I'm ready to pull the trigger on a set of 6 new tires.
I think I have decided on the Michelin XZA3+ Evertread 275/80/22.5 in a load range H for all positions. I Like the idea of the H load range on the Michelin because I do have reservations about the side wall strength of the Michelin. I feel the heavier construction of the H rated tire over the G will help rest my fears on that issue. I also want the H rating for the front end weight. I also like the idea of being able to move any tire to any position if the need arises.
I have a decent price quote through the FMCA Advantage program and a local dealer.
My last concern is the use of a steering tire at all 6 positions. I don't plan on any Winter trips or off roading excursions, and I like the idea of fuel savings from the new Evertread design.
What are your thoughts of a steering tire at all positions.
We use the exact same tires. I just replaced the front steer and moved those to the tag. We are on a strange tire rotation where the tag tires are replaced first then a year later all others. We have done this since we purchased the coach 8+ years ago. I don't see any problem with what you are thinking about doing.
Hi Lon,
I am looking at the very same tires for replacement on my coach. What price reduction have you been offered through the FMCA Michelin Advantage program? And have you found initial price varies from dealer to dealer?
Agree 100% , I have bought several sets over the years and always do the steering tires all around . I feel they are a bit better and like you said , can be rotated in any spot on the coach with that safe feeling .On the H , yes again, why not ? The safe feeling comes into play again .Some folks will say , why spend the extra money . My reply is again , why not . Brad Metzger
I, too, have the very same tires at all 8 sites. ordered especially to get "new" dates and matches. I like the idea of being able to "rotate" and I, too, am close to GAWR on my front tires.
Have steer tires all positions except for the used spare tire. Not much difference in price. Why not?
Pierce
It has been a eye opening experience shopping for these tires. When shopping for car and light truck tires dealers seem to jump through hoops to get your business, with the Commercial tires it seems nobody cares if you buy or don't.
The company I work for has over 1200 trucks that all use commercial sized tires, when I called the local dealer that sells the Company the tires they were NOT at all helpful. When I asked our mechanic about his experience buying tires for the fleet he said the same thing, They could care less!
After trying several commercial dealers and finding little interest in selling tires I found a dealer and a sales person that was enthusiastic and very helpful. His Company has a national account with Michelin and he was very familiar with the Advantage program. He looked up the tires with the FMCA Advantage pricing, and without, offering the best he could do WITHOUT the Advantage program price. He could not beat the price through FMCA.
6 Michelin XZA3+ Evertread = $555.59 (FET included) load range H
Mount/Dismount = 28.00
Aluminum Valve = 6.00
Spin Balance = 26.00
All total out the door= $3693.54. Price good for 30 days.
I checked with Costco, they offer the tire for $563 but offer NO installation.
I feel I have been given a fair price. It "might" be possible to find the tire cheaper someplace else but I feel confident with this sales person and the Company behind him.
He also said he might be able to give me something for my trade in Goodyear G357 G tires, but as they are all about 10 years old most buyers would NOT be interested.
My comment is more directed at those that might try to use the Michelin/FMCA program. We had 2 tires ordered last month, and I assumed that in the discussion that we would be getting current dated tires. Tires were not in stock, but could be delivered into Nacogdoches tomorrow. We got them installed and found out several things.
1. Tires from a wholesalers supplier don't qualify, and it took some work to get that part worked out. Tires needed to be from the Michelin warehouse or had to be in stock at the dealer, and from Michelin.
2. Tires ended up being 11 and 12 months old per the build date, I found when I checked. We were already a couple days behind getting back to work. Getting newer dates was going to take a week for the next delivery.
I will have a much different plan in place for the next 4 tires next year on the rear!
$3693.54 ($616 ea) is a very fair price, and a little better than other FMCA prices. Go for it. 10-yr old tires are risking thousands of dollars of damage.