Yahoo Message Number: 102167 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102167)
I know tires have been covered several times, but dang search is non existent and I wanted to bring it up again:)!
We have about 5 1/2 year old Michelin XZE* tires, and all are looking good on the cracking front. I have one tag and one outer drive tire, on different sides of the coach, that have what 'may' be broken belts or popped steel. Very minor, surprised if either is over 1/8", probably closer to above 1/16" to 3/32" of a 'bump' (TCI Tire Center said they would no call them a bulge, as they were so small - so thus the word bump).
The reality is that I've never noticed them before, and I suspect that the mighty pot holes of California may have gotten me. Noticed one 'bump' when in California. And a tire shop said to just monitor but probably fine. Now with two different tires having them, I stopped for another opinion at mentioned TCK Tire Center. The gent was real nice, spent all of under two minutes walking around the coach, looking out the outside surface of the tires. Mostly looking for cracks, of which two or three tiers have minor cracks just starting where the letters are stamped. Not really fair to call them cracks, but you can see where it's a little crack starting in the lettering seams.
He did not see the 'bump', admittedly the tires were a bit dusty from a dirt campground we had left early in the day. When I pointed them out. He looked them over, rubbed it, and said 10-15 seconds later - could be belt break, slippage, or a steel popped. Said he suspected it was a bels slippage, as it was such a minor bump. (Rejected the word 'bulge' that I had used.) When I told him one of the 'bumps' had been with me from in California, now in East Colorado area, he said to just keep monitoring them with my daily walk arounds. If they start to grow in size, then get the tire replaced.
Now gang, he is a tire pro, really did seem knowledgeable when I asked a few more questions. And said that he would personally drive on these tires with his family. Said he'd seen truckers with these kinds of bumps, and actual smaller bulges, drive with the slipped or broken belt, for the balance of the life of the tires. (Walked me over to three trucks and trailers in the lot, and found one bulge on the drive axle of a big truck, within two mins of us walking around.
OK, all of that to say, I'm within 18 months of where I had wanted to replace my tires at age 7 anyways. I'm thinking of replaying the two back tires with the current steers, and getting two new tires now.
Please refresh my memory, Allure 40' model here, a 2004 if that matters. Mention the models, as the weights differences between a Magna, or say Affinity are much higher then our Allure. With 8.25" rims all around, and existing 12R22.5 tires, what are my options from your experiences with going to a different size tire? I'd like to go to a 275/80R22.5 XAZ3 for the fronts. (They don't make 12R22.5 or 315/80R22.5, that I can find, in this tire.)
Would consider the Continental or BG Goodrich tires, but have into researched size availability of them. Prefer to stay with Michelins, for the FMCA and Michelin Advantage program. And, I believe I will again go with the XZE* for the drives and tags, in two more years. (I like the extra robustness of the "*" sidewalls. Forgiving when clipping a curb, or a rock... (I also wonder how much faster I could have had problems without such a sturdy sidewall. Sure, we do our best to avoid potholes. But have had not choice but to strike them due to traffic, and in heavy rain, you can't even see them.)
One final comment on my 'bumps' on my ties. In addition to this gent at TCI stating he would drive on them, as I was getting the tire air adjusted, the tech that was helping me, stated that he would not consider these bumps a belt slip, break, or steel popped. He said these extra thick "*" tires, especially if impacted, can sometimes have a separation from the outer (Thicker added rubber) and the inner standard structure of the normal XZE. His opinion, is that they were a non problem...
But, for peace of mind, and calmness of wife, I look at pulling up the purchase of two tires by 18 months or so, as inexpensive insurance:)!
Sorry for the my long ramblings, it's my nature!!
Appreciate any tires size sharing with the Allure and 8.25" rims! Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017, 40' High Cascade, Two Slides
Yahoo Message Number: 102168 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102168)
we just bought 6 new XZA2 Energy Michelin's in Florida at Olin Mott Tire under the FMCA program. We changed from 12R 22.5 to 295 80R 22.5. Olin Mott said no problem changing tire size. He did say the speedometer would be off about 1 mile an hour. You can get Cummins to reprogram to the new tire size if that matters. Didn't matter to us.
We also had 12R 22.5 Toyos originally and replaced them with 12R 22.5 B F Goodrich ST230's. We liked the B F Goodrich tires "OK" and they lasted 6.5 years and lots of miles. They had just started to weather crack a bit. Olin Mott said we could probably get a few more months and miles on them but we didn't want to risk a blowout. So we decided to get the Michelins. The Michelins are a much softer and quieter ride than the stiff B F Goodrich tires.
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 102169 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102169)
I should have mentioned, that the 275/80R22.5, was with the H rated tire, vs G.
From what I can see, the weight of our front axle, and actually in all positions of drives and tags, would be still quite a bit under the max weight loads of the H scale.
Just not sure if the odometer/speedometer could be recalibrate reflect this size tire? Or, if it's not prudent to consider them.
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102173 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102173)
Thanks for the info Lonnie!
And wow, I did a typo wrong on the heading, and in two different posts. Have no idea where I came up with 275/80R22.5... It was 295/80R22.5 I was pointed at...
Tire size and weight capacity are very important, and sure hope I did not confuse anyone else, other then myself! Lucky for us, reputable tire dealers will not allow a tire that is not rated/safe for an application.
Still trying to get my head around the bump vs slight bulge, and real risk of driving a bit further. Safety is important, and I usually error on the conservative side on things like this. We'll be in Colorado Springs in about a week, and they too have a TCI Tire Center. Think I'll go in and have this shop look over the tires, and compare what they recommend:)!
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102175 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102175)
Opinions please on which would give the more comfortable ride on the front end.
Michelin XZA2's Rated L 315/80R 22.5 Continental HSL1 Rated L 315/80R 22.5
I've heard good things about both. Continental has the better warranty, including cracking. Mention cracking, as Michelin XZA2 is an unknown to me as far as cracking concerns?
These are again for the front position, and I think I'll shuffle the current two good front tires to the rear's that have the slight 'bumps' vs bulge:)! Then wait until I get to Oregon to make the final 6 tire purchases.
Opinions on ride comfort please:)!
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102176 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102176)
Smitty,
Just curious. What is the Continental warranty based on? Years? Miles? Pro-rated? I had a bad experience with a Continental with a blow out after 6 years from build date on a front tire. But, in all fairness, that tire was already on the coach when I bought it in 2006. that was a long time ago so they may have made a lot of improvements since then.
Anyway, I went with a full set of Firestone tire about 4 years ago. Comparatively very low price for fresh, two month old tires. Happy so far.
Sorry, I can not help you re: recent Michelin experience.
Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226
Yahoo Message Number: 102177 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102177)
I would like to respond to the question of Continental tires from my experience. I special ordered a set of 295X80X22.5's about a year ago. I had nothing but trouble with getting the tires to actually be fully mounted on the rims of the tires. I had 2 additional Continental dealers spend many hours mounting and remounting, changing tires from front to rear without success. The last dealer wrote on the work order the tires were defective and needed to be replaced.
I did take back to the original dealer and they replaced the tires with a different brand. I would not buy another Continental tire for any of my vehicles.
This is just my opinion and my experience.
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428
Yahoo Message Number: 102178 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102178)
Hi,
Been running the Continental's on the back going on 2 years no problems. Ride isn't bad might be better on Michelins was on Toyo. The Continental's are the same ones they use on buses going across country, I think for off road they aren't a very good tread for this and will tend to dig in to the ground. I still have michelins on the front I know the size is different from the rears on my model. I will be replacing them soon not sure with what yet. Hope this helps.
I saved about $250 per tire with the
Alex Ritchey
2000 affinity 42' tag B&B
---
Yahoo Message Number: 102179 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102179)
It sounds to me like the key tires are the two in the front. Can I use a basic four truck tire in the back and two Michelins in the front and obtain a good quite and solid ride ??
Stan 2005 Inspire
51456
Yahoo Message Number: 102180 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102180)
In the past 6 months I have seen 2 newer Magnas one a 07 and the other maybe an 05 with the front DS slide torn apart, the wheel well damaged, and the DFS front bay severely damaged. How come, the left front 313R 22.5 Firestone tire blew up. In both cases the tires thru their tread. Were they under in flated, were they to old? I don't know, but I have never had a Firestine tire that was worth its salt in 15", 16" or 19" sizes. So buyer beware.
The Continentals HSL1 I have in 315 size, ride smoother than the 12 R Toyos and are quieter. The Michelin 12R I had were quieter and smoother than the Continentals, but cracked after 33 months, and I kept them covered while in storage. If I were you I would buy tire covers and keep them covered while traveling, too. Only the inside pair on the drive axle had very small cracking, so not only are they susceptible to sun light, but oxidation and air pollution. I had a set of Continentals on my 98 Allure for over 4 years and no problems, the current Continentals are approaching their 3rd anniversary. I had mine rotated as my Smart tire transmitters needed to be replaced.
Good luck on the tires, but I would stay as far away from Firestone as possible. You 'd probably be happier with Goodrich, but if you take care of the Michelins I bet you'll easily get 6 years.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 102188 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102188)
Our experience with Continentals has been good. We purchased 8 295/80R/22.5 from Les Schwab Tire in Junction City, put over 50k miles on, including a 6k trip to Alaska, and have had no problems other than a couple of road debris caused leaks.
DavidW
06 Intrigue 11993
Yahoo Message Number: 102190 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102190)
Thank You to all for your input--- It seems like the consistent winner is Michelin, but the cost ???
I have just downloaded the Michelin Advantage Program. I do not know the savings but one email from CC Owners indicated it was only 50 dollars a tire ??
Stan 51406--2005
San Doiego
Yahoo Message Number: 102191 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102191)
Just bought 6 new Michellins xza3's for our 05 Inspire through FMCA program. Saved $90 a tire. So $530. Definitely worth it.
Lauren
Yahoo Message Number: 102192 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102192)
Lauren,
If you do not mind can you give me the break down of the cost.
I really appreciate
Stan
Yahoo Message Number: 102199 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102199)
Guys,
I thought I would comment on the Michelin program that I used thru FMCA. I bought six Michelin XZE*LRH 12R22.5 for $666.41 apiece while Sears charged $774.31. I replaced Toyo tires which I was happy enough with but, they aged out. I've been really pleased with the ride and handling. Ours is a 2000 32' Country Coach Intrigue weighing 28,360 lbs. I also recommend highly the DuallyValves. I used to lose some air from the inside rear tires but, no more. I love these things.
Regards, Ken Blitchington
Yahoo Message Number: 102200 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102200)
I have been running 10R 22.5 14 PR Firestone for the last five years (34,000+ mile) on my 1998 32' CC Intrigue (approx 26500 LBS) no slides. No visible tread-wear and a good ride. Cost was about $2,300 but I don't have the invoice in front of me. We will do about 7000 miles this year.
Randy
Yahoo Message Number: 102209 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102209)
I wanted to close the loop on this thread on two fronts:
1) The 'bumps' on my tires look to be broken body cords. (I got some help from Tireman9, if any of you have ran into him on many of the RV boards.. Sent him pictures, and that was his conclusion.) California potholes us:)!
2) I had hoped to go with Michelin, and resolved myself to replacing the XZE* steers, with XZA2's. Changing to 315/80R 22.5 at that time. Had no idea that their was an RV backlog situation! In the Denver area, these tires are non-exisitant. And, it seems Michelin will not be mfg another batch of RV tires until mid August. TCI Tire Center, said they would be surprised to see any tires until September. So, I'm not looking for Continental HSL1's. Seems the Michelin backlog, has also drawn down inventory of other tires too:)! Found two available in Colorado Springs, and the gent will call me back with the Born On Date. If they're within 6 months old, I'll pay for them and have them on hold until we're their in about a week.
If the HSL1's strike out, I'll probably try to locate some BF Goodrich ST230's. But, who knows:)!
Fingers crossed that the Colorado Spring's HSL1's have a good Born On Date!
And I appreciate the input and info sharing from all. I also was not surprised to find veteran CC owner George Birmingham(SP?) commenting a couple years back, that he liked his HSL1's! Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102210 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102210)
According to the Guys at Les Schwab in Junction City the tires don't start to age until the tire is mounted and weight and heat are applied to the tire. I noticed they were installing 315 Toyos on a couple of coaches due to the 315 tire shortage and price? They were out of Goodrich, Michelin and Continentals. I don't think they sell Good Years any more. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 102211 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102211)
The guarantee doesn't start until then either. Case in point we bought our coach at 1 year old still new left over. When the Michelin's started cracking at 6 years of ownership Michelin adjusted the price for 1 year of loss use, almost 1 of 6 tires free.
Ray
They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser
Yahoo Message Number: 102239 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102239)
After another few days of calls, and me thinking over the options, I've found what I think is a win/win solution:)!
The local TCI Tire Center was able to locate 12R 22.5 BF Goodrich ST230's made the first week of March 2015. It will cost me $8 each to have them transferred from New Mexico to the Denver area TCI I'm working with.
Bonus is that these are part of the FMCA Michelin Advantage Program. So instead of $660 each (FET, Balanced), they're $520.
I believe I will mount these to the tags, and then in October while in Oregon, get 6 new XZA2's for our other 6 tires. (But, who knows, may just go with 6 more BF Goodrich ST230's. They a good tire and were my second choice back 5 years ago when I went with the XZE*'s.) All of this, based upon the expectation that the Michelin RV batch tires will flowing again by then...
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102240 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102240)
We just replaced our ST230's after 6.5 years and lots of miles. They had just started weather cracking but the tire shop said they would probably be good for another 6 months at least. We decided not to risk it since Lonny had heart surgery in January. We were very happy with the ST230's. We decided to go with Michelins and they do have a softer ride but ST230's are a good option. They have stiffer side walls and ride stiffer is all. They are made by Michelin and made in the US!
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 102241 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102241)
Yes, when researching, your positive results were noted. If I remember correctly, even before I bought the XZE*'s - I'd read comments about the Goodrich's you just took off.
And your comments about stiffness is noted, and matched others feedback too. I suspect that they will be very similar, maybe even better, then the XZE*. And on the tags, I doubt I'd feel them from the front seat:)!
Best to you, and good luck with your new shoes!!!
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102383 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102383)
Well the new BG Goodrich ST230's are not mounted on the steers. Moved the XZE*'s 5 year old tires to the rear, to replace the damaged tires. (One for sure was a broken cord. The other was not obvious as to what it was. But since it was a new bump/bulge, and had not shown up on the tire until this trip and the potholes. Both myself and the Tire Manager feel it was probably the start of a slipping cord.).
I will share that on the ride back to the campground we're in, I noticed a much nicer/softer ride on the front with he ST230's. It's just not as stiff of a sidewall as the purposely beefed up XZE*'s. (Not a knock on the XZE*'s, I knew this going in and purposely chose the "*" version of the already robust XZE, to provide extra sidewall protection. Figured us being new with a bigger coach, good chance we'd be clipping a corner or two over the years:)!)
The campground we're in, has about a 1/2 mile entrance approach, that has what I call freeze cracks every 80-100' going across the road. A noticeable softer less loud/harsh front end ride going over these coming back into the campground, vs going out:)!
I'm now thinking when I get to Oregon, and the back order is behind Michelin, that I'll move the new ST230's to the tag, and add four more to the drive. Then go with the Michelin XZA2's to the steer. (They don't make XZA3's for my size.) Going to forget going to the 315/80R 22.5 Load Range L tires for this light front end.
Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty
Yahoo Message Number: 102384 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102384)
I'm old and confused easily.... first sentence you say ST230's are not mounted on the STEERS.
But the 3rd sentence you say "I noticed a much nicer/softer ride on the front with he ST230's." I going to ASSUME that the NOT was not suppose to be in the first sentence.
Dave
07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495
12 Jeep GC Toad
Mountains of So Cal and
Henderson, Nev
Yahoo Message Number: 102399 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102399)
Dave - Yep, I messed up:)! And you are correct in the NOT was NOT supposed to be in that sentence...
(I have a hard enough time typing on a keyboard, and I'm even worse on a droid phone:)!)
I talked with the TCI Manager, on another issue, and he said he was not surprised that the front end ride was feeling a little less harsh. He said if I had had XZE instead of XZE* with the thick sidewalls, that he doubted I'd have noticed as much of a change in ride. He feels the XZE is a good tire for the RV community, especially on the rears where the risk of clipping curbs is more likely. He felt that unless it's a real heavy coach, and for a 40' I don't feel mine is to heavy, that the XZE* was overkill.
He liked my idea of going with all ST230's on the rear wheel positions, and then the XZA2's on the steers, when I buy the next 6 tires.
Appreciated you clarifying my messing up on where the ST230's were mounted!
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 103232 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103232)
I wanted to close the loop back on what we ended up doing.
I received a few PM's and emails from members of various boards (Much appreciated!), in regards to going to 315/80 22.5 on the steers. Many with heavier coaches then our Allure, have done so, and it has worked well for them. Some, with SOB coaches, were all ready exceeding the axle weight of their front ends, so moving up to a beefier tire was warranted or sure.
But, I also received input over my concern/comments about the harsher ride we've experienced over the last now 5 3/4 years with the Michelin XZE* tires, especially on the front end over expansion joints, and minor bumps and surface cracks. (Reminder that the "*" on the XZE is for even more meat and thicker, thus stiffer, sidewalls then normal XZE, which were all ready built to protect from curb scrubbing.) The major thrust of the input, is by going to the XZA2's with Load Range L vs Load Range H, along with he 8.25 mounted 'slightly squished' sidewalls - I would most likely again be experiencing as harsh a ride as with the XZE*'s.
I'm now in the Northwest, and started making a calls on tires. The short of it is that buying 6 more BF Goodrich ST230's via FMCA would have been the most economical way to go. However, I also received input recommending I look into getting one the newer Energy Efficient (Low Rolling Resistant) tires. After much research, I've ordered in 6 Bridgestone R268 Escopia's. Michelin has a neat comparison site, when you can find it (Search for Michelin and Rolling Resistant Comparison.), that when i use the standard XZE (the 12r tire available to me from Michelin) as the main tire to compare to, shows the Bridgestone R268's to be 6% more efficient then the XZE.
Another factor is my preference to run with Tier 1 tires. The BF Goodrich are a fine, but aging, Tier 2 tire. This helped me spend the extra money for the more expensive Bridgestones over the BF Goodrich tires. (Again, happy with my Michelin performance, did what I wanted them to do. And now with 3K on the ST230, have no negatives to report, and a positive on a softer front end ride then the Michelin XZE*'s. So sure not knocking these tires. But, the BF Goodrich are not in the same league as the Michelin and this specific Bridgestone - Michelin specifically targeted them to the Tier 2 level, and they compete very well in that grouping of tires.)
I'll move the BF Goodrich ST230's to the tag, and mount the Bridgestone R260 Escopia's to Steer and Drives, to maximize the lower rolling resistance.
And, once they installed in late October (Coming into Junction City, OR from Southern California warehouse, and we'll not be able to get them mounted until then.), I'll be able to see if I can detect any difference in front end ride over the ST230's. (Tire gent at Bob Dickman's I talked too, said he would be surprised if I noted any difference at all. Yes over the XZE* with the stiffer sidewalls, but he felt the ride would be very similar between the R268 and the ST230 - we'll see:)!)
And, I only repudiated my post, as it could help others when researching tires and specifically upsizing on 8.25 rims in the future. For a heavier based front end coach, my thinking would be to pony up the funds for a pair of 9" rims, at the same time as upsizing to larger size tires.
Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty
04 Allure 40', Tag, Two Slide, High Cascade
Yahoo Message Number: 103476 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103476)
This is follow up post, another one:)! To correct some bad info I provided, in case anyone reads this in the future.
I've been using the Michelin Rolling Resistance comparison site as part of my tire selection process. I misread the way this site works, and have now found out that the Bridgestone Escopia R283's have a lower rolling resistance then the R268's. This is use the Michelin XZE as the baseline tire to compare against.
Both the R268's and R283's are Tier 1 tires, and both work well on RV's. Between the two, the R283's will provide a better 'chance' of helping MPG. Reality is these big beasts we drive punching thru the air, are the main contributor/impact to MPG. But, if anyone is looking at tires rolling resistance for the ultimate addition to the equation on MPG, the R283's are better then the R268's. Both of which, are better then the old tried and true R250's that have served many an RV'er well.
Not sure what I'm going to do now. The tire company ordered the R268's for me, and had them shipped in from Southern California to Oregon. They would want to charge for shipping. I've asked them to check into selling them to someone for local usage, and I committed to purchasing the tires from them, whatever I go with. (The R283's are not averrable, and would take a bit too long to get here while we're in the area. We're coming back up in late January or February, so will work with them to choose a tire and get it in buy then. May just go back to the adding 6 more BF Goodirch ST230's, to match the ones on the steers. They are no longer considered Tier 1 tires, but have a good reputation, and are supposedly on the upper end of the Tier 2 spectrum of tires. Have liked the way the steers feel so far. And, they do have actually better rolling resistance then both the R268's and R283's, so that is a plus too...)
Luckily my remaining 6 Michelin XZE*'s are just coming up on 6 years old, and were looked over by TCI when we moved things around to replaced the damaged ones - so, waiting 3-4 months I feel is still safe.
My main reason for this post, was to correct the bad info I provided between the R268's and R283's. My apology if this was an impact to anyone!
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 102181 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102181)
I just replaced my eight-year-old Firestone FS560 12R22.5 drive and tag tires. No cracking, no bulges, probably 1/2 tread left. Held air like a champ. They produced a smooth, quiet ride. I replaced them based on age. I would have bought them again but I got a better deal on the Bridgestones I replaced them with.
The front tires are 315/80R22.5 Firestone FS400s which are about five years old. Again, no cracking, no bulging, plenty of tread left. Smooth, quiet ride. They, too, hold air pressure well. I will absolutely consider Firestones as replacements when the time comes.
Tim Gerrity
2002 Magna #6081
Yahoo Message Number: 102184 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102184)
Thanks for the info sharing, and of course, this is sometimes is like asking Chevy of Ford, or Dino or Syn:)!
Stan - Specifically on mixing the tires. I've always been int he school that wants all the tires to be the same, on automobiles. That being said, Country Coach used to sale some years and models of coaches, with the fronts being one size, the drives being another, and the tag's being the same as the front. So mixing is probably ok with the Inspire.
I'd of course keep all tires on the same axle the same.
As I mentioned, I'm thinking I'll replace my two fronts with a different size the the 12R's, the mentioned 315/80R 22.5. 12R's have a limited number of tires available to choose from. So until I replace the back 6 tires, I'll be running with 12R's with he 315/80R on the front.
Many of the newer 40-42' foot Tiffens and Winnebagos are coming stock with Michelin XZA3 275/80R 22.5 tires. Looking at the tire chart inflation chart, they have the same capacity as the XZE. I'm wondering if anyone has every gone from a 12R to the 275/80R? And, if the computer can be adjusted for that size tire?
Hard to find info on any real differences between the XZA2 and the XZA3's.
Good chance I'll go KISS, and retain the 12R's on the drives and tags when I replace them.
Best to all,
Smitty
Yahoo Message Number: 102185 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102185)
Eight years old?? Do you have a death wish? D Jean
CC81072
Yahoo Message Number: 102186 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102186)
Sorry - forgot to post the Warranty on Continental.
HSL1 up to 7 years, without any exclusion for cracking, and when I asked the dealer, they specially said it was covered.
http://www.continental-truck.com/www/download/transport_us_en/general/tech_info/hidden_index_en/download/warranty_en.pdf (http://www.continental-truck.com/www/download/transport_us_en/general/tech_info/hidden_index_en/download/warranty_en.pdf)
Best,
Smitty
(I should note, that I remain open to other tires and other sizes. Especially for the steers, which on our coach, is not too heavy of a load:)!)
Yahoo Message Number: 102187 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102187)
The 275 R 80 is only rated just above 6000 lbs where the 12 r is right at 7300 lbs and thats quite a difference. Your front axle is rated over 14,000 lbs so the the 275 R 80 falls way short. Another thing to consider is tire clearance. I know on 04 Intrigues there is enough clearance for a 315 on the duals and tags if you have the ISL engine, but if you have the Cat C-12 with different dual axle and different tags there is not.
When foretravel was having tire issues way back when with the XZA2 in the 275 R 80 size they changed to the XZA3. They were designed for longer life expectancy and as I remember the Foretravel owners were very happy with the new tire. For a while replacements were only available in Canada, but that issue was soon corrected. As for ride quality the Continentals are a little noisier that certain Michelins in the same size because of the tread pattern, so it depends on your choice of Michelin. The Michelins are smoother riding and I was told because Michelin uses more natural rubber in the side walls and different side wall materials than the Continental.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 102189 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/102189)
Thanks Cmarshall - Good info sharing, especially on how the Foretravel gang accepted the XZA3's.
I see to load ratings for these, a G and a H. The H is related fro single up to 7,160 lbs at 120PSI. I suspect the 120PSI would defeat the desire for a bit softer ride up front:)! But, as my actual weight, from fully loaded four corner weighting, would allow 110PSI (and that is with an added 5PSI safety margin). I feel the H load rated tire would be safe up front.
Still will probably go with he 315/80R 22.5, and on the 8.25 rim, adjust per Michelins table specifically for this application on 8.25 rims. But, the XZA3 vs older designed XZA2 is tempting:)!
No decision made yet. I'll be going into a TCI Tire Center on Tuesday for their perspective and advise on my two tires with 'bumps'. Again, will probably take the conservative approach that 5 1/2 year old tires, with signs of road damage, are not worth the gamble to drive on very far... I think both of the damage to these tires took place in California. Never noticed the Tag tire 'bump' until just a few days back. The Dual Outer tire 'bump' was noted in the Reno/Sparks are around 4th of July. And based upon my daily observation, and while stopping during the day, no signs of any later growth. But, it is most likely a damage tire, and thus more subject to failure. So probably time to anti up the funds to replace those two... A blow out, can cost us quite a bit more in funds, and possibly health!
So a decision coming up soon:)!
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 103484 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103484)
What is a Tier 1 or Tier 2 tire? I have never heard of this terminology.
Is it a new standard or have I just not been paying attention?
Jim Hedlund
2000 Allure 30413
Yahoo Message Number: 103485 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103485)
This blog about RV tires explains what tier 1 tires are. Many well written articles about tire tech and safety are posted on this site!
http://www.rvtiresafety.com (http://www.rvtiresafety.com)
John Coleman
02 Intrigue 11461
Yahoo Message Number: 103487 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103487)
Tier One is made up of the major tire companies' premium brands. "They carry the highest price tags and have the highest profit margins for the manufacturers." Examples: Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin.
The Tier rating seems to imply ranking in price and volume, which is easily measureable by tire dealers.
Quality does not appear to be a criteria.
Dean
95 Magna 5280
Yahoo Message Number: 103500 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103500)
On tire Tier's. Appreciated adding the link to Tireman9's site/blog, I respect his work and his info sharing. He helped me determine that my tire chords had broken on one tire, and were damaged on another, just via pictures. A straight shooter.
And I think Dean makes a very valid point about the 'quality' of tire not seemingly to be in involved in the Tier'ing category. Tier 1, IMO, used to be the Big Three as mentioned, plus IMO, a better quality of tire in construction, quality control, and materials.
IMO today, the lines between the Tire Tiers have blurred greatly. A Tier 2 tire, can be as well built with as good of materials as a Tier 1 tire. They are all built to specific requirements in regards to obtaining their Load Ratings, and being able to sell in the US.
As mentioned, I have the BF Goodrich ST230 on our steers, and it is a fine tire.
The one thing I noted when researching tires, was that the Tier 1's that I was after, all seemed to have a bit more weight on them then the Tier 2's I was considering. Now, added weight can be because of specific design parameters between a tire. For example, our Michelin XZE*'s, with he "*" back then meaning extra sidewall beefiness to better handle the club scrubbing that can take place in commercial fleet usage, is a good example on why that 12R 22.5 tire would weight more then say our BF Goodrich ST230's.
IMO, Tier 2 and Tier 1 tires are going to provide a safe tire for RV application. It then comes down to other criteria that may or may not be important to a specific buyer. (Like lower rolling resistance is important to me. Lower noise, and a bit less stiff sidewall for the steers, for a more comfortable ride. These were important considerations to me, when shopping for these replacement shoes:)!).
And many here in the US, and in Canada, are reporting good results with some of the better quality Chinese tires too. (I know from my HiFi (Got Tubes?) hobby, that China can build a very good quality stereo component, with good quality components inside, and due to the much lower labor rates, at a great price. The same holds true for tires.) The problem, is knowing which 'brands of tires' from China are good:)!
Tires are one of the most important part of our RV traveling safety. Buy wisely! Save money elsewhere...
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017