It's a long story which I will put in another thread but I am in the midst of acquiring a '96 U320 and getting it roadworthy. The next step is tires. Reading through the posts it seems that Michelin is the optimal choice. My question is which ones? There seem to be a number of choices:
XRV
XZA
X Line Energy Z
...
If my priorities are (1) Safety and (2) smooth ride which is the best choice?
Gene Horr
Gene, you will get as many opinions on tires as there are people out there. All have valid points.
Not saying they any better or worse than any other brand or model, but I have been happy with the X Line Energy Z that I have.
Have about 20,000 miles on them, no issues. Seem to run cool and true. I'll buy them again when needed.
Thanks, Mark. The Michelin web site seems to go out of their way to hide the information but I finally found a useful guide at:
https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/RV_Tires_Brochure.pdf
Doing some more digging from opinion sites it looks like the "XRV" has added UV protection and a softer ride at a cost of a slightly weaker sidewall, and the other "X" models can handle more weight with different attributes such as fuel economy or a tougher sidewall.
The choice is somewhat simplified due to the stock size (275/80/R22.5) only being offered in two tires - Energy E and XZE.
Thanks again,
Gene
Currently running the Michelin X line Energy's that replaced my 8 year old Goodyear 390 LHS's. Very happy with both of these tire brands.
Steve
I just replaced my 8 year old Michelins with the X line energy tires also. I've had no problems with Michelins.
Gene, sent you a PM
I have the X line energy Michelins and have been very happy. Make sure you check multiple dealers before buying. I found that there can be a lot of difference in prices. I bought mine last year and joined FMCA for the discount, but luckily before I bought them I found an independent truck tire dealer that had them a lot cheaper than the price with the FMCA discount.
When I bought my second Foretravel, it had Toyo's. My first coach had Michelins and I will go back with them. I checked around and the XZEL is the one I will go with. It is a G rated 14 ply tire. I always had a great ride with the Michelins. No issues and we put around 50k on those tires before we sold that coach. If you are an FMCA member, they have a great deal on Michelins, but there is another guy, David who has a deal with Michelins and he will set you up with an installer and covered those tires lifetime for the original owner and he is cheaper than FMCA. I believe the quoted price on the XZEL's was $625 with excise tax less labor and state tax. Cheapest I have seen so far on these top of the line from Michelin. The number to reach David is: 321-607-2265. He does charge $90 for his service, but that is a one time lifetime deal. Hope this helps!
Correction on Tire; it is a H rated 16 ply tire and it will be at $656 ea.
Tires are at risk when pressure is down a little, going around curves, hitting things and holes, etc. Our coaches are heavy, 30,000 - 40,000 pounds and we believe in only buying Load Range H tires and while LR G can meet minimum specs, having stronger tires with LR H is always worth the cost. Safety first and tires are a big item that can cause big problems.
I replaced my Michelin XZE's Load range H with over 50,000 miles at 7 years with Toyo M170 load range H tires. Now have over 6,000 on the Toyo's and have been happy with both choices. Both very good tires, Toyo's were considerably less expensive.
Well, you answered my next question before I ever asked it. Whether to go with load range H tires. Looking at the specs for G they are marginal for a fully loaded vehicle IMO.
And yes, I am purchasing a TPMS.
The PO did not take the vehicle on the road in recent years and so had installed somewhat cheapo tires. On the rear are Toyo which from a short distance driving seemed to be OK. On the front are Dayton which appear to be complete pieces of cr**, er, less than an optimal choice, at least for steering.
Gene
I went with Uniroyals from Walmart .com. half price and just fine tires
Nothing wrong with Toyo tires.
Well, I went through the "Florida" source. The procedure was quick and easy and I am happy with the price. The installer was a little uncertain as she hadn't done something like this before but she figured it out and it was "drop it off, get a call in about 3 hours, sign for the work, then drive away". Well, that and pay the credit card later...
I am happy with the tires. The front were a dramatic improvement (well, they couldn't get much worse). The rear "seem" a little quieter than the Toyos but that could be imagination and I detect no difference in the ride.
Hi Gene,
Curious as to the brand model and size you picked?
275/80R22.5, H load range.
I think that they are the Michelin X Line Energy Z but I am not near the vehicle/paperwork right now.