Yahoo Message Number: 78657 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78657)
Hi,
I promised to get back to everyone with pricing details on my Michelin XZA2 tires. They were purchased through the Michelin Advantage program.
I was quoted $638.53 per tire (295/80R/22.5) from Michelin.
Utah layers on 3 levels of taxes to include county tax, sec cn tax, state tax and a waste charge totalling $85.66 per tire.
Actual price per tire becomes $724.19 That's a whopping 13.41% of extra charges. For planning purposes, I'd add 14% to your quoted price from Michelin to get a rough idea of what you'll pay for your tires through this program. I'm sure this all varies by state so adjust accordingly. That said, I can't imagine any state being worse than Utah except perhaps California. In my case I did the mounting so the numbers here just apply to tire prices for 2 tires. At that price we have $5,793.52 of tires on the bus which is $1,158.70 per year if they last 5 years. If I get 7 years out of them it's $827.64 per year which is a savings of $331.05 or $2,317.35 for the period. Numbers can be presented and digested in many ways and stats aren't always real dollars so draw your own conclusions from here forward.
Last season we paid about $850 per tire so things got better this go around. I like to improve on things. You try to find the best deal you can that considers both customer and business. Whatever the cost, running aged tires isn't smart, safe or considerate of other drivers. I'd say the Michelin Advantage program does, indeed, save on some bread without any strings attached. One just needs to know the details going in to avoid those negative marketing surprises we all know and love. Hats off the FMCA for focusing a large buying population into increased business for one and savings for many.
My tire adventure isn't quite over yet. I discovered the pressure sensors I was shipped were incorrect. The details of how this is going to get remedied are in progress. Expectations are good for a proper resolution at this point and I'll be back with yet another update on who, what, where and how. From there I'll consider the whole experience retired!
PS: I do have tire covers now.
Best - Scott
2006 Allure 430 #31349
(Bus-Stead Lemon)