Oh, No Another Tire Selection Thread...

Gary '79 5C · October 11, 2009, 08:14:22 AM

Well instead of hijacking further another tread, here it is.
I think that the 10 yr old Michelins can go further, the slightest cracking has not gotten worse in 3-4 years now. I have roadside assistance, However I thing a steer sidewall blowout could take much much more than my Al wheel. As Sean previously stated, he encountered $3k damages.
Ok Ok, I am looking for first hand experience, comments and opinions on

Cooper RM 185 ($330 all in) vs.

Yokohama RY617 (360 +) or RY 023 ($340 +)....

Michelin XZA is $475 all in, but I can not see the additional cost. Or would it be worth the XZA's on the steers, Coopers on the drives ?

I have a 5C weighing in at 25,000#, Sean, I will get her weighed, per axle, next week.
Despite the urge to milk more miles out of my current XZA's, I think I will save that for my '83 MB. Actually, BTDT, 2 blowouts same day, only one spare, Love my daughter who brings Dad, the other spare, sandwich & a cold beer.

I am looking at 6 tires without a tag on the MCI 35'er. I run steel wheels on my inners, and keep a steel wheel spare. I drive 90% of the time on the interstates, at about 60 - 65. By great exception is it on grass or dirt roads. It is also stored in a heated building.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Your thoughts, Please,

Gary

Tom Y · October 11, 2009, 08:26:59 AM

Get rid of the old Michelins. I have heard of many blow outs with them in the 19.5 size. No info with the truck sizes, but I had a Michelin blow on a van. The only tire I have ever lost. Tom Y

John316 · October 11, 2009, 09:21:21 AM

I don't know about the other tires, but we have Michelins on ours (except for the tags with BF goodrich). We have XZA on our drives and steers. We love them, ymmv.

God bless.

John

TomC · October 11, 2009, 10:26:15 AM

Even though Michelins are the most expensive tire, they are the best made tire. I would replace the steers, since a blow out on the duals isn't that big of a deal. Stick with the Michelins-why change now? Good Luck, TomC

Gary '79 5C · October 11, 2009, 11:32:26 AM

Ok, You know that I always said, or have heard the initial benefit of lower price is soon forgotten, but the lack of quality will linger on.
I am getting closer to pull the trigger on the Michelins steers. Which is what I will do.

Any further ideas as to the Cooper - - Yokohama comparison on the drives ? ? ? ?

I have some construction work I am finishing for a friend,,,,he may pay a little bit more than before this tread... Nah, I would not do that.

Thanks all,
Gary

trucktramp · October 12, 2009, 07:24:19 AM

I've run Michelins in drive and steer position and they are ok tires. They do bring more money for the casings but overall I don't think that they are that superior to Yokes. I had yokes all the way around on my Peterbilt and they were just fine for less money. There are those that will run Michelins because they are Michelins. It doesn't matter if they are any good. If it were me, I'd talk to my tire guy and see what he has to say. Remember, tires are his job and he knows what is good and what is junk.

Busted Knuckle · October 12, 2009, 07:32:55 AM

When I was trucking I bought new trucks that came with Michelins. But I soon found out that Michelin doesn't stand behind their tires like others do! I had many problems from the Michelins and they would not warranty them! Period! Similar problem from Bridgestone taken care of new tire, no charge! Also the Michelins do not last near as many miles in a commercial use, as many others! (of course on a bus conversion, unless you are like Sean & Louise and running lots of miles, they will age out before wearing out!)
FWIW

BK

TomC · October 12, 2009, 08:28:58 AM

BK- I think the operative work here-is when you were trucking. Years ago-yes maybe Michelin wasn't that great with their factory warranty coverage, but I can tell you from first hand present day experience-from a truck dealers stand point-Michelin is the only manufacturer that sends factory reps on a regular basis to our dealership to both talk to us and to solve any warranty problems (which are very few these days). Freightliner also offers Bridgestone, Goodyear (as standard tires), and Cooper-of which we never see those factory reps (we can get any tire manufacturer, but these are what's listed in our specing program). Good Luck, TomC

Gary '79 5C · October 12, 2009, 11:08:45 AM

Thanks Guys, I am going with the Michelins on the steers this week and will change the drives out before months end. I have a mix of Goodrich & michelins on the drives. I have never had a problem with Michelins before, so I will weigh this over the Fla run next week....

BTW, to HiJack my own thread, (Is that poor form?) I had a used alum. installed, as suggested by phone. I get there and YIKES, how long did that reside in the bottom of the lake

The tire place owner suggested an acid wash and if it did not come up he would change out. I did wash it with a grease cutting "solvent" and a mild acid for alum. I have booger's stuck to the surface, and am reluctant to wire brush the wheel. I do not think I have a shot in heck in bringing this wheel to a mirror finish, but would entertain suggestions. I feel I got a fair shake otherwise from the supplier, but will revisit if nothing works.

Thanks,
Gary

PS, TruckTramp, is there an age limit of the reuse of tire casings ?? Also here in NJ, I find the Tire Guy's recommendations is very dependant on what he makes the most profit.....

rusty · October 12, 2009, 12:39:23 PM

Gary, Here in northern Colo. is a man that has a machine that he puts the rim in and when done shines like new. I would think there is a similar machine in your area. A trucker friend of mine had his wheels done for 65.00 a rim. You will not be sorry with the Michelins. I put a set on our Eagle and the ride is so much better than the Firestone I took off.

Good Luck Wayne

JohnEd · October 12, 2009, 01:00:13 PM

Gary,

Call your local auto detailer. Ask him if he will sell you a quart/gallon of alu cleaning acid. The real stuff is diluted 20 to one or some such large ratio. He will buy it in 5 gallon buckets or 30 gal drums. They have always given me a good price on stuff like that.

Your local UHAUL can send you to the shop that cleans their rigs and that guy will also have it in stock or can refer you to the chem house that sells it by the gallon. It is CHEAP as it is only nitric acid and another mixed and very diluted. It is unbelievable how well it works.....no scrubbing....or at least very little.

The truck stops do the "Acid wash" and also polish as separate services. It isn't all that spendy and if you have already done the acid wash it will be cheaper.

The wire brush is a BAD idea....bad idea, bad! Sit! Stay! Bad idea.

John

tomhamrick · October 12, 2009, 01:41:51 PM

Just to throw another ingredient in this mix. I we were talking this weekend about tires and a diesel mechanic of 35 years said that he runs low profile tires because when they do blow they do not shred apart like standard tires. Comments?
Tom Hamrick

Gary '79 5C · October 12, 2009, 07:26:25 PM

TomHamrick,
Not sure what the low profile tires for a bus or truck, I have seen many many low riders in the Gettho I work in...
I am sure there is a market for something which would provide fuel savings.

I will be retiring my tires, hopefully before the possiblity of a sidewall blowout occurs and shredding begins.

John,
I have been using on Sunshine Chemical Alum "Acid" cleaner. Not great results. Let it sit, soaking with rags, still no joy. I do have some SC Johnson Alum cleaner which was for cleaning trailers. It must be 30 years old, I will try that as well.

Thanks Guys,

belfert · October 12, 2009, 08:42:49 PM

If you're up for another brand of tire to look at you might consider Firestone. I have the FS590 Plus tires on my bus and they seem to be holding up just fine. I paid I think around $360 each out the door mounted with all taxes. This was in 2006 so the prices have certainly gone up.