Any recomendations as far as tires go, on a u320, I'm fed up w/ Michelin,s
I've heard Toyo's are a good alternative?
KC, I am on my 4th year on Continental HSL LRH 275 80 R22.5's and I am happy. I run the max 110 in them and they ride fine. I did run over a piece of steel and had to replace one but that was not a fault of the tire. Very seldom do I add any air, only about once a year or so. Covered in storage they show no ageing.
Gary B
Toyo makes a good tire.
Depends if you like a more flexible sidewall with a bit of side to side movement/sway or a stiffer sidewall. With a wide and tall rig, the stiffer sidewalls give a more secure feeling in crosswinds, passing or in rough construction zones with the cement dividers close on both sides. On some corners, the thinner, more flexible sidewall seems to take split second to take a "set" when initially starting a turn. Can be disconcerting in light snow, rain or freezing conditions. I have seen some drivers try to "chase" the movement with rapid steering wheel movements and anxious looks on their faces.
Professionally, I drove apparatus with Coopers with fairly stiff sidewalls. Our U300 happened to also come with Coopers. They work well and after 23K, don't show any wear to speak of.
I have seen the ads with the new Michelin Green series rolling down hills a bit easier than the comparison Michelin tire. Might do some research on that to see how much fuel they might save.
Don't know how sidewall stiffness equates with fuel economy.
Pierce
I like the Bridgestone R280's on my coach. Here is some info.
Mark Z
We had Michellin tires and had a side wall failure. We went with Goodyear RV tires and went up from the "G" to "H". We have had them 1 1/2 years now and they are holding up well. The sidewalls are stiffer on the Goodyear tires than the Michellin tires. We're please so far.
I replaced my Michelin's with Toyo M147 Steer Tires 295 / 75R / 22.5. I have no complaints. If in the Sealy, Texas area try Brown Brothers truck tires.
I like the michelins "feel" Maybe used to it. Their directional stability is very good.
But I have a lower profile coach in my 97.
The toyos were a little "numb". The previous posters observations match mine.
The air bag suspensions internal pressure is critical for some of this "feel"
I found if I filled every tank in the coach prior to a demo ride the coach had noticeably less lean and the shock action was better. When customers asked me why the difference versus the other brands being empty I told them that the foretravel was set up to be used at the max gvw not empty like the other guys just to be sold. By their factory and then by the dealer to the customer.
Empty the airbags are lower pressure and the coach leans a little more. Add 20 pounds per bag and the lean lessens. The Koni's were set slightly soft new and needed another click every 50k miles for more rebound control with a full load and higher bag pressure.
Lots of early unihomers with original Koni's and 300k miles. Last setting on the shocks at that point but they are rebuildable easily. Spanner tool and they come apart.
Just put the Toyo M147 all position on the front last week, so too early to tell but I have always liked Toyo. Had them for 15 yrs on the BMW 7 series after Michelin needed replacing. Great traction in snow etc on that car. A friend with CC Magna 06 just also replaced his Michelins with Toyo's after he too did a lot of research. The ones I put on are smooth quiet and steering is fine. will let you know in a year!!!
John H