Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

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Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

March 02, 2017, 01:16:12 pm

Five years have past and it is time to replace our tires. We live in sunny SoCal, the tires are always covered and since I always err on the side of caution, I am going to replace them soon.

Currently we have Michelin XPS Rib, LT225/75R-16 and I have always been pleased with them. We have had our rig weighed at Redlands Truck and RV Service and have them inflated to 70 front and 80 rear based on the their recommendation based on weight. We weigh in at 4600 lbs front, and 9450 rear. Our mileage is about 40K.

Although I've been satisfied I want to ask all your opinions on this tire or a replacement tire. I have no allegiance to Michelin although I've never had a blow out or had to replace any tire off schedule. I know many run the LTX M/S but am concerned with the heaviness of the 30 footer since we run close to capacity on weight.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions. This forum is one of the reasons I so love our LD community.

Happy Trails,

Jules

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #1 – March 02, 2017, 02:14:03 pm

Here's a suggestion...

I ran 3 (?) sets of the Michelins before I got smart! I didn't like them because of the soft, squirmy ride and the fact that they developed side wall checking and tread wear far too soon. Plus one of them blew out on me, not good.

So, on the recommendation of the Tire Man I switched to Good Year G947 RSS M+S. Now these I like. They are firm and provide a superior 'feel'. Plus they wear a whole lot better... I'm on my 2nd set now. ['04 30'IB] I bought the last set at America's Tire. I understand that they are also sold at Wally World.

https://www.goodyeartrucktires.com/pdf/resources/publications/armor_max_brochure.pdf

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #2 – March 02, 2017, 02:17:09 pm

From the figures that you provided, your rig is at the maximum GVWR; if the *steel-sidewall* belted Michelin Rib has worked for you, you may want to consider replacing your current tires with the same ones. Another steel-belted sidewall choice is Goodyear G947 RSS Armor Max; AFAIK, these two tires are the only 'LT' tires in size 225/75R/16 E that have steel-belted sidewalls.

The older Michelin 'LTX' has been replaced with a tire labeled the Defender; it's available in the correct size, but its sidewalls are polyester, not steel. (There is also a Michelin LTX M+S2 , also with polyester sidewalls.) Maybe a slightly softer ride, but because of the weight of the rig and the attendant stress on the sidewalls, I'd install steel-belted sidewall tires.

The steel-belted choices are rated as 'summer' or 'highway' tread tires; the tread pattern/siping are different from a M+S tread. But, again, if the 'Ribs' have been satisfactory, they may offer the best choice for replacements.

As ever, YMMV.

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #3 – March 03, 2017, 11:23:46 am

Jules,
I have used both Michelin XPS rib tires as well as LTX and Goodyear G 647 (steel sidewall 19.5 wheel). All of them were good tires, although at 50,000 miles, the Goodyear developed terrible cupping with nearly 3/8 tread inch remaining. LTX and XPS ribs never lasted 40,000 miles. All of these tires were on a heavy pickup with a camper weighing nearly 14,000 lb. The 19.5 Goodyear G647 last the longest, had a G weight carrying rating, and are really robust for carrying a load and have a solid ride with very little "squish". On the other hand, the Michelin LTX have a nice soft ride and are better in sand as they conform to the terrain and the sidewalls bulge out more. Both the XPS ribs and the Goodyear G647 are terrible in the sand, for the same reason they are great on the highway: They don't flex or bulge out under a load. The Goodyear G647 has a harsh ride, kind of like an unloaded dump truck, unless you are loaded all of the time (which is the case in your Lazy Daze). All three tires are quiet on the road.

As said in earlier posts, I would use the tire that has worked well for you in the past. The XPS rib is quiet, carries a respectable load and if the ride is comfortable for you, they are a good tire. Since tires last for a few years and are a hefty price for an expendable item, go with what has worked in the past.

My .02.
Harold

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #4 – March 03, 2017, 11:29:41 am

I must add that the Goodyear G647 and the Michelin XPS ribs were the worst in the rain and wet terrain. They were terrible in mud. I regularly launch a 10,000 lb boat on slimy launch ramps and both tires slip if it is wet. They were so bad that recovery on a wet steep ramp was only possible by climbing out with the front wheels in 4x4.

The LTX had the best grip on launch ramps, wet pavement, and muddy roads. Also after 10,000 miles pulling a big 5th wheel from San Diego to Homer Alaska and back, including 1800 miles of roads"under repair" and frequently in the rain, we never had one blown tire. I was impressed.

HD

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #5 – March 03, 2017, 12:33:25 pm

Quote from: Blueox25 - March 03, 2017, 11:29:41 am

I must add that the Goodyear G647 and the Michelin XPS ribs were the worst in the rain and wet terrain. They were terrible in mud. I regularly launch a 10,000 lb boat on slimy launch ramps and both tires slip if it is wet. They were so bad that recovery on a wet steep ramp was only possible by climbing out with the front wheels in 4x4.

The LTX had the best grip on launch ramps, wet pavement, and muddy roads. Also after 10,000 miles pulling a big 5th wheel from San Diego to Homer Alaska and back, including 1800 miles of roads"under repair" and frequently in the rain, we never had one blown tire. I was impressed.

HD

Tire Rack rates the Michelin XPS as a "highway rib summer", here is the description,
"Highway Rib Summer light truck tires are for drivers who want a combination of heavy-duty load capacity, even wear and low noise along with traction on dry and wet roads..... Highway Rib Summer tires are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."
The lack all-season capability is a non-starter for me. We travel year round.

The Goodyear G647 does have a snow and mud rating. Not sure if it is still in production, it doesn't show on Goodyear's site.
The G949 seems to have replaced it, although the G647 is still available.

I have driven several LDs with both these tires. They track straight but have a much rougher ride than the Michelin LTX.
If you look around at Caravans, you will see as many running Michelins, on their LDs, as Bridgestone and Goodyear combined.

Larry

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #6 – March 03, 2017, 12:56:59 pm

Thanks, Larry; , the Goodyear G949 RSA is very similar to the 947 and it is available in the appropriate size:

http://www.goodyeartrucktires.ca/tires/details.aspx?prodline=160025

I will stick with the polyester sidewall Michelins M+S tread pattern because I have had good service from three sets of LTX M+S, and I drive on a lot of different surfaces and in varying weather. IMO, the tread pattern and wider siping of the M+S tire allows better grip, mud/gravel/snow 'throw' and better braking. I will likely go with 'Defenders' for the next change, unless Michelin changes the name.

However, my loaded rig weighs about 12000 pounds, i.e., nowhere near the maximum GVWR. If I were driving a maxed out (or close), I'd strongly consider going with the steel sidewalled Goodyear or Michelin despite the 'limited application' tread pattern. (Glad I don't have to make that choice!)

As always, YMMV.

Re: Tire Replacement for an '06, 30ft.

Reply #7 – March 03, 2017, 01:30:20 pm

I replaced my out of date Toyo tires that came on our rig (after a blowout). We put on BF Goodrich commercial t/a all season tires. We haven't had much time to put a lot of miles on them yet. But they ride 10 times better than the Toyos.

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