Looing for 11r 24.5 tires

Tom Y · May 29, 2022, 10:49:51 AM

At 14 years and a possible trip out west this fall it is time. Running Dunlop SP384s now with no checking showing. I do not want high end or the lowest. Recommendations? Are the higher fuel economy tires a good idea?

RJ · May 30, 2022, 12:27:15 AM

Tom -

I put a complete set of Toyo M170s on my current coach. Was able to purchase all eight for the same cost as five Michelins (even with FMCA's discount). In three years, no problems, a nice ride, no sidewall cracking, no complaints from me.

My previous coach "Tortoise" ('78 MC-5C by Angola Coach) had one-year old Michelins when I purchased it. I put 45K miles on them in four years, and when I sold the coach, the tires were at that point where they were starting to do that thing Michelins are known for: sidewall cracking.

The fellow who currently owns "Tortoise" immediately swapped out the 22.5 rims for 24.5s, installing Continental 11R24.5s. He went with Continentals because that's what he runs on his trucks, so he's got a corporate rate, which made sense. He likes them.

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ

Tom Y · May 30, 2022, 07:23:12 AM

Thanks RJ, I am looking at the M170 and M154. I will not buy Michelins for that reason (weather checking). The only tire I ever blew was a Michelin, on a van. Still looking for now.

Van · May 30, 2022, 07:45:21 AM

There is also the Hurcules and Ironman brand tires manufactured under Cooper tires in Ohio, a reasonably priced tire with good ride and wear Characteristics. I currently run the Ironman's on our H-3 and GMC 1 ton dually (4 yrs now), had good luck with them on our model 15 Eagle also. Quiet and smooth running! Gary Hatt just had a set of Hurcules installed a set on his coach a few months back, maybe he'll jump in and coment. I get mine thru TirePros. Good luck!

Bearmtnmartin · May 30, 2022, 08:46:16 AM

If you have the time, keep an eye on Craigslist and Market place. I do not buy new tires. Right now I have 5 year old 215/80r22.5 Toyos on the front that I bought a few months ago that I paid 250.00 each. They came off a class A owned by a guy who said he replaced his steers every 5 years. To me that is less than half life. On the drives I have 4 Goodyear ribs that I paid $1200 for the 4, three years ago. They are 2016 date codes. They came of a drop deck trailer. You can set a search on Craigslist so they pop up when they are listed.

Busted Knuckle · May 30, 2022, 09:53:45 AM

I can back up the comment by Van about Ironman tires. We run them on all our pick ups and vans and have been for about 10 yrs now and no complaints!
I can't tell you anything about their bus tires as we got rid of our fleet of buses in 2014 and haven't bought any bus tires for over 10 yrs!
But back when I was buying bus tires we ran a lot of Kumho tires with good results!

BK

windtrader · May 30, 2022, 10:11:03 AM

Quote from: Bearmtnmartin on May 30, 2022, 08:46:16 AM
If you have the time, keep an eye on Craigslist and Market place. I do not buy new tires. Right now I have 5 year old 215/80r22.5 Toyos on the front that I bought a few months ago that I paid 250.00 each. They came off a class A owned by a guy who said he replaced his steers every 5 years. To me that is less than half life. On the drives I have 4 Goodyear ribs that I paid $1200 for the 4, three years ago. They are 2016 date codes. They came of a drop deck trailer. You can set a search on Craigslist so they pop up when they are listed.

I've thought about just the opposite. Rather than buy used one, I'm wondering if it makes sense to buy new, then sell them at 5-6 years with most tread left. Get a new tire for a lot less minus the proceeds. Haven't read much about this idea, maybe because it's stupid, dunno, just an idea.

buswarrior · May 30, 2022, 10:45:31 AM

Quote from: windtrader on May 30, 2022, 10:11:03 AM
I've thought about just the opposite. Rather than buy used one, I'm wondering if it makes sense to buy new, then sell them at 5-6 years with most tread left. Get a new tire for a lot less minus the proceeds. Haven't read much about this idea, maybe because it's stupid, dunno, just an idea.

Exactly another strategy that works.

You use the new tires for awhile, sell them discounted to a commercial enterprise, buy some more new ones, rinse and repeat.

Everyone happy!

Having that commercial enterprise identified ahead of time, buying the preferred tires and using compatible rims makes it cheap and simple to swap.

The deal gets less attractive if tires are going on and off rims, labor, etc.

Likely one of the largest potential losses for a busnut, is tire money.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

windtrader · May 30, 2022, 03:17:51 PM

Good points BW. The big shops are probably less inclined as they service larger accounts but the small shops may deal more with independent owner-operators who are more cost conscious.

Tom Y · May 30, 2022, 05:04:40 PM

I can not believe I screwed up looking in the topic, oh well. Thanks for the advice. Plan to stay new, I keep it in a garage so the checking does not seem to be a problem it is just past time. Will look into the Hurcules and Ironman. Any one running Yokahamas? Or their off brand?

rancher · May 31, 2022, 08:49:13 AM

Quote from: Tom Y on May 30, 2022, 05:04:40 PM
I can not believe I screwed up looking in the topic, oh well. Thanks for the advice. Plan to stay new, I keep it in a garage so the checking does not seem to be a problem it is just past time. Will look into the Hurcules and Ironman. Any one running Yokahamas? Or their off brand?

I have ran Yokahamas in the past on semis. Had very good luck with them. Currently have a set on a pickup and they are holding up well. seems like a lot of the local grain haulers are running the iron man's around here.