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12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Yahoo Message Number: 111761
Our used coach came with 12R/80/22.5 original equipment tires. They were aged out when we purchased the coach so we replaced them with Michelin XZA2 Energy 315/80/22.5 tires. They are now 6 years old and little tread life is left.
Since the 315s were a bit overkill in size for our coach weight and the fact that I did not get good wear from them, I am looking at replacing them with either Michelin XZE 12R or Michelin XZA2 295s. The big difference is the 12Rs have 22/32 tread depth and only 16/32 for the 295s. The increased tread would give me many more miles before wearing out but they have much more rolling resistance than the 295s.
I would like to know if anyone has any experience with these 2 tires and if there was any measurable difference in fuel economy between the 2 tires. Michelin said the 12R was designed for dump trucks. We have a tag axle so I contribute some of the wear on the 315s was due to side loads on the tag.
I would rather a tire age out than wear out that is why I am leaning towards the 12Rs plus they are cheaper than the 295s.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Norm

04 Intrigue 11773

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 111762
04 Allure 40' with tag.

First set of tire's when we first purchased the coach used, were the 12R's XZE*'s. For sure, a rather 'robust' tire. The story I heard, is the "*" indicated were for the XZE's targeting school busses. (Of course, if I had gone in another time. The story could have been they were for 'slalom racing semi's, or perhaps dump trucks:)!). I always felt safe on these tires. I chose them for the extra meat on the sidewalls, because we were new to 40', and suspected I could kiss a few curbs along the way. (Grazed a few, but never 'smacked them'....). I also feel that a lesser tire, could have ruptured, when we had no where to go - and hit a deep pot hole with sharp edge, on I99. Front right outside dual, and tag, both ended up being damaged. (Broken cord on one, and sipped cord on the other.)

That being said, they road hard, not a problem on the rears. But the stiff sidewalls transferred quite a bit of road imperfections into the front of the cab from the Steers.

(I did replace the two damaged tires, and due to a tire shortage at that time, ended up with the FMCA BG Goodrich priced 12R's in the ST230 model. As those were new, I put them on the Steers, where they remained for 14 months until I bought 6 new tires. Moved the ST230's to the Tag at that time. The ST230's also handled well, a bit less road noise, and a lessoning of road imperfections into the cab.)

At replacement time for the 6 tires. I went with the 295's XZA2's. (No problem having the 12R's ST230s on the Tag, and 295's elsewhere.). The tires ride nice, handle well, are quieter then either of the other two. And, even less road transfer of road imperfections into the cab.

I do not really check our MPG al that often. And have made other mods to our coach in this timeframe, so no opinion on if the better Rolling Resistance of the XZA2's (Better then both XZE*'s or ST230's.) yielded improvement in MPG. Very possibly they did, but if so, I'm sure it is minimal.

About 14 months on these tires now, and zero complaints with them at this time.

All that being said. I believe if shopping today. I'd probably put the 295's XZA2's on the Steers, and Hankook AH11 or AH12 (Forget which size is in the 295's or 12R's.) on the Duals and Tag. Save some money, and still have well regarded tires on the rear of the coach... And stay with the XZA2's that I know improved ride quality in the front.

Opinions vary on tires, but that's my $.02:)! Best of luck to you,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 111763
You didn't state how many mIles you got out of current ti re es.

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 111765
Norm

I just replaced my XZA2 295/80 with same after 8 years and 60,000 miles. 40 ft Allure with tag.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348       
Dan


Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 111769
I am near replacing 6 tires at about 50000 miles and I may have another 10K or more left in the other 2. I think I will put those on the steers.

Norm

04 Intrigue 11773

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 111770
Thanks Smitty for your thoughtful answer to my guery.
Putting the 12rs on the drivers and tag is a good idea. I suspected that the 12Rs on the front would give me a much harsher ride than the XZA2s. I think I can find 2 of my existing 315s that have enough wear left to put on the steers. When they wear or age out I will replace them with 295s.
I am still deciding between the Goodyears and Michelin.
I have also bashed a few curbs with the drivers and tags but so far so good.
We drive Mexican highways every fall and spring and they are full of tire hazards.

Norm

04 Intrigue 11773


Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 111772
Pretty good discussion on the IRV2 Forum regarding tires.

Wally & Elta Mae

2007Allure 470 #31535

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #9
Yahoo Message Number: 111774
Hi Wally,

I looked on IRV but did not find much. I will try again.
I guess we just missed you guys in JC by a few weeks.

Norm

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #10
Yahoo Message Number: 111777
You have to be in the Country Coach forum, I just posted on the tire post yesterday

Yes, we where in Junction City and we are headed back there tomorrow, finishing up a few things that didn't get finished the last time. We had a blower in the console that burnt up and that took some time to get rebuilt.
Not going to see Brian, we have many appointments in the San Jose Bay area the end of the month that we have to get too. Than its on to Casa Grande, AZ with he other Snowbirds.

Take care, safe travels

Wally & Elta Mae

2007Allure 470 #31535


Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #12
Yahoo Message Number: 111779
When it comes to the 12 R's there are other options besides Michelin. I had very bad UV cracking with be multiple michelin's. On the rear and the tag I went to Bridgestone R250s and so far after 3 years, they seem to be holding up better than the michelins and ride well. They're also less expensive.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #13
Yahoo Message Number: 111780
Yup, have heard this multiple times however, we do put covers on our tires because we believe it helps.

Wally & Elta Mae

2007Allure 470 #31535

 

Re: 12R/80/22.5 or 295/80/22.5 tires

Reply #14
Yahoo Message Number: 111800
Norm

My tires were starting to show signs of age. I do use covers but only during the summer when we are holed up in Montana and not moving around. I also try not to go more than 5 or 6 weeks without taking the coach out on the road and getting every thing warmed up to full operating temperature. Numerous tire shops have told me that tires need to roll down the road and get warm and flex.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348       
Dan