Yahoo Message Number: 80769 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80769)
Its getting about that time to start thinking about replacing my front tires. I am currently in the Thompson Falls Mt area. Its about 2 hours fro Missoula on Rt 200. I checked with the local Les Schwab and all they have to offer is Michelin. They can get other brands but I'll ave to cover the shipping. Anyone have any ideas? I also need 4 tires on my toad as well. One stop shopping would be great.
Steve & Jane
1998 Intrigue
10557
Yahoo Message Number: 80770 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80770)
Hard to argue with Michelins on both the toad and coach. Les Schwab should also be able to use the FMCA Advantage program and save you some dough.
Roger Harper
2006 Intrigue
#11990
Yahoo Message Number: 80771 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80771)
I have no argument with Michelins. I have an issue with the price of Michelins. I just can't bring myself around to pay for name recognition. Don't you have to be a member of FMCA to take advantage of the program? I want to get my tires here in Montana because they have no sales tax. They do however apply the federal excise tax on the coach tires.
1998 Intrigue
#10557
______
Yahoo Message Number: 80772 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80772)
I don't believe the Les Schwabs are in the FMCA Advantage program. The FMCA program has saved a lot of money!
Check http://www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/index.jsp (http://www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/index.jsp) for dealers in your area.
George James, wb5ldn
08 Affinity, 6877
Yahoo Message Number: 80775 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80775)
Steve,
If you don't mind Oregon there is not sales tax there.
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51248
Yahoo Message Number: 80787 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80787)
There's no sales tax in Montana. John 03 Allure 30951
Yahoo Message Number: 80800 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80800)
I would agree on the Michelins. They are more expensive, but the better thread design hugs the road; they are quieter; the gas mileage is slightly improved and they seem to last longer on our vehicles.
We just replaced our 2 fronts in April through the FMCA program. The XZE2's (catalog #67042) were $620 apiece, and we got them for $506 on the program. That's a huge savings. The program was really simple, too. If you have questions about it, you can call Betty Jo at FMCA 800-543-3622. She was really helpful.
Lynn Winge
Minneapolis, MN
2005 Inspire
CC #51261
FMCA #87266D
Yahoo Message Number: 80802 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80802)
At the recommendation of Pat at Pro Tires, Denton TX we bought B F Goodrich ST230's for our '04 Allure. Mid price tire. B F Goodrich is owned by Michelin. The tires are made in America. Pat worked on Country Coach and Prevost coaches in TX. So far we are very happy with the B F Goodrich tires. Much better than the original Toyos. Much better ride and no cupping.
Lonny & Diane
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 80804 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80804)
Don't you have to be a member of FMCA to you the tire program?
Steve & Jane
1998 Intrigue
#10557
______
Yahoo Message Number: 80805 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80805)
Sorry I meant to say don't you have to be a member of FMCA to use the tire program?
Steve & Jane
1998 Intrigue
#10557
______
Yahoo Message Number: 80806 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80806)
Agree with you 100% Lynn. We put XZE2's on our front axle 2 years ago. After 22,000 miles they look like new, are quiet, track true and hold the line.
lee
--
Lee (leozbrowski@... (leozbrowski@...)) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13
Yahoo Message Number: 80807 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80807)
They may last a lot longer but you'll still change them after five or six years. I've had both and I'll stick with my TOYO's (and they're WAY cheaper).
George
'04 Inspire 51061
Yahoo Message Number: 80808 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80808)
The Michelins are tires designed specifically for RV's. Weight , softness etc. Toyo's , in particular are a truck tire, and therefore designed for truck use, stiffer side walls etc. If you want it to ride like a truck , buy truck tires , as they are cheaper and significantly more massed produced. If you want a softer ride, truer tracking for the conditions then you have to spend more money. That's why they make Fords , Chevies, Lada's etc. You get what you pay for !!
Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025
Yahoo Message Number: 80810 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80810)
I disagree. As I said, I've had both and the TOYOs ride as soft and as straight as the Michelins.
As an aside, most coach owners would be hard pressed to tell the difference in ride quality.
George
'04 Inspire 51061
Yahoo Message Number: 80811 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80811)
There is not much discussion of them on this forum, but I replaced my 8 original Toyo tires with Bridgestone R250's. They were less than the Michelins and were strongly recommended by the Les Schwab dealer in Junction City.
The ride and handling are unbelievable! No more loud road noise, no more wandering over the road. It is like a totally different coach.
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
Yahoo Message Number: 80812 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80812)
If tires make that much of a difference you better go get your suspension fixed...
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 80814 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80814)
Tires do not control wandering, toe in does. Caster controls the return of the steering wheel to straight after a turn so it has some impact on straight line. If tires make that much of a difference get the front fixed.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 80818 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80818)
I'm going to tell a little story, you may not be interested. In 1982 I bought a one ton E350 passenger
van to tow my airstream. It came with firestones. It was quiet, but wandered, the steering was sloppy, and I always felt like I was out of control. So I had the dealer check the front end Alignment and they
said it was OK. But I still wasn't happy so I took it to a front end shop that also maintained E-350
ambulances for the City. Al told me it was the tires and he checked the front end, and said it was the
tires. So I changed from 9.50/16.5 to 235R85/16 Michelin with new 16" rims. And OH! what a
difference. The driving was precise, the ride was smooth, and even quieter. We the van only got 7.5
mpg with a 460 cu in gasser, so later we bought a F-350 crew cab with a 7.3 liter diesel. When it
arrived, off came the 16.5 wheels and bridgstones and on went the 16" Michelins. Well when it was time
to replace the tires on the van we only used around town I figured I would save money and try Coopers,
8 sets later my Michelin dealer and I were fed up. So we put Goodyears on and the ride was OK for in
town but not high way driving. Three years later they had to be replaced again and I chose bridgestone.
Mean while the Michelins were doing just fine on the pickup. 235R85/16 as I remember. Anyway I sold
the F-350 when I traded the Airstream for my 98 Allure, with Toyos that failed with end the first year.
Remember the recall on tires, I went through 4 sets in 12 months. . Back to the Van, I took the
Michelins off the 350 and put them on the Van and placed the next set of Goodyears on the truck.
Those returned the ride of the van back to as new even though they were 4 years old as I remember.
Even with the recall on the front end of the van and the F-350, at no time was there ever an alignment
issue and yet the Michelins out performed the other manufactures tires.
WHEN CC REFUSED TO PLACE 275R80'S on my 36' coach instead of 275R70's I went to Les Schwab and
the Installed Continentals and My tire issues with the Allure were gone, and what a great ride. The
Larger size Allowed me to cruise 150 Rpm slower and improve my fuel milage.
When I bought the 2004
Intrigue I had Toyo issues so at 3.5 years I changed to Michelins, better ride, no cupping, no edge wear,
much quieter at the same tire pressures. I had the front end checked twice, one in Eugene, Keyser, and
once in LA. My handling and wear issues were The Toyos.
Now Michelins are not perfect, in fact an Issue is popping up right now as I sit in Bend Oregon, but it
will be worked out. I am getting small thin side wall cracks about 2" from the bead of three of the 8
tires about 1/2 inch long at a 20 degree angle from the bead.
Mine are XZ2 which is a 12R highway tire, where the XZE is an regional tire. The tires will be 5 years old in September. I was hoping for 7 years of service. TWI 204 Intrigue 11731 Original Message:
-----------------
From: Mbaul@... (Mbaul@...) Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:59:59 -0400 (EDT) To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com) Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: I Need Tires
Tires do not control wandering, toe in does. Caster controls the return of the steering wheel to straight after a turn so it has some impact on straight line. If tires make that much of a difference get the front fixed.
Mikee
In a message dated 7/10/2012 6:43:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, bradleybaja@... (bradleybaja@...) writes:
There is not much discussion of them on this forum, but I replaced my 8 original Toyo tires with Bridgestone R250's. They were less than the Michelins and were strongly recommended by the Les Schwab dealer in Junction City.
The ride and handling are unbelievable! No more loud road noise, no more wandering over the road. It is like a totally different coach.
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
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Yahoo Message Number: 80824 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80824)
Steve and Jane
I bought two new Michelins from Schwab in Montana and they were a couple hundred dollars more than the prices that I am seeing from using the FMCA program. I have a 20 years personal relationship with the Manager and he said that he gave me the best deal he could swing. I am also a longtime fan and customer of Dickman Tire in Junction City but I don't believe that they are competitive with the FMCA program.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 80839 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80839)
X2 on the Bridgestones. Schwab them on 4 years ago.
Dean
95 Magna 5280
Yahoo Message Number: 80848 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80848)
So there, Mikee!
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
Yahoo Message Number: 80850 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80850)
X3 on the Brigstones as we put them on 2 years ago. Much cheaper than the Michlens and dito on the ride and handling.
Ken Mikkelson
2005 Inspire 51494
--
Ken & Denice Mikkelson
Yahoo Message Number: 80858 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80858)
Mikee thinks we are nuts on the handling issue!
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
Yahoo Message Number: 80862 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80862)
I do not think you are nuts, never said that. I did say if tires make a perceptible difference in handling there are suspension or alignment issues. CC used low profile air bags for a period of time, these bags do not give a nice a ride ad the larger bags, but if set correctly they work well. They are very sensitive to inflation(ride height). Shocks that are too stiff or soft will also make a pretty big difference in ride quality. Tire balance is also pretty important. Tires do make a difference, not on these vehicles that are heavy, long, and tall the tires do not make as much impact. On smaller or performance vehicles tires can be important for traction, steering, etc, but not so much on these biggies. Low inflation can also influence handling.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 80863 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80863)
Mikee, you'll never convince these diehard Michelin fans but you have hit my point on the head.
George
'04 Inspire 51061
Yahoo Message Number: 80865 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80865)
Brad: I didn't hear Mikee say anyone was nuts. He simply said most of the problems mentioned could be solved with attention to the front end. Did you ever notice that whoever is expounding on tires , that their's are the best and everone should be using that brand. Your first colorfull answer could have carried the ball. Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111
Yahoo Message Number: 80866 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80866)
George, it is not a case of being a Michelin fan ! I , like many others on this blog, have had the best experience with the Michelin tires, and have said so. It really is more than that ! I have a sizable investment in my coach ! The absolute weakest link in the coach is the tires. If I have to spend a few more dollars to get the proper tire, I will. Especially , since it is specifically designed for a motorhome use, such as ride and handling. I have owned motorhomes for almost 25 years, and through experience would only choose a Michelin tire. I don't want a truck tire for the truck harsh ride. If that is your choice, then so be it ! You have made the choice for the reasons you are happy with. When Toyo or any other manufacturer , for that matter, comes out with a tire designed for motor homes and are cheaper, I would then consider it, and even then , only after it has been vetted by others, such as this blog. There have been way too many bad comments here for me to look at Toyo. That is the beauty of this group !
Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025
Yahoo Message Number: 80867 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80867)
All of the tire comments have some validity, but I had just driven 1000 miles on the Toyos, and when I left the Schwab shop in JC with the new Bridgestones, I drove some of Oregon's and Washington's most enjoyable mountain passes. The tire pressure, size, alignment, shocks and everything else was the same, but the noise, ride quality, stability and handling with the Bridgestones was like driving a totally different coach. The Toyos have "wandered" for 8 years and the Bridgestones are rock solid. Amazing!
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
Yahoo Message Number: 80870 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80870)
Thanks for the info on Bridgestone, but aren't they the parent company of Firestone and weren't they
both part of the tire scandal with Ford and the Explorer crashes? Just curious, that was a long time ago.
Ready for another story? Well, when we bought are 98 Allure and had it delivered to us in Mid Summer
in Las Cruces New Mexico we noticed on the test drive the steering was a little sloppy compared to the
Demo we had at the FMCA rally In Cruces that Spring when we ordered the Coach. It was one of the last
10 built and there fore had the ISC engine and Wal nut interior. But as to continue, two weeks later we
headed out on our first trip to Houston and when we got Ft Stockton I got out the tire pressure gauge
and found out I had 85 lbs in all my tires, I knew that wasn;t right so I called CC and spoke to the VP of
Customer relations, The companies official "no" person who owned a Magna and he told me the proper
inflation pressures. So I went to the towns Hard ware store and bought a Compressor as the coach air
system couldn't give me 120lbs for the front wheels. Well the trip went well. That fall we went to
Durango for FAll color and I noticed a weird vibration start to reveal itself. Well we got home and the
coach was put to bead for next summer. I would drive the coach every 45 days or so to keep things,
systems, in shape. The Summer trip to Oregon and CC and the Home coming rally went well, but
discovered the ride height valves were backwards. So I met Larry Sherwood and Doug Rutherford, got
the valves fixed and was told the ride height was off and that's why I had the vibration. It was time to
visit friends in Tucson for Thanks giving when I got a telegram not to move the coach until my tire
pressures were verified and the tires inspected. So I went to my tire delear, who sold me Michelins,
tried the Coopers on my Van, and Goodyears, Bridgestones, Goodrich etc. His commercial business was
selling tires to The NM, Okla, Texas branch of Greyhound, owned by my Cousin and selling tires by the
tons to the Mexico, bus lines south of the border. He told me to watch out there were recalls on the
Toyos and they weren't a good tires to begin with, except maybe for dirt roads. Well, sure enough
another Telegram and some new front tires. Oh I missed my Thanks Giving trip. Well that Spring I am
on one of my Spring inspection walk arounds and I notice something doesn't look right about a front
tire. So I call the No man at CC, Wasenberg as I now remember, and here come another set of front
tires. Then he calls and says have you rotated your tires ever? Yes was the reply, so he calls my tire
man here comes a set of duals. That fall after coming home from our summer trip I put the coach to
bed and when I pull it out for Thanks giving again as I remember and go to get the coach fueled I see
where the left front tire is starting to separate. Another pair of from CC. So as you can see I am a little gun shy and after hearing all the tire issues at the CC home coming rally the previous year I am now in
the market for tires. Well Michelin didn't make a 275 R 70 at the time, Goodyears were falling apart by
the truck loads, costing 600 sets of Bridgestones to replace the Goodyears to my tire guy. CC would
not send me the next size larger tire as they would for the 40' coaches, So, when we drove to Oregon in
2000 I purchased a set of 275R80's Continentals, and all was well for the next 4 years.
Well then we bought the 2004 Intrigue, and surly with the new 12R tires we shouldn't have any tire
problems as the tires and coach are way over rated as compared to the weight of the coach. Wrong. So
do I pick, Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, or others. Well the Magna guys are going crazy with the
Goodyears and edge wear on their rear and tag 12 R's so they are out, my tire guy says stay away from
the Good Years and Bridgestones as they won't hold up. So I put Michelins on the coach. And now after
4 and 1/2 short years the Michelins side walls are beginning to crack.
They are by far the best riding,
quietest tire I have experienced, their response time is a little slower than the Toyo as the side walls
aren't as stiff as the Toyo. They handle better in wet weather, which being from the desert I try to avoid with a passion.
So, I am looking for tires, too. And as I just bought a new CRV and all that entails, New Smart Tire two
sensors, which Bob DICKMAN Les Schwab has in Junction City, with hitch plate etc etc, I am now
looking forward to replacing at set of tires. So if I can save a buck or two, can you fault me. I really
don't want to go else where, bit a $1000 dollar difference is a $1000 bucks.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731.
Original Message:
-----------------
From: countrycoachbrad bradleybaja@... (bradleybaja@...) Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:48:36 -0000 To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com) Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: I Need Tires
All of the tire comments have some validity, but I had just driven 1000 miles on the Toyos, and when I
left the Schwab shop in JC with the new Bridgestones, I drove some of Oregon's and Washington's most
enjoyable mountain passes. The tire pressure, size, alignment, shocks and everything else was the
same, but the noise, ride quality, stability and handling with the Bridgestones was like driving a totally different coach. The Toyos have "wandered" for 8 years and the Bridgestones are rock solid. Amazing!
D Bradley
04 Intrigue #11830
myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting (http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting)
Yahoo Message Number: 80875 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80875)
I have R250's on the front of my coach. They have been on about 4 yrs. Love the tires but when I started looking for new rear tires found the R250 to be very expensive was quoted at over $800 per without all the add no's. Dealers were in Fl and Ga I do not know if they are cheaper out West.!
Vick Welsh
99 Intrigue 10714
Yahoo Message Number: 80876 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/80876)
This topic could go on forever. I thought it was settled 2 years ago by a CC Yahoo Group Owners Survey (yes . . .us . . .on this very site!) where the majority of respondents said they bought Michelin replacement tires.
Nevertheless there will always be minority opinions.
Democracy, ain't it great!
Lee (leozbrowski@... (leozbrowski@...)) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13