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Topic: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)? (Read 969 times) previous topic - next topic

Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

It's a long story which I will put in another thread but I am in the midst of acquiring a '96 U320 and getting it roadworthy.  The next step is tires.  Reading through the posts it seems that Michelin is the optimal choice.  My question is which ones?  There seem to be a number of choices:

XRV
XZA
X Line Energy Z
...

If my priorities are (1) Safety and (2) smooth ride which is the best choice?

Gene Horr
Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #1 –
Gene, you will get as many opinions on tires as there are people out there.  All have valid points.
Not saying they any better or worse than any other brand or model, but I have been happy with the X Line Energy Z that I have.
Have about 20,000 miles on them, no issues. Seem to run cool and true. I'll buy them again when needed.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Mark.  The Michelin web site seems to go out of their way to hide the information but I finally found a useful guide at:

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

Doing some more digging from opinion sites it looks like the "XRV" has added UV protection and a softer ride at a cost of a slightly weaker sidewall, and the other "X" models can handle more weight with different attributes such as fuel economy or a tougher sidewall.

The choice is somewhat simplified due to the stock size (275/80/R22.5) only being offered in two tires - Energy E and XZE. 

Thanks again,

Gene
Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #3 –
Currently running the Michelin X line Energy's that replaced my 8 year old Goodyear 390 LHS's.  Very happy with both of these tire brands.

Steve
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #4 –
I just replaced my 8 year old Michelins with the X line energy tires also. I've had no problems with Michelins.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #5 –
Gene, sent you a PM
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #6 –
I have the X line energy Michelins and have been very happy. Make sure you check multiple dealers before buying. I found that there can be a lot of difference in prices. I bought mine last year and joined FMCA for the discount, but luckily before I bought them I found an independent truck tire dealer that had them a lot cheaper than the price with the FMCA discount.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #7 –
When I bought my second Foretravel, it had Toyo's.  My first coach had Michelins and I will go back with them.  I checked around and the XZEL is the one I will go with.  It is a G rated 14 ply tire.  I always had a great ride with the Michelins.  No issues and we put around 50k on those tires before we sold that coach.  If you are an FMCA member, they have a great deal on Michelins, but there is another guy, David who has a deal with Michelins and he will set you up with an installer and covered those tires lifetime for the original owner and he is cheaper than FMCA.  I believe the quoted price on the XZEL's was $625 with excise tax less labor and state tax.  Cheapest I have seen so far on these top of the line from Michelin.  The number to reach David is:  321-607-2265.  He does charge $90 for his service, but that is a one time lifetime deal.  Hope this helps!

Correction on Tire;  it is a H rated 16 ply tire and it will be at $656 ea.
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #8 –
Tires are at risk when pressure is down a little, going around curves, hitting things and holes, etc.  Our coaches are heavy, 30,000 - 40,000 pounds and we believe in only buying Load Range H tires and while LR G can meet minimum specs, having stronger tires with LR H is always worth the cost. Safety first and tires are a big item that can cause big problems.

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #9 –
I replaced my Michelin XZE's Load range H with over 50,000 miles at 7 years with Toyo M170 load range H tires. Now have over 6,000 on the Toyo's and have been happy with both choices. Both very good tires, Toyo's were considerably less expensive.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #10 –
Well, you answered my next question before I ever asked it.  Whether to go with load range H tires.  Looking at the specs for G they are marginal for a fully loaded vehicle IMO. 

And yes, I am purchasing a TPMS.

The PO did not take the vehicle on the road in recent years and so had installed somewhat cheapo tires.  On the rear are Toyo which from a short distance driving seemed to be OK.  On the front are Dayton which appear to be complete pieces of cr**, er, less than an optimal choice, at least for steering.

Gene
Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #11 –
I went with Uniroyals from Walmart .com. half price and just fine tires
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: genehorr –
Well, you answered my next question before I ever asked it.  Whether to go with load range H tires.  Looking at the specs for G they are marginal for a fully loaded vehicle IMO. 

And yes, I am purchasing a TPMS.

The PO did not take the vehicle on the road in recent years and so had installed somewhat cheapo tires.  On the rear are Toyo which from a short distance driving seemed to be OK.  On the front are Dayton which appear to be complete pieces of cr**, er, less than an optimal choice, at least for steering.

Gene

Nothing wrong with Toyo tires.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #13 –
Well, I went through the "Florida" source.  The procedure was quick and easy and I am happy with the price.  The installer was a little uncertain as she hadn't done something like this before but she figured it out and it was "drop it off, get a call in about 3 hours, sign for the work, then drive away".  Well, that and pay the credit card later...

I am happy with the tires.  The front were a dramatic improvement (well, they couldn't get much worse).  The rear "seem" a little quieter than the Toyos but that could be imagination and I detect no difference in the ride.
Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #14 –
Hi Gene,
Curious as to the brand model and size you picked?
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Michelin Tires - Which one(s)?

Reply #15 –
275/80R22.5, H load range.

I think that they are the Michelin X Line Energy Z but I am not near the vehicle/paperwork right now.




Gene
97 U320 3rd Owner