Anyone have experience with Firestone Tires ???

belfert · May 19, 2011, 03:58:59 PM

Isn't the FS560 a regional tire and not a long haul? I went with the FS590 five years ago because it is a long haul tire. Maybe it doesn't matter, I don't know?

DaveG · May 19, 2011, 04:11:18 PM

I just purchased a set of 8 tires and the difference between China tires and Toyos (made in USA) was only about $300 so I bought the Toyos again, they have been a good tire for our truck operation

Boomer · May 19, 2011, 04:30:07 PM

On my fleet of 45' Prevosts we ran the Firestone FS 400, as we were on the
Firestone lease program at .003 cents per tire per mile. Had absolutely no problems with them, but then we didn't with the 315 Mich either. Currently running 315 XZA on the Eagle but will switch to 12R when the time comes. Funny how many passengers inquired why we were running Firestone after so much bad publicity (car tire failures).

thunderstruck · May 19, 2011, 06:48:25 PM

Boomer, how did the ride compare between the Michelin and the Firestone's

Dreamscape · May 19, 2011, 06:54:10 PM

We are using 6 Firestone, FS560 on the rear and tag. Haven't had the opportunity to put but only 1500 miles on them. They were 3 months old when I got them, according to the date. Have had no problems so far, plan to get Firestone's for the steers in a month of so.

happycamperbrat · May 19, 2011, 07:22:41 PM

Happy Firestone user here too

TomC · May 19, 2011, 10:48:21 PM

Typically, we won't put 80,000 miles on a set of tires-the mileage a regional tire will start to cup out. What we will do is hit curbs, go over curbs, possibly down a dirt road, into a pot hole or two-all of which a regional tire-with its' reinforced sidewalls-will be able to handle. A highway tire, while maybe lasting into the mid 100,000 miles, will have lower rolling resistance for better fuel mileage, but the thin side walls might facilitate sidewall blowout prematurely. I'd stay with a 75mph rated regional tire. Good Luck, TomC

Sean · May 20, 2011, 07:23:12 AM

Quote from: belfert on May 19, 2011, 03:58:59 PM
Isn't the FS560 a regional tire and not a long haul? I went with the FS590 five years ago because it is a long haul tire. Maybe it doesn't matter, I don't know?

Regional more closely matches the typical RV usage profile than does Long Haul or Linehaul. I would never consider putting a Linehaul tire (that was not also designed for Regional service) on my coach. FWIW.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

belfert · May 20, 2011, 07:33:26 AM

I had wrongly assumed that long haul highway tires would be better for a bus conversion because we tend to put on fairly long distances and not do stop and go like a delivery truck or something. In my case I usually get on an interstate and go 100s or 1000s of miles to my destination. I'll have to consder regional tires when I replace my tires.

Is the difference in MPG that Tom mentioned significant enough to worry about.

Sean · May 20, 2011, 08:40:30 AM

Brian, don't confuse Regional with a local or delivery tire. Regionals have a good balance between highway usage and around-town performance.

I don't think you will even notice the fuel mileage difference.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

luvrbus · May 20, 2011, 08:54:12 AM

Me I would go with what ever Mark (Boomer) said probably the only guy besides BK here that ever owned a fleet of buses and he knows what will work best for the bucks spent

good luck

Gary W · May 20, 2011, 10:30:49 AM

I had a pair of Firestone FS 400 315/80R22.5 installed on the steers in 2007, ride great. Cheaper than the Michelin's.

Gary

gus · May 20, 2011, 02:56:14 PM

You can't go wrong with either Toyos or Kumhos. I've run both with good service and the price sure is right.

boxcarOkie · May 20, 2011, 04:44:13 PM

I replaced my Michelin with Firestone's last July, mainly because of the cost factor. I got a good deal on six of them (I don't have a real bus, only one axle).

The new Firestone's ride a little differently, but all in all, figure them to be just as good as the previous tires. My old tires were seven years old at the time, had 85% tread left on them. Sold 'em to a dump-truck guy and he has so far blown 4 of the six and it has not been a year.

BCO

thunderstruck · May 24, 2011, 10:59:53 AM

Thanks to all who responded. Looks like tomorrow I will install 6 FS400's on my tag and drive axles. I originally was going to go with Continental's, but none were in stock at any of the dealers I have accounts with. One of them sugested the FS400's and the Firestone website lists the FS400 as a direct match to the Conti HSL1 Coach.
Again thanks....