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READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Hi there,

I think we can get a pretty good deal by going with FMCA - here are the prices that we have as of today - we are replacing all 6 2012 tires - trying to prepare for retirement early 2019.  Based on everything that we have read - Michelin is the way to go.  I think it should be the X Coach HLZ Just not sure on the tread that is listed below - any suggestions?  Also we live near Flagstaff AZ any recommendations for where we should go to have this done?  Phoenix is less than 2 hours away.
Tire Description         Tread                                                               MSPN         Base Price  savings
MICHELIN 295/80R22.5 XZA2 ENER 152M(LRH   XZA2NRG   76807   $765.92   $664.42   $101.50
MICHELIN 295/80R22.5 X COACH XZ 152MLRJ   XCOACH XZ   28798   $835.92   $715.87   $120.05
MICHELIN 295/80R22.5 X COACH HL Z LRH   XCOACHHLZ   31078   $856.08   $726.32   $129.76
MICHELIN 295/80R22.5 XMW 3D XZE 152/148   XMW3DXZE   07719   $898.92   $761.64   $137.28

Kath
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #1
It would be worth a drive to Phoenix and have Redburn Tire do the job, they did ours. They force-balanced, installed new aluminum valve stems, wheel studs and dual seal caps. Our coach had been weighed already, so they could figure the proper psi. They might weigh there, ask for "Dan", he was a big help.  www.RedburnTireCo.com
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #2
I'm attaching a photo of a Michelin "X Line Energy Z" tire we had a problem with.  This was one year and 3000 miles after purchasing a full set.  We ended up with a partial reimbursement from Michelin.  The dealership we brought it to and a Michelin rep. determined that it was a defective tire.  Their head office disputed it and would not pay for extensive damages to the coach.  I forwarded the case to Progressive who were took over the case.  We won't be buying Michelin again, mostly due to poor customer service - they wanted us to take the tire with us (after we bought the replacement) on our trip and mail it to them in NC on our return home.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #3
IMO..Michelins (brand) are over rated.....just replaced ours with Uniroyal RS20's..... 2/3 the cost....

Again...

IMO

Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #4
IMO..Michelins (brand) are over rated.....just replaced ours with Uniroyal RS20's..... 2/3 the cost....

Again...

IMO

Hans

Agree with you, actually got 275/80r22.5 RS20's in Nac for $345 each installed last year. Less than half the cost of the overated Michelins. Very happy so far.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #5
Kath,

We got 6 Michelin tires for our 2001 U320 in 2016 with the FMCA program.  I am pretty sure they were the (new that year) XZA Energy tires, load range H.  We are on a two tires every two years program.  Steer tires will never be older than 2 years.  Oldest tires are gone at 6 years.  Handling, ride, stability were all significantly improved compared to the BFG tires that were on the coach when we bought it.

Michelins may be over rated, they may cost more.  The difference between the cheapest tires we could find and Michelins was about $200 each.  So, is it worth it to you to have peace of mind for about $200 a year? (6 tires in 6 years) Less than half a tank of fuel?  Less than 2¢ a mile for us.  It was for me.  If you need a new tire in the middle of nowhere which brand do you think is going to be easiest to get?

Anyone can have a problem with a new tire no matter what brand you buy or a dealer or a customer service rep.  Most do not.

Lots of opinions about tires.  Most tires will do OK if they are replaced every six years or so.  This is simply your choice and your peace of mind.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #6
Personal opinion: I would also consider the FMCA Continental program: CONTINENTAL 295/80R22.5 load range H
HSR2 SA 05121110000 $703.15 $547.27  save $155.88 per tire w FMCA discount
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #7
In December I got my 6 Uniroyal for $436.71 each, mounted, balanced at Herman's in NAC.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #8
While I am certainly not rich the other side to these comments is maybe how important having the best driving experience to you?

Every unihome and unicoach ever made had the Michelin's standard new.  Mr Fore told me the coaches suspension was built around and set up for them.

Whether or not the other brands ride and drive the same is possible.

The printed lower load capacity at pressure of most other brands would probably mean for me having to run higher tire pressures than the "h" rated 7160 at 120 psi Michelin's. 

Most other tires  I have looked up are at around 500 pounds less load capacity at 120 psi.

On our coach the actual pressures are 97/87 respectively and the 10 psi pressure reduction from the "g" rated earlier tires and the later generation design have really helped our ride quality and handling on our broken up overused so cal highways.

Previously I actually would change routes and speeds and placement within the lanes to avoid rough spots in the road.

With the ZXA-3+'s I no longer need that.  Plus the coaches rolling resistance is noticeably improved.

The newer "X"s claim another 5% reduction in rolling resistance. 

Smoother roads and many other variables may influence your decision.

For me after using diesel pushers since 1984 the ,for sure,  best chance of the best drive is a personal pleasure i and Foretravel found worth the additional funding.

I suppose the only way to evaluate the money versus the drive and ride would be to swap multiple tire brands on the same coach back to back.

If we wasted money so be it.  After driving hundreds of pushers looking for things I am probably pickier than most.

If a coach I was selling new or used drove better it was more profitable and and easier to sell. Plus more enjoyable to use.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #9
I have used Michelin tires on both my Foretravel and on the fleet of coach buses we ran for the past twenty years. That amounts to 35 coach buses and 1 Foretravel without issues. Your life depends on the tire you ride on so spending a little more is worth it.
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #10
if I'm not mistaken Michelin makes the Uniroyal tires.. I got 6 Uniroyal's from Herman in nac in sept for about $2300 out the door if I remember correctly
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #11
if I'm not mistaken Michelin makes the Uniroyal tires.. I got 6 Uniroyal's from Herman in nac in sept for about $2300 out the door if I remember correctly
Correct
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #12
Well I will tell you, the six/seven year replacement rule is a FACT!  My coach has been sitting since  November 5th 2017, so I thought I should take a look at the tires.  I replaced my two front tires in March of 2011  with Michelin's that were manufactured 12 of 2010, upon close inspection I can see small checking in the side walls, "Dry Rot".  Now these tires do not have more than 10,000 miles on them but I will be replacing them this spring before I travel. The Rears were replaced in 2015 and have less than 5,000 miles on them and they look fine, they are Toyo's.  I like Michelin's as Steer tires because of the load range and ride.  ^.^d
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #13
No question it seems that commercial line haul tires are made to be driven continuously.  Seems the Michelin's rubber formula as well as others are designed to release an agent during use to lessen side wall cracking.

Our seven year old xza-2's did exhibit a fair amount of sidewall cracking from our low use not releasing enough of the built in agent to lessen this.

My large volume tire shop was going to resell  our traded in -2's on local use truck trailers. He thought that they would still pass yard inspection and be useable.

As our use of truck tires is a tiny fraction of the industries volume their motivation to address our low release of the crack lessening agent may or may not be very high.  Only time will tell whether using our xza-3+'s will result in cracking.

Or did Michelin change their design to help? 

The Michelin original "x" steel carcass thinner sidewall tire design does seem to have a distinct road feel to them.  When I was in the rv biz I drove countless coaches to test them and I now remember not looking on purpose to see what tires were on the individual coach before the drive.  The Michelin's were noticeable back long ago.  No idea if this applies currently as much

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #14
All I ever use to keep the tires and wheels looking top notch: no covers, just attention and rest breaks.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #15
Important topic to be sure. However it always amuses me to see how passionate members of  automotive forums and now this coach forum become over motor oil and tires!! 

I don't have a dog in this hunt... just an observation.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #16
Important topic to be sure. However it always amuses me to see how passionate members of  automotive forums and now this coach forum become over motor oil and tires!! 

I don't have a dog in this hunt... just an observation. 

Getting to be things to add to the "never talk about in mixed company":  Religion, politics, the "best" truck, oil & tires...  O:)
Bill Jackson & Kim Sweeney
2013 27' Lazy Daze RK
2002 U320 PBDS 36' Build 5941 (Sold)
1999 U320 40' (Sold)
2005 Country Coach Intrigue 40' (Sold)

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #17
X2 on what he said about oil and tires.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #18
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.  This has been very helpful and is greatly appreciated.

Kath
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition


Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #20
We should be lucky that those type of "discussions" are online, rather than in my local Irish bar around closing time!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #21
All I ever use to keep the tires and wheels looking top notch: no covers, just attention and rest breaks.
I would move that "Pacifico" to the left....and start from there... 8)
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #22
Add me to the list. We went to Cold creek over the weekend (not sure if it was the rocks or the rot)

I went out to look at the Aquahot and noticed this little CRACK in the tire.. Thinking maybe a tire plug? >:D

What to do, what to do.. Probably need to find a mobile guy as I am not sure how far I will make it and if I am going to be stuck I would rather it be in front of the house

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #23
That is a pretty ugly tire!  If you have a tire place within 10 miles and you can keep it under 30 MPH to get there- you would probably be fine - after all - it got you home....

Mobile calls can get spendy - but you are right - getting work done where you sit is a safe option.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: READY TO PURCHASE FULL SET OF TIRES FOR OUR 2007 NIMBUS 336

Reply #24

Not knowing your abilities I can only say if it were me I would switch with one of my back tires and go to a tire store
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean