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michelin xza3s

Yahoo Message Number: 85133
looking to replace the toyo steer tires with the nw series 3 xza. Has anyone heard anyhing regarding this model. I know the popular choice is the michelin but i dont recall anyone using the xza3.Any advise?

Rod
Inspire

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85138
It only comes in a few sizes 275R80 and 11R. Back in the late 90's and early 2000's Foretravel was having issues with that tire size, 275R80. They changed to the XZA3 and the owners were very happy. I was going to put them on my 98 Allure, in 2000 when CC was having all the 275R70 tire recalls, but ended up with 275R80 Continentals, because of lack of availability and Les Schwab made me a deal I couldn't turn down. I was very Happy with the Continentals for the next 3 years . The Michelin XZA3 has a 7 year warranty compared to other models and has a strong outside rib, to prevent wear common with Goodyears. Michelin has had some side wall cracking issues with XZ2, XZA2, And XZE that are only 5 year tires. Michelin does not warrant side wall cracking has been my experience. But haven't heard anything about the XZA3. You might check with Ron or Paul at Les Schwab in Junction City. TWI 98 Allure 30255

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85141
I am a long time fan and customer of Dickman Tire in Junction City but thought it interesting when FMCA worked their deal with Michelin and Dickman could no long compete on price and suddenly started pushing other tires.
When I purchased two new steer tires to replace my Goodyear 67 s Paul said that the Michelin was far superior to anything else out there. This was prior to the FMCA deal and Dickman was purchasing truck load of Michelins and had very good pricing.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85147
Rod, .........

Can't tell you a bunch about the Michelin XZA3+ other than We replaced the XZA2's that were on the coach due to age, not wear, early last summer. The 2's had done a fine job and I was pleased with them, however in changing to the XZA3+ I am now extra pleased. We have only put a bit over 5k miles on the tires, but they are quiet, grip is fine, and coach is a real pleasure to "drive". I emphasize "drive" as opposed to herding because even though the 2's did a good job, the 3's seem to have delivered a whole new level of performance. I admit it's kind of a touchy feely thing, but after a lot of miles up and down the road, I seem to be attuned to a vehicles performance. They were a spendy purchase but I am not experiencing any regrets. It's not much, but I hope it helps.

Chuck

96 Magna 38' #5330 (Sweet old coach)

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85149
My local Purcell dealer recommended against the XZA3 and favored the EXA2 Energy. Apparently there are some issues with a grove on the edge of the tread of the EZA3 that is not a factor on the EZA2. It was also mentioned that the Everwear compound is overkill on motorhomes where we never wear them out.

Jim W

2007 Tribute 260
81077

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85154
Michelin only extends it discount sales program through its factory or franchised stores. Bob Dickman's is neither so when Michelin went on its price increase frenzy, Les Schwab could no longer compete in DISCOUNT pricing. They could obtain the tires. When it came time to deal with my faltering XZ2 the Michelin dealer in Springfield, wouldn't do anything for me as the tires came From Les Schwab. Springfield wouldn't even match the price of the replacement XZE I was quoted from Redmond tires at home. As an FMCA member I asked about their program, they bragged about selling so many sets of, but wouldn't give a even close price approximation!!! So I went back to Les Schwab, they bought back the unused warranty time on my XZ2's and offered me a set of XZE 12 R at the same price as Continentals 315's and thru in the new stems for duals, balancing, etc. Then because I was at a Friendship rally they gave me another 15% off on the Continentals. LS couldn't on the Michelin. So I now have Continentals with a Seven year warranty that includes sidewalls and 315's ALL ROUND. As I had a good experience from Continentals before on the Allure I'm happy. But I am very upset with Michelin, they stand right there with JB Radiators on my favorite to hate list.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85157
Quote from: Rod"

> looking to replace the toyo steer tires with the nw series 3 xza. Has anyone heard anyhing regarding this model. I know the popular choice is the michelin but i dont recall anyone using the xza3.Any advise? > Rod
Inspire
The current price for the 11:00 22.5 xza3s without any fmca involvmant are $545.37. My fronts are date code 08 and the rears i think may be 05. I can run the takoffs on some of my local trucks so i might just replace them all. Thanks for the comments. I know tires can be a tough subject since most experiances are good with most all tires. I have heard the michlenins track a little better then the toyos but i find it hard to beleave that a tire could make a difference. My inspire does like to wander a little more then i would expect and it was aligned and new shocks installed with some change so i was hoping comments about improved handling would be true.

Rod
Inspire

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85168
My 04 inspire wandered with toyos and I replaced with 3's a few years ago. With an alignment all wandering disappeared and the tires change did wonders for the entire coach. The only issue with the 3's was they did not come in the exact same size as the toyos. They are taller which messes with the speedometer and transmission. I had the transmission reprogrammed with the correct rev's per mile and then the speedometer dip switches needed to be changed to get the speedo right. It was all worth it.

Regards,
Steve

04 Inspire 51075

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85175
Rod

Without any change to alignment or shocks the switch from Goodyear to Michelin XZA2 make an major difference in tracking down the road. The Goodyears were wearing on the outside of the steer tires so that was probably part of the issue. I suspected an alignment issue but Kaiser Brake and Alignment said my alignment was right on and that has been proven to the case.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85176
Dan The wearing on the Goodyears on the outside was the cupping problem well known on the Goodyears. On my 06 Dynasty the tires were cupping, so I went in for an alignment and was told the alignment was okay. The guy said he was seeing a lot of that. My friend with an 05 Dynasty had the same issue. He did an informal survey in RV parks etc and confirmed this problem with Goodyears. I changed my tags , which weren't cupping, to the front and cupping was developing as I sold the coach. The friend went to Michelins last summer, and confirms all the previously stated improvements, tracking, better ride etc. He did not change the alignment. He has 8000 miles on them now, and wishes he had changed sooner. Of course , the non believers, keep saying that you pay for the name ! Nonsense , you get what you pay for. We are lucky as hell, that we have 2 manufactures in the US who spent the money to develop an RV specific tire that's based on ride comfort, low miles per year, and intermittent use. Michelin has now set a criteria that will get you to 10 year replacement. If you get 3 extra years of use , it negates any saving made on the truck tire purchase. The tires on the coach are the only connection to the road, and I simply don't understand why one would skimp on such an important component. Most of the coaches are 200K ++ and , some feel that the dollar saving are worth it . It is infinitesimal by comparison to the value of the coach , ride etc. This forum is for learning, and that is why we take the advice of Kevin, Dave , JD, Eric, and Chris, who have a huge amount of experience on what works on our coaches. Still we have people who deride others on good advice and experience. If you are that interested in saving money, you should have bought a Bounder.
PS A former neighbour had a right front blowout, hit the side of the road. His wife , who had just gotten up from the seat, went through the windshield and died in the accident. I haven't been able to confirm, absolutely, but it was one of the tires people here are having trouble with. Do you really want to skimp on tires ??

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85180
Ron

Great write up. Safety and Life should always come first.

Bill Krause

06 Inspire 51652

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85182
Ron: The only one who derides others on this forum is you! You were the one who wanted all the techs you just mentioned barred from this forum, not too long ago. It seems impossible to you that others may be having good experiences with the tires they are using. If I was using a brand of tire which I had good service from for years and chose to replace my tires with that brand that is my choice not yours. It doesnt need to be a matter of money or skimping simply our choice. Your Lord over You attitude is an insult to all who like to make their own decisions, especially those who own Bounders! Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85187
Barrie Just a few points

1 The original question was about XZA 2 or 3. Still the handfull who continue to diss Michelin are getting tiresome. Their only comment is that it is less money. Never talk about the positives , only the negatives.
2 I wasn't dissing buying another brand. It's your money. If you choose a product because of price, which is what someone brought up , that Michelin is more money because of the name, which is nonsense- you get what you pay for.
3 With regard to the Techs here. Again you missed the point. This is an OWNERS forum. It is not a platform for TECHS to advertise and sell their gods.. If their service is good , a Member should recommend them. The forum is specifically Coach owners or those doing due diligence to be owners. It is in the Mission Statement , if you take time to read it. If you want to change the forum , get a vote of the members to see if they want to change it. Maybe all the places that sell coaches should be members too.
4 If it isn't skimping, why is price always brought up. Why not what features that those tires have that are better. They never talk about better ride, better handling, only price.
5 You are correct I should have included more low end coaches in my comparison. Again , you missed the point. The dissers are always mentioning price , so they could have bought a low end coach and saved a LOT of money By the way this a Country Coach Forum, not a Bounders forum PS which member did I deride ?

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85188
Rod,

I have had XZA3's on my coach since 05. I did change the steer axle tires 2 years ago due to sidewall cracking, they lasted about 5 years. I am changing the drive axle tires this winter sometime, again the outboard tires are showing sidewall cracking. There are two (2) load ranges of the XZA3 tires, make sure you get the appropriate load range for your coach. They do drive nice and have had no wear issues. I have about 25,000 miles on the tires and they show little wear, except the rear outboard are chunking small pieces of rubber along the edge of the groves. I was disappointed in the cracking problem.

Jack Allure 30076

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85189
Jack,

Would you kindly share how you store your coach; in what part of the country you live; if you cover the tires (if stored outdoors); if you use 303 or something similar to protect your tires; how long the coach is static at a time.
I'm interested if these factors will prolong the life of the sidewalls.

Thanks.
Jay

05 Inspire 51457
XZA3s for one year

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85192
Jay,

I live in southern Arizona (Marana). I keep the coach in a covered storage unit. I am normally parked between a couple of other coaches. I get sun in the AM and in the PM for an hour or two but only on one side (Curb). I have treated the newer steer axle tires with 303 several times, but never treated the drive axles tires. Michelin does not recommend any tire treatment that I can find. I generally don't cover the tires, because of the limited sun exposure on the tire. I am parked on Blacktop. Drive the coach at least every two weeks if possible for 50 to 100 miles to exercise the old girl. I leave the hot area in the summer usually early May and spend several months in the Pacific Northwest, where we are generally parked for a month or more in a couple of locations one in Oregon and One in Washington, I do cover the tires when at these locations. Hope this helps.

Jack Allure 30076 a Classic

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85197
All good info Jack.

I'm trying to stay ahead of the game, forced to store outdoors in Florida! Covers, exercise and 303 for me!

Thanks.

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85198
Ron,

Maybe your tire pressure was incorrect and that is why you got the cupping on the Goodyear tires, I have Goodyears on my coach and have had no problem, installed in summer of 2007 and now approaching 40,000 miles of use with minimal tread wear and still no cupping. Each of us seem to have different experiences with all the brands of tires mentioned and there are so many variables that I don't think any of the major brand of tires are a real problem, the problem is probably related to how the tires are used and maintained.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85199
Ray I have always, from the second season that I had a diesel pusher kept tires at the weights suggested by FMCA after a 4 and then 6 point weigh of the coach ( when I had a tag axle ) and then apply the manufacturers tables , as to the pressures you should keep. Fundamentally , it is about meeting the tabled pressures and moving the coach every 60 days to get the oils in the tires moved about so that you prevent cracking of side walls. If you don't move the coach and drive the coach a 100 miles or so, the oils in the tires won't be spread around. The oil is what prevents cracking of the sidewalls. If one reads the Michelin latest specs, this will get you to 10 years before replacement. However , there will be those who think that buying a cheaper tire is the solution to the problem. Do your home work rather than just comparing price.

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85208
Fine Ron. I guess I have just been lucky then, my original Toyos never gave me any problem either and I would have gone with replacement Toyos had they been available at the time, I replaced them after 6 years and over 40,000 miles of use, still had plenty of tread left and no visible sidewall cracking. As a matter of fact the dealer who installed the Goodyears even asked me why I was replacing tires that still looked to have several years of life remaining in them. I doubt there is a great deal of difference between the reliability of Goodyears, Toyos and Michelines and I don't think there was a great deal of difference in the price of Goodyears and Michelines in 2006 when I replaced the original tires. At that time the Goodyears were being highly recommended by many and it appears the recommendation was good advice, based on my personal experience. I will be looking to replace these tires soon, even though they still look perfect, due to the 7 years of use, I will look at all available tires although I don't think I will be interested in any tires manufactured in China. ;-)

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85210
Barrie, this is probably not an inappropriate way of contacting you but it is the best I could find. I believe you are the owner of a 1994 Concept. I would like to ask you some questions specific to these models. My email address is fredricmeyers@.... If you would be so kind to send me an email I will submit my questions to you.

Thank you in advance.

Fred Meyers

Re: michelin xza3s

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85214
Ray

The Goodyears are well known for cupping. I have had the Michelins now for 3 years on the steer axle with no alignment or change of shocks and they are wearing perfectly. I have tire monitors on the coach and toad and on board air system and I have been anal about tire pressure.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348