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Tires....a bit confused

January 13, 2016, 07:39:53 pm

I gouged the sidewall on a rear tire. Thanks to a prodding from a wise FT friend, I decided it would be a good idea to replace it before we head to Florida next week.

My '94 GV is currently wearing Michelin XZA-1 275/80R 22.5 tires. I believe the date codes show the tires are 3 years old (more on the dates below). I do belong to FMCA and found that we have a commercial Michelin dealer the participates in the Advantage program right here in Boone.

I called there today and told him I needed one XZA-1 275/80R 22.5 tire. He told me that my tire is three generations old and thus, he can not get one. Back to the date codes....I'm almost positive that I'm right on these date codes. During my PPI Brett W. pointed out the code and explained how to read it.

I am going to storage in the morning to recheck those codes myself. I'd rather buy one tire instead of 6 but if I'm wrong about the dates I may have to spend the money to replace all of them.

He suggested that I consider XZA3 +Evertread as a replacement for what I have. He said that it was important to try and get the same tread pattern all the way around for wear and handling reasons. If the tread pattern is different, what is the downside to just replacing the gouged XZA-1 with a new XZA3+ Evertread?

If I find that the tires are aged out I will replace all of them but prefer to avoid spending $3,800.00 if I can safely.

Thanks as always all, for your patience.

Jeff

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #1 – January 13, 2016, 08:12:16 pm

They are still selling this tire. Do a Google search

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #2 – January 13, 2016, 08:17:31 pm

If my tires where only 3 years old and I need one tire, I would match it as close as possible and let it go, it's not that critical. I would certainly not replace all six, that's a chunk of change.

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #3 – January 13, 2016, 08:19:39 pm

If you only replace on put it on the outside passenger dual. That way the crown of the road will help you even it out as the others will be a bit smaller.

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #4 – January 13, 2016, 08:28:33 pm

Thanks guys

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #5 – January 13, 2016, 08:32:43 pm

The complete DOT number is only molded into one sidewall of each tire.  Could be facing outward or inward.  The last 4 digits are generally in a separate molded area, since that part of the mold is changed weekly.

The last 4 digits of the DOT code indicate the WEEK and YEAR of production.  so DOT.....2406 were produced the 24th week of 2006.

My suggestion would be to replace BOTH front tires and move one of the fronts to the damaged back tires.  Keep the other for a spare.  Front tires are the most critical from a safety standpoint, so keep them fresh.  And the used front tire will more likely be closer to the rolling radius of the existing rear tire than a brand new one.

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #6 – January 13, 2016, 08:34:03 pm

People mix and match all the time. We have Coopers except the right rear duals with a Firestone and a Continental.

The  275/80R 22.5 Michelin has a different aspect ratio than the 295/75R 22.5 of other brands even though it's the same diameter so you might want to go with the 275/80R Michelin as a replacement.

Absolutely no reason to change out 3 year old tires. Ours are 7 years and I would not change a whole set.

Pierce

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #7 – January 13, 2016, 08:47:24 pm

I think that Bret has it nailed  ----  Get a matched set on the front and pair up the rears with good ones that you already have.  Two new tires and some oldies but goodies.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #8 – January 13, 2016, 08:59:49 pm

Noticeable improvement in all tire aspects from the xza-3+ evertreads.  And I had xza-1's.

Quieter, turns better, stays straighter  rides better.  First dual compound. Should have less sidewall cracking.

glad I upgraded on our coach.  Plus centrimatics and koni fsd's

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Re: Tires....a bit confused

Reply #9 – January 13, 2016, 10:22:23 pm

Agree with Brett....
Might want to try Michellin XZE 's on the steers. They are a regional tire with stronger sidewalls, may not ride quite as soft but I prefer having the tougher sidewalls. Keep your XZA's on the rear.

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