Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Toyo vs Michelin (Read 3223 times) previous topic - next topic

Toyo vs Michelin

I am still wrangling with which tires to go with.  I have run Michelin 295 80R 22.5 for the last 5 years.  After my experience with a blowout (blowout on Goodyear not Michelin) I am committed to changing out the tires every 5 years.  So if I do so will Toyo tires do the trick?  I can get 8 Toyos and save$2800.00.  I have heard good things about Toyos but was looking for someone who has run them on a coach of equal weight to my 2006 Phenix.  Anyone out there have such experience?

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #1 –
I ran Toyo's & Yokohama's on 18 wheelers (16 ply "steer" tires) and got good mileage out of them.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #2 –
I switched from Michelin to Toyos several years ago.  The ride is harder but they do wear well.  BTW I do not have a 40K# unit.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #3 –
Gerard, I wish there was a definitive answer for what tires to get. I just got 6 new tires and am going to start buying new steers every three years and whatever else I need to never exceed six. Toyos, Yokohamas, and Michelins and others got a good look.  The answer is no one knows for sure, everyone's experience is a bit different.  The tire guy said for a coach all of them would be OK. I went with Michelins. More $ but over six years maybe $3-400 a year. I could have a blowout tomorrow I suppose but so far these have been good. I had six years on BFG and they were fine too.

I spent the money and not worrying about it or the tires.  OK with me.  Buy what you are going to be comfortable with. Miles are not as important as ride, handling and peace of mind.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #4 –
My toyo experience is very old versus the Michelin so take it with a grain of salt.

IMO the ride, quiet, and handling from the Michelin's puts them in the top ratings.

I am not aware of any uni anything from Foretravel that did not come with Michelin's.

The older Toyos had thicker sidewalls to be able to run flat without  damaging the sidewalls.  Made the steering numb.

Michelin's had thinner sidewalls that allowed the tire to drop onto the tread belt destroying the sidewalls in the process but having no flip flopping and no loss of steering control.

Some are sensitive to the "feel" of the coach.  Some are not.

Most do not expect a coach to handle at all.  Most assume they always drive like a truck.

Made more deals after I long ,broken surface, windy, twisty, rolling road demo drives with a unihome.

Pretty obvious that the sharp handling and smooth ride and no wind sway was a major difference from most other coaches the customers were or had driven.

I do understand the money part of the decision but my personal driving experience in the coach after three years of work is priceless to me.

If I was buying a used uni the first thing I would look at is the tires. 

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #5 –
Trucker friend that owns a 320 claims that Toyo blows away Michelins on heavy truck application. We put Toyo's on our coach last summer.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #6 –
Quote from: TAS69 –
Trucker friend that owns a 320 claims that Toyo blows away Michelins on heavy truck application. We put Toyo's on our coach last summer.

Then again one must consider that a trucker is looking at tire cost per miles driven vs an RV'r who is mostly sitting and drives once in a while

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #7 –
I have Toyo's on front but Firestone on rear as I could not get the Toyo's here in Canada when I was replacing the rears and to go to US and pay the ex rate made them way too much, but I really do like them. Years ago I took the Mich's off my 735i BMW and put Toyos on and vastly better handling and grip in snow, but that is not what you were asking.
JohnH

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #8 –
Toyo's for all of our vehicles.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #9 –
Has anyone ever worn out a tire on a motorhome?  I don't think tread life should ever be a factor in selecting a tire for our application.  UV resistance, on the other hand, is vital.  Also, mode of failure is critical.  I've had two flats on Michelins but never suffered coach damage or damage to an adjacent tire.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #10 –
Brett,
      You are so right.  It is not about tread life.  I think the Toyos would be fine but I am wondering about any difference in handling and ride.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #11 –
Lavocat,

Have you checked pricing on the Michelin with the FMCA program? I am about to put two new steers on my coach. I'm leaning toward staying the Michelins that I have now.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #12 –
Gerard, as you have noticed most members do not have your model etc so the answers will be a bit screwed, but, my front Toyos do not feel any different than what I remember the old Michelin;s did. They do seem to have a bit stiffer sidewalls but not affecting ride etc.
JohnH

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #13 –
[quote author=Roger & Susan in Home2 link=msg=241621 date=1470  I just got 6 new tires and am going to start buying new steers every three years and whatever else I need to never exceed six.  Buy what you are going to be comfortable with. [/quote]

What Roger said. I've run Toyos, Goodyears and now, Michelins, all good tires.  ^.^d

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #14 –
Brrving,
      I have priced the Michelins through the FMCA program.  They are $700.68 a piece and once you add dealer charge to mount etc they are $855 each.  For 8 of them it is $6847 and for the Toyos from same dealer they are $3963.11.  I am reminded of a statement made by my old Cajun Daddy when I complained of the cost of repair on my first expensive auto which was:
"Just remember, big dogs get big fleas!"

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #15 –
Quote from: lavocat –
Brrving,
      I have priced the Michelins through the FMCA program.  They are $700.68 a piece and once you add dealer charge to mount etc they are $855 each.  For 8 of them it is $6847 and for the Toyos from same dealer they are $3963.11.  I am reminded of a statement made by my old Cajun Daddy when I complained of the cost of repair on my first expensive auto which was:
"Just remember, big dogs get big fleas!"

I would maybe consider using the Michelin's on the front axle?

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
I would maybe consider using the Michelin's on the front axle?

Nope, no tire outlet likes to see "other brands" on our coaches. If you're going to do new tires, pick a brand that you like, and outfit all corners with them. Find out who the dealers are in your travel area. They love to see you, and will take great care, (for free) to check you out. In thirty+ years of wearing tires out, this has worked. I've never bought tires from any "discount tire outlet" that is not a factory approved service center  ^.^d .

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #17 –
Quote from: lavocat –
      I have priced the Michelins through the FMCA program.  They are $700.68 a piece and once you add dealer charge to mount etc they are $855 each.  For 8 of them it is $6847 and for the Toyos from same dealer they are $3963.11.

Gerard,

I'm sure you've already checked, but do make sure the Toyos are the same load range as the Michelins.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #18 –
Just got 6 new Toyo M177 tires in Chicago,drove home from there ride great.Load range G,much less than the Michelins.
Our tire man at TM tire installed a 1 pound package of micro beads in each tire (newer product),very smooth ride.They even
knew the L on the stud was for left hand thread.

Re: Toyo vs Michelin

Reply #19 –
I wondered why Bridgestones were not mentioned in any of the replies. They were the most reasonably priced when I replaced my steering tires. No problems in 3 years.