coach XZ bus tires on their website.
>> >Trying to figure what way to go.
>> >My front end is 13,800 lbs. now.
>> >Bob Lawrence
>> >84 PT36
>> >Laguna Atascosa NWR, Los Fresnos, Texas (Where a guy shot himself to
>death
>> >today)
>> >
>> >> Got my new steer tires today, 315/80R Michelin XZA-2 Energies. Moved
>my
>> >2+ year-old 12R XZE* to the tag.
>> >>
>> >> Really happy to have the tires down near 100 lbs fully capable of
>> >handling the weight that took near 120 lbs on the 12Rs!
>> >>
>> >> The price of the tires though is one of those "gulp" items.
>> >>
>> >> A footnote: When I bought Blue Thunder I rather immediately had to
>> >replace the left front wheel because it had a severe crack that was
>> >intolerable for a steer wheel. Today it was pointed out that the left
>tag
>> >wheel had multiple cracks - some horseshoe from outer hole to inner back
>> >to outer. Not good. The local tire place had a lot of excellent used
>ones,
>> >so I replaced that wheel. Going to have a lot of work to get it looking
>as
>> >good as the other ones
>> >> Don Bradner
>> >> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> >> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------------
>> >
>> >Yahoo! Groups Links
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

---

Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make meals for under $10.

[birdshill123]

Here is something to consider: Go to any large RV dealer ( I think there are
still one or two in business). Look at all the Class A's. You will see 2 brands.
Goodyear and Michelin. If an RV mfr. could save 6x$200 per unit they would jump
at the chance. Why do you not see Sumitomos or Double Coin on the units? The
only RV mfr. I know of that tried another brand was National/ CC and that ended
up in a law suit (Toyo). Tiffin was installing GoodYears and had lots of
troubles. Bob Tiffin paid for Michelins to be installed at his expense. If a
customer wants GoodYears on his Tiffin they will NOT install them at the
factory.


Bruce

1988 FC35