Anyone ever run Ohtsu tires RI 117 or RI128 LR H, they are Japanase Tire. I did a little looking and some of the bus folks run them. Decent looking tire and the price is right $370.00 FET inc.
I would contact the bus companies to see what characteristics it has. Ride, noise, wear, balance, inflation pressure, etc. I like a stiff sidewall radial like most bus companies use but best to talk to their maintenance department and also get input from drivers if you can.
Would first call the tire distributor and find out what bus companies use them and then contact them.
Pierce
Bruce, what would worry me is if I had a tire problem out on the road, finding a replacement that size. Could cost you more in time and trouble than what you saved.
Jimmy,
This is the same size I have run on my coaches for many years and there are stacks of this size at my truck tire dealer.
Jimmy, I would not worry about the size 295 75R 22.5 as they are common, I would expect that it might be a problem finding an Ohtsu for a replacement in the middle of nowwhere USA. I talked to my supplier and got the names of a couple for of people that run them on trucks, they all seem to like them no better or worse than any other brand.
Bruce,
My dealer gives $100 for the tires he takes off of my coach. If you man will do that, your net cost will be even lower.
My new Hankook AL11 295 75R/22.5 Premium Long Haul Steer tires were $412 total less $100 for a net of $312 out the door and down the highway.
I run michelin, but would be thrilled with TOYo or bridgestone if price was right. Wouldn't venture beyond those brands, even if the savings was over $100 a tire. Just not worth the risk. Michelin has a great "brand", but have had superb performance with Toyo's. Tires are a big one time expense, and it is tempting to cut costs, but I run down the road at 75 - 80 at times. Looking for all the reliability I can get, willing to pay $1,000 a set more to have it once every 5-7 years.
Tim,
If I were a stock holder of Michelin, I would sure thank you for your support. I parked my Hankooks next to a Michelin blow out that caused thousands of dollars in damage and I am aware of sseveral other Michelin blow outs along with Goodyear blow outs.
I do not read of Toyo or Hankook blowouts and the truck folks I visit with at my dealer do not seem to have much of a history of blow outs with these off brand tires either. They are most concerned with a tire that allows them to make money with the truck and gives trouble free service.
Now, my recent trip west yielded several descents when the speed eased on up with no problem from my tires either.
I run michelin because they came with coach. Toyo and Hankook great tires, would use either in a second. Michelins do not tolerate under inflation, most common cause of explosive tire failure.
I had been undecided on brand until finally last week I decided to replace my tires with the Michelin XZA3+ LRH tires (16 ply rating), as on my '01, U320, I felt an added advantage to this load range H. (maybe not important to some, but i decided to go for the extra if it meant safety) While I like the Hankook brand and would buy them if they were the equivalent to the 3+, I've kind of resigned myself to pay the difference as suggested as I believe the Hancooks were LRG (or 14 ply rating). However, for anyone interested in these Michelin's, here's what I have found.
This particular tire is now manufactured in Canada. What is available here in Texas right now, seems to have DOT (manufactured dates) of the 12th to the 30th week of 2012) and virtually all I have found are in the older/rather than newer tires in that category. I called around and did some online research and it seems Houston is out of the XZA3+ ( 275/80/22.5)and they are on back order. So when they come in, they will be sent out according to the dealers order dates...those who ordered first/get them first. The production is due to begin again next week and run for 3 weeks. Then the tires will have to go through customs and on to the U.S. distribution points and on again to the dealers so they should not be available for another 6 weeks or so for installation on our coaches..... (these newest tires). So even if you try to order through the advantage program for the discount, the tires seem not to be available for shipment to your store of choice.
Bottom line I think is buy what's on the floor now or wait. I'm sure ordering, can satiisfy the dealer so they get replacements and deal can be done somehow to put the slightly older tires available on your coach if needed immediately. I believe my info is accurate, and hope anyone interested does homework if necessary.
stay well,
ron
I had a less than year old xaz3 develop a knot, TCI in Oklahoma City did a warranty replacement with no b.s. at all. However, the only thing they had was the XZA3+, said the other was phased out. Don't know if they are on your way, but a great dealer and a pleasure to deal with if so.
Chuck
Rudy, my dealer will give me $80.00 per tire for my take offs, which makes the for a good deal. Thanks everyone for all the input.
Bruce,
Tim is dead on about keeping the tires at proper pressure for your weight. My front axle is a 12K pound axle and I weight 11,720 lbs. So I need 110 lbs psi to carry that weight in my tires.
On the rear, only 90 lbs psi is needed. I run 95 plus for a safety factor.
6 new Ohtsu R1 128's went on today, all 6 balanced tag tax and tip $2714.00. 30 miles on the interstate home all seems good, next week to WVA we'll see how they do.