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Looking for tire advice

Yahoo Message Number: 55990
Have a 2004 42 foot intrigue in need of new tires. Apparently michelin has a deal to use dual only tires for the rear and tag, while havaing the same tire model specs and have tires on the front that has better balance capabilities. I haven't heard of this and it sounds like factory "seconds" that are OK for the rear and "better" tires for the steering axles. Has anybody heard of this? It's about $150 less per tire for the "special" quality tires. I heard that many long haul, bus and Rv applications have "taken" advantage of this deal.

Thoughts?
Ron

CC 42 Intrigue 11849

Re: Looking for tire advice

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56003
I went through this thought process not long ago, and my bottom line was: A blow out can cause damage about twice the cost of a new set of Michelins, provided you do not wreck in the process. Cost only goes up from there. I opted for new and fresh Toyo tires, as that is what was on it, and I was happy with them. They cost about $1500 a set less than Michelins, my first choice. You should check for the build date code to be sure you get very fresh tires, but be aware they smell like a leaking black water tank for a few months. An acceptable trade off.
My old tires were seven years old, and were sold to a log truck operation. They wear the tires out, and mine looked barely used at 40k miles. Those long haul guys religiously check their tires twice a day (I did, anyway) and will wear them out in a matter of months, so the thought process is different from us RV types.

That is my story, and I am sticking to it. ;*)

Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Looking for tire advice

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56021
Jack,

Thanks. After talking to a contact yesterday. These are very likely just not meeting the Michelin balancing standards and they sell them off for drive axle applications. It was also suggested that if you were to use these "specials", still only put them on the dual axle and have the same as steering on the tag. That way you would have good balance tires in the event you needed a new front in an emergency. When you calculate that in, the savings is only $600. Real money, but probably not worth it.

Ron Intrigue 11849

Re: Looking for tire advice

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56029
Ron, another thought.

Some tires are sold as "blems", and have only cosmetic blemishes, with full warranty. If that is the case, then they might be less of a worry. Still, I try to rationalize how much the tires cost me in the six or seven years they are likely to last, and the difference is not dramatic. I am far from wealthy, but try to "pick my battles", as it were. I still cannot rationalize that new 4runner, though. ;*)
Sorry if my ramblings complicate your choice, just trying to give another perspective. Cost of any new set of tires is a little painful.

Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527
 

Re: Looking for tire advice

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56039
Jack,

Called them back today and ordered 8 of the "perfect" ones. Yes some cash, but won't replace these again till I trade or sell. Thanks for your thoughts. Helped get me over the decision.

Ron Intrigue 11849