Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Topic: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both (Read 3317 times) previous topic - next topic

Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

March 29, 2018, 01:33:21 am

I just used the FMCA tire program March 26 and installed 8 of the below Continental tires mounted and spin balanced:

CONTINENTAL 275/80R22.5 Hrated HSL2 Eco Plus 05110620000 $607.03 (list) $418.53 (FMCA with FET) $188.50 FMCA savings per tire

The comparable Michelin w FMCA had I chosen it:
MICHELIN 275/80R22.5 X LEZ LRH XLEZ 66205 $634.59 (list) $556.59 (FMCA w FET) $78.00 FMCA savings (X LINE ENERGY Z)

8 Michelin price: $4452.72
8 Conti price: $3348.24
-------------------------------
Conti savings $1104.48

Comments: My previous coach I ran Michelin XZE tires (2 sets while owned) . Current Foretravel was running Michelin XZA3+.

Impression w new Conti tires:

First day drove 11 miles, second day drove 11 miles, today drove 155 miles. The Conti ride a bit harder, with minimal more road noise. The Michelins removed had better steering response and feel, better tracking, slightly less noise, bit softer ride feel.

Opinion: I think the Conti on the drive and tag axle are immaterial to road feel, steering response, etc. I think Michelin is my preference for the steer axle.

Hind site: should have done Conti on drive and tag for the $$ savings, and Michelin on steer axle for ride, bit less road noise, and improved steering respnse and centering. NOTE: Tire pressures the same before and after.

In 6 or 7 years when tires are replaced, if the same/similar tires and pricing are offered, it will be Michehin on steer axle. Drive and tag "might" be Michelin or less pricey tire.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #1 – March 29, 2018, 03:29:18 am

Thank you Dan for your observations. I remember as a General Manager for MBZ in the 1960's thru the late1980's. MBZ specked out everything, lubricants, tires, brake linings, filters, fuel and brake hoses, upholstery fabric fire retardants, etc. At that time they were the leader in front impact tests, side impact tests, stopping distance, skid pads, air tunnel effects, etc. They would not allow a dealer installed Mich on their vehicles, only Continentals. They stated handling tests. I've had nothing but Michelins on my autos and SUV's for over 600,000 miles since 1992 when I first put on Michelin Sport A/S kevlar belted tires on a 1992 Lexus SC400. That being said, safety is my primary concern. I'd have no problem with Michelin, Toyo, or Continental on my motor home. I now have TOYOs as I too would not go for the $$$ bump, my H rated Toyo 154s being priced similarly. Now, per your experience, in 5-6 years, I may go for two Michelin front tires, for now I am more than content with the TOYO ride and steering. I appreciate your input as with your daily full time driving experience, we can not get from a manufacturer.
"Continental is based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. Continental is the world's fourth-largest tyre manufacturer. Continental was founded in 1871 as a rubber manufacturer, Continental-Caoutchouc und Gutta-Percha Compagnie."

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #2 – March 29, 2018, 05:35:57 am

Good Morning, I am just about to have two (2) new Toyo M177 295/75R22.5 installed as "Steer" tires on my 1994 U300. Previously I had Michelin's on the front, they lasted seven (7) years and 10,000 miles. This was the second set of Michelin's I have had on this coach, they ride nice and steer nice but the sidewall of these tires seem to dry rot much faster then the Toyo's. I had put a set of four (4) Toyo's on the rear, after I had an inside rear dual blowout while driving in Florida's heat about four years ago, they are now over five (4) years old and show no sign of dry rot. Found the two (2) Toyo's online for $753.00 delivered to my home, from "tiresdirect.net" I am having them mounted tomorrow.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #3 – March 29, 2018, 06:40:12 am

Dan thanks for the report. Your driving impression "feel" and noise observations matches what I noticed at least from our coaches XZA-2's that were on it when received that were 5 and 8? years old,

Another observation from our XZA-2's is the much reduced rolling resistance. With the older tires, when coasting, the coach slowed a certain amount. Not so with the XZA-3+'s. Have to use the brakes more now. Mpg seems to have gone up but with he other changes made along the same time harder to quantitify.

Intersting that your comparison is with an XZE model Michelin. Not sure obviously of the difference in the two models(XZA-2'a and your XZE's) but if your and our old tires were similar technology and you noted the differences posted I would think that the latest Michelin Energy's might show even more of a difference versus the XZE's you removed?

The possibly better mpg from the Energy's reduced rolling resistance might need to factored in on a long term basis as a adjunct to the cost factor mentioned.

From a driving standpoint the Michelin's characteristics bring a grin to my face that's hard to wipe off.

Not sure that there is a cost difference enough regardless of the amount to get me to put less expensive tires on our coach after driving the XZA-3+'s. More or less the even more improved Energy's.

Hard to quantify but the rolling resistance's noted between your possibly older design Michelin's and your new tires might add to this thread?

Almost all tires other than Michelin's went to a thicker sidewall for control if pressure is lost while driving.

My long ago experience of the other brand tires matches your comments.

Every unihome or unicoach made had Michelin's on them new. Serms it wax well worth it to Foretravel to put what they probably considered the best overall tires on their expensive coach new. The better it drove the more they sold I bet.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #4 – March 30, 2018, 12:08:09 am

Hi Bob,

The Conti HSL2 Eco Plus is also a low rolling resistance tire. Comparable to Michelin Energy's according to research I did. Of the two tires pricing I compared above, the Michelin is the energy Z. I edited the post just now to clarify.

My previous coach had the Michelin XZE. The tires just removed from the U320 were XZA3+.

I do feel a difference from the XZA3+ to the Conti HSL2 EP.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #5 – March 30, 2018, 12:23:42 am

Not to upset the cart here..but we just put 3K miles on our newly purchased Uniroyal RS20 and I'm VERY pleased. NO regrets....and big savings to boot over the Michelins.

Now talking about fuel economy the Bio 20 diesel sucks....We got a load of the REAL stuff (no bio) in Alabama and "Ben" loved it giving us 10.3 @ 68...now running @ 8.5 on Bio 20

Hans

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #6 – March 30, 2018, 01:06:32 am

138K/btu/gal 100% petro vs 131K/btu/gal for 100% bio means for B20, you would be getting about 1-1.5% less mileage. Less mileage is either wind, topo or foot on the pedal. Bio is what's happening. You wouldn't throw trash out the coach window, burning 100% petro diesel is the same thing. Look at what's happening many of the world's major cities with diesel cars now.

We usually fuel with biodiesel here in the Sacramento Valley below us as most stations have between B5 and B20. Absolutely no difference in mileage.

Some tires have more squishy sidewalls than others, others rot the sidewalls faster. Can't think of any bad major brands out there.

Pierce

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #7 – March 30, 2018, 01:28:10 am

Oh no😬, not more on tires and fuel.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #8 – March 30, 2018, 07:51:19 am

Like the comments about new tires riding smoother...well, DUH! Put on a set of Michelins and drive a couple of hundred miles then switch to Conti for the same trip then to UniRoyal or whatever for the same trip. Don't worry about the mileage foe this test, just the feel. If the ambient temps and road temps are reasonably close then you'd have a better chance of knowing any difference.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #9 – March 30, 2018, 11:20:27 am

Actually I said the older Michelin had a better ride (feel) than the brand new Conti. Primarily steering centering, steering response, and steering "feel". Not enough to concern me, but quite noticeable within the fist 10 miles, and on the last 155 mile drive.

I probably will not notice it in the future as I get used to the difference. Ambient and road temps were the same.

Also, I think this difference would only be noticed on the steer axle, and not the drive or tag.

Quote from: lgshoup – March 30, 2018, 07:51:19 am

Like the comments about new tires riding smoother...well, DUH! Put on a set of Michelins and drive a couple of hundred miles then switch to Conti for the same trip then to UniRoyal or whatever for the same trip. Don't worry about the mileage foe this test, just the feel. If the ambient temps and road temps are reasonably close then you'd have a better chance of knowing any difference.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #10 – March 30, 2018, 11:22:40 am

The subject line and title would have allowed you to skip reading another post thread on tires.

Quote from: bbeane – March 30, 2018, 01:28:10 am

Oh no😬, not more on tires and fuel.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #11 – March 30, 2018, 11:56:08 am

Quote from: AC7880 – March 30, 2018, 11:20:27 am

Actually I said the older Michelin had a better ride (feel) than the brand new Conti. Primarily steering centering, steering response, and steering "feel". Not enough to concern me, but quite noticeable within the fist 10 miles, and on the last 155 mile drive.

Thanks for the review. Knowing there are substantial differences in tire construction across brands I've always wondered a bit about reports of "can't tell the difference between my new chen shings and michelins." Of course it's certainly possible that some really can't tell a difference....and some can.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #12 – March 30, 2018, 12:11:40 pm

Quote from: AC7880 – March 30, 2018, 11:22:40 am

The subject line and title would have allowed you to skip reading another post thread on tires.

Obviously, a few of us have time on our hands, I read them too! One thing I will say, is I've never run anything but Goodyear & Michelins. Why? You can pull into any dealer and get prompt and attentive service, anywhere in U.S. and Canada. That counts for me!

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #13 – March 30, 2018, 01:02:05 pm

Correct tire pressures. Correct wheel bearing adjustment. Non worn suspension components. Correct alignment. All influence the drive comparisons.

I worked through the above list then changed the tires last.

Used to brand new unihomes long ago. After driving a hundred plus of those as the Ca. Sales Manager I know what's possible on my 97.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #14 – April 01, 2018, 06:20:34 pm

I too leaned toward Michelin, but the myriad reports of sidewall deterioration, cracking and failures drove me back to Toyo, which I have used very successfully since their debut in the U.S, lo those many years ago. Toyo have a superior record due to carbon technology of the tire amd particularly better sidewall UV resistence.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #15 – April 01, 2018, 09:43:06 pm

Quote from: RandallBrink – April 01, 2018, 06:20:34 pm

I too leaned toward Michelin, but the myriad reports of sidewall deterioration, cracking and failures drove me back to Toyo, which I have used very successfully since their debut in the U.S, lo those many years ago. Toyo have a superior record due to carbon technology of the tire amd particularly better sidewall UV resistence.

How does the prices compare between Toyo and Michelin
Chris

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #16 – April 02, 2018, 12:01:08 am

I ordered a set of Toyo M137's for my steer axle. These are 16 ply and 15/32's deep. Which is fine for a motor home that is likely to age out, Not wear out a tire. Bought through Les Schwabe for $934 to include dismount, Mount and balance. As I'm a bit isolated out here in Walla Walla. It was hard to "shop around" as driving any distance for a better deal is quickly ate up by fuel and other trip costs.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #17 – April 02, 2018, 08:19:46 am

Because of our square edged freeway block construction of the local freeways here in so cal I needed to find the best riding and handling setup possible. As others have done i changed to "h" rated tires.

The hightest capacity were Michelin's. The highest 7160 pound single load rating at 120 psi allowed me to run 97/ 87 for our load and increased our payload reserve by a lot if needed versus the previous tires.

Really helped the ride on our broken down roads: along with the Kini FSD's shock change things greatly improved.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #18 – April 03, 2018, 10:03:00 pm

So which Michelins give the best handling?
XLEZ, XZE, XZA3, XZA3+.............or what?

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #19 – April 03, 2018, 11:38:53 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – April 03, 2018, 10:03:00 pm

So which Michelins give the best handling?
XLEZ, XZE, XZA3, XZA3+.............or what?

My experience is with XZE on prior coach, and XZA3+ on current coach. Both handled great, both had zero sidewall cracking at 6 year point.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #20 – April 03, 2018, 11:48:20 pm

Had not seen this info from Michelin before. Dated 08/2017 did not realize their tires on a rv are warrantied for seven years

Good reading.

https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/RV_Tires_Brochure.pdf

Bad storage, under inflation or not dry air all accelerate side wall cracking it seems

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #21 – April 04, 2018, 05:48:23 am

I have been running the XZE since we bought the coach, now almost 3 years later and over 22,000 miles, very pleased with them. I chose them over the XZA series because of the advertised stronger side walls. We are in and out of some pretty small campsites and narrow streets so I chose the one with better "curb" appeal.
The XZA may ride better? but I'm satisfied with the way it rides now, probably better than most other (SOB's) on the road.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #22 – April 06, 2018, 09:44:10 am

When we bought our coach from POs, it was equipped with a full set of XZA3 tires. The coach has been stored outside 99% of the time since these tires were first installed. West Texas sun is brutal in the summer. Tires have never been covered or protected or in any way "babied" since we've owned the coach (going on 5 years). They show ZERO cracking or degradation of sidewalls. I keep the tire pressure at 100 psi all around cuz it's easy to remember. All 6 tires are wearing evenly across the treads.

All 6 tires have date codes in 2010, so we are shopping for new tires this month on our trip around Texas. Every time I read one of these "tire" threads, I waffle back and forth on what brand I want to buy. My short list right now is Michelin, Continental, and Toyo. We will probably end up with whichever ones I can find at the best price. I feel like we'll be OK with any of these three brands.

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #23 – April 06, 2018, 11:37:59 am

Yesterday I checked the DOT code to see where the Continentals I bought were manufactured. Code A3 = Mount Vernon Illinois.

All the D.O.T. Tire Plant Codes

Re: Tire comparison Continental versus Michelin - my opinon after having both

Reply #24 – April 06, 2018, 12:30:49 pm

The Michelin info link I posted mentions storing them a full sidewall pressure for extended times. Plus pariking on something and covering them to prevent ultraviolet ray damage plus no ozone

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