Tire prices

[jjrbus]

 I'm shopping for 2 new steer tires.  Did a search and it looks like the regional tire, for thicker sidewalls is my best bet.  I need 2 regional steer/all position tires @ 12R 22.5. I've got one price for 2 Matador Vectors out the door, with spin balanceing $899.17 Seems a bit much?
Anyone care to share what they bought and how much they paid. I'm in SW Florida.

[JerryH]

I bought Hankooks and am very happy with them.
http://www.hankooktireusa.com/

If memory serves correct, they were about $249.95 ea. + tax and mounting, etc.  The bill was under $600.00 all together.

Jerry H.

[wrench]

  Been looking at it too, just bough 1 smaller one 265/75/22.5 to match the other one. Paid 360. out the door, a bridgestone R250.  On the B.C. classified page, there is a guy who advertize new michelin take out at $250., he had some in that range size, like 315 he is in ohio.  I am in Estero.
             wrench

[tekebird]

jst got two firestones mounted and ballanced for less than 600.00

[jjrbus]

It has been posted here that Sam's Club will order tires. I tried the one in Port Charlotte FL. They said that they could not find anything in a 22.5 tire. They were pretty busy so I will try another Sams when time permits. I'm looking for the 12R 22.5

[TomC]

Bought 6 Michelin XZE 11R-24.5 16 ply for $2950 out the door including tire balancing on all the tires, which works out to be $491 apiece.  Michelin are always the highest priced tire-you're also paying for the best tire made.  Good Luck, TomC

[tekebird]

just ran across my tire reciept.

2 firestones mounted and ballanced ............plus a remounting of another tire................473.00

[Runcutter]

Jerry,  I remember some older posts from folks that liked Hancook, Kumho, etc.  I just looked at the Hancook website, and there's a dealer near me - and they actually list my size (12R 22.5) - the Revs/mile are very close to what I'm looking for.  Did you compare tire models, if so, which did you select?

Thanks.

Arthur

[Len Silva]

Found this posted on "the other board"
http://www.tireauditor.com/
looks very competitive

Len

[RJ]

JJrBus -

Take another look at those tires you're considering.  If they're regional service with heavier sidewalls, they're probably speed-restricted to 50 or 55 mph.

These tires are commonly used on transit buses, who rarely exceed 50 mph, and rarely for more than a few short miles.  The heavier sidewalls are there because these drivers believe that the curb is part of the braking system, especially on the front.  So the tires are manufactured to withstand being constantly banged by curbs.  They are NOT designed for sustained freeway cruising.

You want tires designed for long-haul freeway use, not regional service.  Long-haul use will be speed rated somewhere between 65 - 75 mph.

Shop carefully!!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[TomC]

JJrBus- I have Michelin XZE's on my bus that are regional tires.  This is defined as a tire that is going to be in city use over 50% of the time that involves more maneuvering and squirming of the tire.  Hence they have reinforced sidewalls, usually with wear indicators on the sidewalls, tougher rubber compound and on the 16ply tires I have, rock ejection tread-they are rated at 75mph.
Transit service tires are typically speed rated at the fore mentioned 50 or 55.  They do this because the tires are really being overloaded and can't take the high speed because of the tight steel belts inside the tire.
I've noticed some tires are now rated at 81mph!  Good Luck, TomC

[jjrbus]

Good point Russ, I have noticed that some of the tires are 55 mph.

[gg04]

milchelin the best tire??? Go read the old dot blow out on the interstate ,interstate alligator site...70% of the tires found along the highway were michelin and it seems they only had 20% of the market....Americans are always a sucker for advertising...spend enough and you can convince them of anything...And then their are always the mines better than yours school that if its not expensive enough its not any good take your choice michelin fits in both....(before you tell me of all the major trucking and transit companies that run michelin...tell me how big of a discount michelin gives or pays them out of thier advertising ,tax exempt budget to run thier tires...been there done that)gg04

[H3Jim]

Based on my own experiences for all the vehicles I've owned over the last 40 years, the only time I've been disappointed in tires I've bought, it was not a Michelin.  blowouts, tread wear, handling, etc.  I have always had the best "luck" with Michelins.  No one bought me off, just my experience. 

[NJT 5573]

Hey, at least Tom knows what he's got! It must be nice to curb your bus for 15 miles and get out and check the curb side wear bars! Everyone has different driving styles and there should be a tire for everyone!