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Topic: Inexpensive New Tires  (Read 1555 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Inexpensive New Tires

Reply #25 –
Of course, there's no doubt. But there are too many variables to say that after X amount of time they're unsafe and need replacing. So just like all my other rolling stock, the round black things will get checked over before every jaunt, and when it comes time to replace 'em, my wallet will cry out in pain... no retreads or el cheapos for me!
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Inexpensive New Tires

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
A blowout on a coach or fiver does a lot of damage. I don't think it makes a lot of difference wether the tire is a retread or not. But i still will not run retreads. On a big truck it is not as disastrous. I had a blowout on my front tire when I was driving big trucks. Was going 65 mph when the front tire blew, was grossing around 70,000 lbs at the time. Did not panic and was able to bring the rig to a stop with no issues. No damage to the truck. Had that been an RV would have been a different story as far as damage goes. The way these coaches handle I don't think stopping would be an issue as long as one does not panic and make any quick moves take everything slow and easy. Damage caused by the tire is another thing altogether. Don't think that fibre glass and flying tire remnants make for a good combination.

Roland

Yes, couldn't agree more.  My previous motorhome had a blowout of the driver side outside rear.  Of course that's right where all of the tanks and complete coach electrical system is located.  I was going southbound on the 5, just north of Grants Pass, OR.  When I felt the tire go, all I saw in the mirror was foam and fiberglass flying.  It completely shredded the two most important cabinets, severed the gas filler, and wiped out the whole plumbing system, including the black.  It was a smell I'll never forget.  The poor tow truck driver had to lay in it to get the tire off.  Luckily the Oregon Department of Environmental Protection (if there is such a thing) was not behind me, they probably wouldn't have been too happy.

I guess once you have an experience like this, you don't take chances with tires.  Not only did it delay that trip, it was in the shop for about six months.  The insurance company couldn't figure out how there could have been that much damage. They tried to tell me that the reason why the damage were so extensive is because I did not empty the tanks before driving, that motorhomes are not made to drive with full tanks.  They quickly lost that argument. 
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Inexpensive New Tires

Reply #27 –
Retreads make sense and (cents) in some commercial applications.

At the risk of making everyone nervous, most commercial aircraft run retreads and pay for them by the landing!! Most urban bus tires are leased by the mile.

That said, I still prefer virgins on the coach but would run retreads on the rear if the carcass was certified by a retread shop I trust. Many fleets "recycle" their own tires with Michelin or Bandag retread shops. Since I've been out of the tire business for almost 10 years, don't know any shops that well anymore.

Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: Inexpensive New Tires

Reply #28 –
         I am not a tire guy , I am a tire buyer . The reason I run around this great country in our Foretravel for the pure enjoyment of it . I buy some things for the lower price , but tires are for me something that have got to be the best for safety .I will always buy Michelin till something comes along that is proven to be better . Yes they cost a lot , but so did my Foretravel . For me , not liking the cash layout is not my main mover .Be safe , stay alive etc.  Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'
 

Re: Inexpensive New Tires

Reply #29 –
Agree......a couple extra hundred of dollars is worth the peace of mind! I've spent more on a good bottle of wine!
Steve Mudd
Commander, The Crystal Ship
CEO, Retirement Clearinghouse International
1993 Grand Villa U300 40', Detroit 6V92 Turbo
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport
2008 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic
2000 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide
swmudd@aol.com