Tires

[Stan Simpson]

Jeff,

Those tires were produced around May of 2006, and are 8 years old. No matter the mileage, that age of tire is a potential blowout. I would strongly suggest that you put new tires on if you can, before leaving for the U. S. Its a huge safety issue. Others chimed in above with their recommendations on tires. On our last two coaches, we had Bridgestones and Yokohamas, respectively. I think after 2 years with the Yokohamas, I like them better, but we really had no issues with the Bridgestones either.

Stan

[Jeff Watt]

Definitely will be putting new tires on before any travels. Should have looked closer sooner - guess I have been fortunate. I guess a little lighter wallet is better than being injured. May have to postpone some "wants" as this is a "need" !!

Jeff

[Joel Ashley]

I'm kinda in the same spot you are, Jeff, but not in Canada and with only 16,000 miles.  Even though the tires show no sign of checking, drying, wear, or micro-cracks, and have spent most of their lives stored with minimal sun exposure, I'll probably put new ones on this summer.  The Les Schwab in Eugene/Junction City handles brands that most Schwab's don't, and is a reputable motorhome-experienced retailer, familiar with the FMCA/Michelin program.

I believe you and I missed out already on the best opportunities.  I understand that Monaco discontinued their tire program recently, and FMCA's Michelin program discount was made less lucrative not long ago as well.  Nevertheless, getting tires from a knowledgeable FMCA program participant in sales tax-free Oregon would likely save you money.  Ditto if you can get to one of the Les Schwab's in Montana, but you'd want to check their experience with the discount program and if they sell Michelins for motorhomes;  the one in Oregon is different because of its proximity to what used to be the home of Country Coach and Monaco, and unlike others it has its own unique store name - Bob Dickman Tire Center.    http://www.dickmantires.com

Joel

[Jeremy Parrett]

Michelin tell me their tires are good for 10 years with regular inspections

[Dennis Crawford]

Jeff,

Make sure the dealer knows you are tire saavy.  (this is advice for everyone). Let them know you want new tires.  I had new Michelins installed on my coach in June 2012.  I did not notice but the tires were made in 2009.  Three years old before the firsdt mile.

Dennis

[Joel Ashley]

Dennis makes a good point that many have discovered after the fact.  Another reason to buy from someone like Bob Dickman since they move a lot of motorhome tires, and you are less likely to get "new" ones with a couple years of warehouse age on them already.  Regardless, check the DOT dates with the tech prior to install.

Joel

[Peter and Connie Bradish]

And make sure you read the dates on the "new" tires that are being sold to you. Some may be as old as two years. Make sure they are really new.
Also we replace our tires every five years no matter what.
That's our routine. Someone once told us that perhaps the most important thing about an RV is to be sure that the tires are OK as in if one blows out on you while driving you can get in some serious trouble.
We have had two inside duals blow out on the passenger side and one right front passenger side in 18 years. I (Connie) was driving when the right front blew. Thankfully we have a Safety Plus and the coach kept running true down the highway. I just had to steer and get into the runoff lane. Thankfully it was on a flat interstate.
Some thoughts. Connie B.

[Jeff Watt]

Went to the tire shop today and received quotes for different tires - michelins, Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Yokohoma. Michelins are the most, but others are similar. May seem odd, but the shop suggested going with BFG for the front as I am thinking of 315s for the front and then goodyears for the drive/tag. The michelins are 25% more than the GYs but I don't know if I'll Appreciate a 25% better tire. The shop suggested that BFGs and Michelin are better than the others at steer location, however they think I won't really notice any difference at the drive and tag.

I have room for 315s up front but not sure at drive/tag. Plus I'd have to reprogram speedometer. Weight isn't too much of an issue at rear so probably stay with 295s at those axles.

I Will make sure that the tires are all as new as can be. All are in stock or within a week or two.

Also it was mentioned to me that around 2010, it was mandated that tires must have date code on Both sides of tire.

Jeff

[LEAH DRAPER]

JEFF....Your comment below

"Also it was mentioned to me that around 2010, it was mandated that tires must have date code on Both sides of tire."

By who/whom was this mandated??  I have Michlins that have 2013 dates and they only have the DOT date on one side.  
Can you clarify please?

Leah

[Jeff Watt]

Leah,

Just anecdotal from a guy at the tire shop.

So i did some searching - nothing definitive that i can find, however according to transport canada (canada's nhtsa) the Tire identification Number is supposed to be on both sides, but the date is not necessarily on both sides; Some manufactures may.

Sorry for the confusion, should have checked rather than pass along unverified information.

Jeff

[Jeff Watt]

Something that I thought about and want to know if anyone has had an issue.

IF I put the 315s up front which are 1/2 taller (1" diameter), will I have to adjust the ride height of the coach? I suspect so. To not do that I'd have to go 315s all around although I don't believe there is room to put 315s all around - that might give a better overall ride.

Reason for thinking of going to 315s up front is my front weight is 14800 with me only. So not too far from 15,000. For the295s the Michelin site shows 15660 @120lbs which is what I run. If I go to 315s then at 115 there is 15840 or @110 there is 15220.

Maybe stay with the 295s as I haven't had any problems and the 5-10lbs in less pressure probably won't make that much of a ride difference. Besides with the 295s I probably could back off on the duals and tag as I run 100lbs in them - according to the Michelin I could probably back off to 90lbs.

Jeff

[David T. Richelderfer]

In case you had not done so:  If you do a search on the Forum here using "315 tire" and select "all words," then you will get a bunch of discussion on the 315 tire changeover.

[Jeff Watt]

I did some more research (here and on iRV2 Forums - many discussions there) and have basically answered my own questions with the following information:

I have 8.25 rims. So going to 315s will only give me marginal load improvement as they are significantly downgraded when on a 8.25 rim vs. a 9 inch. See:

https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/RV_Tires_Brochure.pdf

Page 22.

Michelin shows that for a 8.25rim @ 120lbs, the 315 has a capacity of 8000lbs vs 7830 for the 295.

So for 170lbs of gain it isn't worth the problems of one set of larger tires and then adjusting ride height. Duals give more but the spacing is such that probably won't work. Plus then have to adjust system to recognize larger diameter tires.

Consequently the exercise has been worthwhile  however I guess I'll be sticking to 295s all around.

Jeff

PS. now just have to see how many $ I am willing to spend. Michelins all around > than Goodyears by about $2k.

[Gerald Farris]

Jeff,
You will not need to adjust the ride height if you change to 315s, because the ride height is determined by the distance between the suspension cradle and the frame (air bag height), and not the distance between the frame and the ground. Therefore, the ride height will not change if you change tire size.

Gerald

[Jeff Watt]

Good to know,

Thanks again Gerald.