Well, we got settled into our RV Park in Mesa, Arizona for a month with no problem. Weather here is fantastic, especially given the temps back home in Virginia.
One of my first tasks was to thoroughly clean the outside of the coach and the tires. Looks much better, but it is also a good way for me to take a closer look and see how things fared the trip.
I posted a picture below of what I found on the outside sidewall of the right front tire. It looks to me like I really smacked a pothole, gouging out several small cuts and leaving the beginnings of a nice split in the sidewall. The tire is holding pressure fine, but I don't think this is something I want to fool around with.
I have two questions that someone may be able to chime in on. We're members of FMCA, so we will be using the Michelin Advantage program. If anyone has experience using that, I would sure like to hear about it. Also, would love to know if anyone has a recommendation for a Michelin dealer to use out here in the Phoenix/Mesa area.
Thanks for any input, and hope all stay safe and warm!
Don
Have the Michelin dealer inspect the damage before replacing the tire. Hard to see the extent of the damage in the photo but the dealer won't let you drive off with a dangerous defect in your tire.
Pierce
I've not seen anything like that. We run Michelins, as well and would like to know what the dealer thinks happened. At least you're "home" and not in the middle of nowhere!
Pierce, I'll definitely have the dealer take a look. To me, it looks pretty scary.
Mike, you're absolutely right--better here than in the desert!
Don
As you stated definitely get it checked, it could be superficial as I have done that same damage on my crane tires with the parking lot concrete bumpers and not had to replace the tire.
Would be handy to have a rep come over and take a look, and order a fresh tire, if needed, rather than you hogging the coach through town. Some parks will permit service trucks, might check, nice to not go anywhere. ^.^d
Don, first, get the names of "approved" Michelin dealers locally. Then call and ask if they will come inspect the tire, I, too am not expert enough to pass judgement from your photo. Then, if replacement is necessary, consider replacing BOTH front tires. Make sure they sell you NEW tires, dated within at most within the last 3-4 months.
If or when you replace it, save it for a spare so when you are in the desert, with a flat tire, your road service will only have to mount "your" spare. Tires get real expensive when you are traveling... I replaced both front tires a while back and kept one of the old ones covered on the roof where my satellite antenna use to be... ^.^d
Looks from the pic that it may just be a molding fault. If so you are in luck as it looks superficial. Defiantly take it to an approved Michelin dealer for inspection.
Keith
Quick update.
First of all, thanks for all the suggestions. Really appreciate the feedback.
Well, the dealer (only one local who handles the Michelin Advantage program) took a look and (no surprise, given the appearance) recommended this needed to be replaced. Had the tire in stock, production date 2 1/2 months ago. My tires are 20 months old, so I am going to stick with this single replacement. Got an appointment to take the coach over on Monday morning, so I'll be sleeping better Monday night.
Geez, cleaning the RV can really get to be expensive!
Don
I had a big gouge in the same are and drove for 3 yrs on it. Not a big deal as that is the thickest part of the tyre rubber. Mine was actually a flap (it was cut right thru and holding by a small area) and I glued it back together with my super glue. Never came completly off either. I think I see your tyres cleaned with sidewall cleaner and hope it is not containing Petroleum Distillates as they are bad for tyres. Wash with soap and water only.
JohnH
I wonder if there might be a warranty An honest dealer might be scarce around a camp ground !
The looks of the tire appears as not normal road Hazzard.
Maybe defective ?
Just gotta ask.
Final update.
Went in to the dealer Monday morning and got the right front replaced. No problems or hassles either at the dealer or with Michelin, but no tread credit or warranty as this damage was to the sidewall. I kept the tire as a spare and will do some more extended checking when we get back home. Tire looks brand new, as far as the tread. At the very least, as mentioned, I could use this temporarily if no comparable size was available.
Thanks again, everyone, for your comments and suggestions!
Don