When I purchased my 2006 30IB, 2 years ago, the previous owner had installed 6 new West Lake LT225/75R16 Load Range E Tires… one day I decided to pull out the spare tire to check its condition. Much to my surprise, the tire was a Michelin LT 225/75R 16 with a date code of 1305… This was the original spare tire from when my coach was built, it had never been used. Interesting. I will be replacing that spare before my next trip.
I looked up the price on the West Lake tire available from Walmart for around $125.00…
I also looked up the price of a Michelin tire from Pep Boys was $263, over twice as much, that’s quite a difference, looks like the previous owner wanted to save some money.
My question… Should I be worried with West Lake tires? Or are these tires ok to keep using? I understand how serious having good tires are, as well as the possible damage to a rig could be caused during a blowout…
Thanks for your comments.
Westlake tires are Chinese, some made in Thailand by the same company. Might be OK. For now I'll stay with the Agilis Michelin tires. I have those now, and they have performed well so far. The differences in price amortized over 5 or six years just feels worse, but a 'tank of gasoline' of difference per year, makes me feel a bit more secure.
A lot depends on your rig's total weight, speeds that you drive, temperatures that you drive in, and exposure to heat ozone and UV rays. YMMV as Joan would have said. RonB
RONB... Any opinion on my spare tire?
I would not use any 20 year old spare tire, even if it looks brand new. Penny-wise, pound-foolish comes to mind . . .
I would replace all the tires with something at least mid-range.
Read through the archives here about the damage caused by failed tires. Search other RV forums for reviews on Westlake tires, particularly the load range E. Combine that with limited parts availability, and it's not a chance I want to take.
You can probably sell the current tires on FB marketplace and get some of your $ back.
Rich
Westlake vs Michelin article (https://vehicleindoor.com/westlake-tires-vs-michelin/)
Pretty much sums up my feelings on the Westlake tires, if your a fair weather California camper not going very far, they’re fine.
Me?
I go up mountains, gravel roads, through wind and rain and more. I drive long hard miles, I want the best tires out there for my adventures. So I’m in camp Michelin. But I drive more miles than most.
Hi Art; Sorry I didn't refer to your spare tire, the 2005 one. You said you were going to replace it....yesterday wouldn't be soon enough for me! Next to useless is better than not there at all.
I'm not sure this applies but one of our members (a neighbor down the street from me here in San Diego) had removed his spare tire and wheel from his side compartment (MidBath), and sold his motorhome, forgetting about it. The new owner may think that he has a tire in the bustle... It's not. Sadly this owner passed soon after that. His brother recently asked me if I wanted the tire, not sure of the age but it is still at his property. I'll have to check on that. RonB
Dave, appreciate your reply... I'm currently living in my RV and not on the road a lot nor am I going very far if I do decide to go camping. My plan is to retire at the end of 2027, move out of California and explore the USA. At that time the Westlake tire will be 4 years old... So, before I depart, I'll replace all 6 and the spare with new Michelins. Thanks again for your comments.
RONB, please let me know about that tire, might make a good spare for now...
I would replace the 20 year-old tire immediately.
Personally, I would replace it with the same tire I'd expect to use when I replaced the existing 6. That way, your spare would match them, even if a bit older.
Some of you may have seen this comparison of mine before. I just looked up an extra large King Arthur Round Table Pizza at their place in La Mesa: $44.49. The difference between the two tire prices is $138. That represents 3.1 pizzas. Over a 6-year tire lifespan, the higher cost tire represents 1/2 pizza/ year.
I have about 65K on my 2013 31IB, 64K of that towing and its on its 3rd set of tires. It runs heavy - about 14,000 according to CAT scales. I have replaced 3 tires: one side-wall blowout just East of the Tx/La border, a very respectful tread separation (left in one piece with no damage) near home , and one that broke in a pothole in Big Bend NP. The latest set of 6 are Michelin Crossclimate (I believe) which were installed 9/15/21 for $1,800. The spare is the replacement I bought in Las Cruces NM to replace the one that broke in Big Bend. They will be due for aged-out replacement in another year or so. Great tread left, but comfort level will be the key replacement trigger.
As Joan often said, YMMV
Joel
Do a google (AI) search for:
"which chinese trucks are equipped with Westlake tires"
to get an idea of how the Chinese use them. They may be just fine...
Steve