Looking for a couple steers to start swap cycle over two seasons (4 each year). Currently running BFG ST230 12r/22.5 but these are discontinued.Following tires are available locally in 12r/22.5, price for tire including FET, no labor:
- Michelin XZE - $668 Michelin Advantage program price
- BFGoodrich ST230 (discontinued but limited stock) $677 - local price
- Toyo M170 $484
- SumitomoST727 $387
Note: Michelin XZA shows discontinuedBig difference in price and sweet spot for value looks like the Toyo or Sumitomo. The dealer stated both these are made in Japan or USA so no Chinese crap.
The Toyo is an excellent tire,,particularly for steers,, will not "cup" if inflated correctly for the load.>>>Dan
I'm looking at doing the same thing, I have Firestone FS560 12R/22.5 witch is now discontinued in that size. So now I'm pricing Firestone FS561 and Getting local prices anywhere from $465.00 - $525.00 About the same as the Toyo your pricing. Jason
Don we have Toyo's and have loved them for 6 years no. Got them in West Sac the Radial Tire Center. Good price and ride smooth. I keep mine at 90Lbs. :) Hey I can sell you mine for 375.00 a piece, LOL
REVISED Jason - Thanks for the FS561 option. Forgot to include in OP.Dave - Sure 375. Your choice - rupees or pesos.
- Michelin XZE - $668 Michelin Advantage program price
- BFGoodrich ST230 (discontinued but limited stock) $677 - local price
- Firestone FS561 $499
- Toyo M170 $484
- Sumitomo ST727 $387
I've opted for the FS561. They are scheduled to be installed on my GM 4108 next Tuesday.
I've been riding on FS400 (315s) for a few years, and I've been impressed with them. Hoping the FS561 are just as good.
Anyone in the market for some FS400s that look great and have lots of tread (other than being 9+ years old)? Probably good for someone running a local truck or for a tag axle.
I put two sumitomo steers and four sumitomo rears on my coach and they have been wearing beautiful and I really loved the price. I was sceptical at first but after two seasons i am glad with my decision
I am on my 2nd set of Sumitomos on the drive axle over 10 years.
Very satisfied!
Mike in GA
Often not discussed, is warrenty and availability of associated tire service.
National brands with national tire service has its advantages, if the price point fits your busnut budget.
Help is always around the corner?
I was remote to the bus, the vendor had goodyear available, no thinking needed for this set. I am away, perhaps the drives were "endurance" model? 315, as per the build plate this time, more thinking next time to better match tire to load, once the build is done.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Good point about warranty and dealer network for service.
Toyo offers 66 months warranty, 3 dealers in Sacramento area
https://www.toyotires.com/commercial-truck/customer-care/warranty
Sumitomo carries 6 year warranty, 1 dealer in Sacramento area
http://www.sumitomotrucktires.com/store-finder
http://www.sumitomotrucktires.com/upload/documents/bba2c4ed-7a9a-463e-92c5-a3bcd3c6816a.pdf
Firestone carries 6 year warranty, 2 dealers in Sacramento area
https://commercial.firestone.com/content/dam/bcs-sites/firestone/TBR/warranty/Firestone%20Truck%20&%20Bus%20Warranty_After%2001012019.pdf
I put Hankook 11R-24.5 14 ply on my bus-$1,500 less than Michelin. Freightliners standard tire is Hankook. Good Luck, TomC
Tom - did not look at any Korean, Chinese or other brands, glad you have good experience with them.
Commercial tires usually wear out before aging out but our bus"RV" tires usually age out first. Maybe Michelin tires offer fair value for commercial use due to their better casings and overall quality holding up for an extra cap or two.
I'm going with the Sumitomo, age in stock is about 8 months. After running the numbers between Michelin and Sumitomo, the decision is pretty clear in my situation. $5,344 vs $3,096 - don't see the value for an extra $2,248 - OUCH!
Remain undecided on doing a few more now or waiting. At least, new steers is a good thing.
My Toyo's are mark right on them "Made in China" oh no OMG oh wait smoothest tire I ever rode on and have 6 years so far, LOL
Remember when it was bad to buy Made in Japan, and now look at them.
I would stay away from no brand Chinese tires. Familiar brand tires made in China will be OK. Korean tires are as good as Japan. Good Luck, TomC
I have the Hankook tires as well, put them on new all the way around before driving the coach from IL to PA, no complaints.
We're running good ole' Dunlop all position. Anywhere from one to seven years old. Excellent tread wear with a brand new one behind the front bumper and two Florida - Alaska - Florida round trips under all their belts plus many more trips on the older ones. They serve us well.
PS. Paul S - nice website!
Just put the Firestone 561's (8) (12R 22.5's) on mine last fall and they ride and handle like a dream. Ran Bridgestones on steers and Samson on rear and they were fine also. They just timed out (7 years) never had a problem with them either.
Quote from: muldoonman on March 15, 2020, 07:29:37 AM
Just put the Firestone 561's (8) (12R 22.5's) on mine last fall and they ride and handle like a dream. Ran Bridgestones on steers and Samson on rear and they were fine also. They just timed out (7 years) never had a problem with them either.
Nice to hear that. Going Tuesday to get mine installed.
My tire man for the past 42 years won't carry Dunlop anymore since it is made by Goodyear-of which he won't carry either. Michelin, Hankook, Toyo. Good Luck, TomC
The last Dunlop I recently purchased - the tire guy told me they were discontinued so he gave me the Goodyear tire model that uses the same mold that was making the Dunlops I run. When I had the bus aligned at Josam in Orlando they said Dunlop is a real good tire but the main drawback is they are a bitch to balance. They took one tire loose from the rim and rotated it to keep from having to put excessive weight in one place. Other than that they have served us well.
What's the experience using balance beads inside the tire or weight balance? Just wondering what is best way to ensure tires are as balanced as possible after mounting.
Getting three different thoughts.
1) no need to balance new tires,
2) typical balance using weights,
3) put stuff inside tire that self balances.
We use a 4th thought you don't have listed:
4) Centramatic balancers - at least on the rear duals. The front requires special order haven't gotten around to. Initially they cost but done forever after installing.
I don't balance good tires never had a set that needed it ,most of the time if running the 2 piece welded steel wheels it is the wheel that needs the balance
never had ours balanced and they run great. :)
Got my FS561 tires installed today. There was a $35/tire rebate right now for this area, and the balancing was only $30/tire, so I went ahead and had all 7 balanced. Should be good for quite a while now.
I'll report back after I've put some miles on them.
They do look better on the bus - the 315s always looked like the bus was wearing his big brothers hand-me-down shoes which were slightly too big. These look like they belong on the bus. Probably because they do.
If oil prices stay depressed, look for tires and motor oil to drop as well.
For what the fuel prices are doing we wish we were going to AK this summer but won't happen this year... :(
Although I am a firm believer in balancing what I have found with our Coats balancer is to ensure the tire runs true. Confirm the rim has as close to zero runout as possible, even before mounting a tire, then mount the tire on the CLEAN rim with lots of lube and make sure it seats 100%. Inflate and check runout. If the runout is off, deflate rotate the tire on the rim and try again. Rinse and repeat as they say. a little time here will go a long way in tire life. And don't let anyone tell you "it'll settle in". Total BS.
BTW, every ounce out of balance is equal to 6 lbs hitting the pavement at highway speed.
Jim,
Confirm the rim has as close to zero runout as possible, even before mounting a tire, then mount the tire on the CLEAN rim with lots of lube and make sure it seats 100%. Inflate and check runout. If the runout is off, deflate rotate the tire on the rim and try again.
How do you ensure the tire monkey does this steps and reports back before completing the job? Like Richard notes, it is an exception if you are able to stand where the work is being done.
Was going to get tires today but looks like tomorrow now.
When buying new tires, be sure to check first that the tire shop has a tire balancing machine for the big tires. Get ALL tires spun balanced first, then Centramatics are good to run. Most important-run the tire pressure for your weight and tire size. Weigh the front axle and rear axle separately. Then use the manufacturers tire inflation table to run the proper tire pressure. Don't EVER run the maximum that is listed on the side of the tire-all you'll get is a bus that rides like a fork lift.
The Centramatics are the ideal tool for balancing the crapo aftermarket brake drums you buy today,they keep the out of balance from transmitting to the tire,I always heard a once of weight would transmit to from 5 to 8 lbs on a tire and wrote it off as bs thanks Jim for the info lol I guess that is why tires blow out where the weight is.Spin balance is good with the tire mounted on the vehicle I don't care much for it with the tire and wheel off the vehicle .My tires have the Bendix TPMS inside the tires and they had to break the tire down a few time to get the balance right
New tires on. Richard quipped about not being on the floor while tires being changed. I saw too much, mostly bad. First, the guys got under the bus with a couple jacks and no blocking or chocks. I really feared for the guy under there.
New tires went on fine and spin balanced very nicely. Getting the nuts back onto a few of the sort of crusty studs made me cringe. A couple on one side were really tight and that impact wrench was working pretty hard to get them even tight. The guys there basically admitted new studs would be a really good idea next time.
I had them check the drives and they said they looked fine. Still, will swap them within the coming months.
Once back on the road, all similes.