Time for new tires. We currently have Continental HSL2 275/80 22.5 H rated with date code 37th week of 2017. Still look fine, plenty of tread left, replacing due to age.
Using Wendy Ward Michelin tire concergie (based in Fl) . Lower price than FMCA and Escapees tire programs.
Will have install in Las Cruces NM 19 May, or "maybe" Ablilene TX 22 May.
We chose Michelin XZE H rated this time. We had those tires twice before on previous coach. This coach had Michelin XZA3 tires when we bought it, worked well, still looked good when replaced.
I wanted regional versus long haul tires due to:
-High scrub compound (chip and cut resistant in versions with ☆ designation) make the Michelin XZE our longest wearing regional steer tire.
- Beefy, buttressed shoulders help resist tearing and accelerated wear in high scrub applications.
- Extra strong curb guards help protect sidewalls against most impacts and abrasions for long casing life.
- Groove bottom protectors help deliver additional defense against stone drilling.
Lots of opinions on tires, we had the XZE on a previous coach, and Mich XZA3 on this one when we bought it.
This was when we switched fron Michelin to Continental in 2017: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33750.msg308370#msg308370) and my observations
I remember those XZA3 tires, but not as well as I remember being stuck in the DFW morning rush while getting to the tire shop!
Regional tire! Lower speed more local use. How often do you scrub curbs.
Long haul, higher speed travel. Check speed ratings in addition to load ratings.
I had the Conti HSRs up front and HDR on the rears. I loved the ride and never had a balance problem.
That may still be my choice. Can't argus with the Michelins though except for price. Contis are up there now also.
XRVs I would still run away from.
Sitting at the Les Schwab Yreka, Ca. (500 stores in the Western states) under the canopy waiting for them to open at 8 a.m. replacing my 8yr. old M137 Toyo's with M177 H rated about $1,150.00 out the door with $80.00 per tire casing credit.
Is that price each for the Toyos?
2 steer tires 16ply 18/32 tread depth. 10k axle weight 110psi, handled the first 300 miles through Oregon's mountainous curves awesome very pleased and the ride is great!
The Michelin XZEs are 609.39 each including the FET. Plus tax and install
I love these tires and I have quite a few miles on them. They are a little questionable on some of the state forest roads i camp off of and I may have (allegedly) gotten stuck bad enough to require a heavy duty wrecker extraction once. When it comes time to replace them I am tempted by some tires I see on dump trucks with very blocky treads that look like they would be amazing for traction. Does anyone have any experience with this and how they wear, affect on fuel economy, ride quality, how they travel on a cross country trip, etc?
Here is a thread on the Toyo's,
TOYO Tire differences (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=44112.msg446108#msg446108)
I went with the M170 H rated a couple of years ago after running Michelin XZE load range H for 50,000 miles. We have a little over 15.000 on the Toyo M170's with no issues, will go with the M170 or maybe try the M177 next time.
For My 2004 Tropi-Cal I had Continental HDRs rear and HSR on the front. Was an excellent combination for not getting stuck in fields and driving in snow. No noise problem at all. The were quieter that the messed XRVs they replaced. I had also done a size change going from 255/80 to 275/70.
The Michelins on my Nimbus have the 3 peak mountain snowflake labels. Don't know how these could be a winter rated tire. First experience with a heavy rig and tag. Driving it home from Oregon last year I did encounter snow and snow packed roads. I did not have any issues. Thinking though when tire time comes going with drives again for that axle.