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Topic: New Tire Recommendations and Input (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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New Tire Recommendations and Input
Yahoo Message Number: 102797
After 7 years and 48K miles it looks like its time to replace the tires on our 2002 MB.  We managed to get 48K out of original Firestone Steeltex Radial. If any of you have gone through the tire purchase please let me know if your happy with what you bought.  I could probably save 2 of the tires and get another 10K out of them as there is still plenty of tread and no cracks.  (We keep the rig inside a barn when not in use, virtually no sun hitting the tires unless we are using the rig).  At this point I'm inclined to get all 6 replaced and keep the spare as its never been on the ground.  We are going back east in the fall so I need to replace them before that trip for sure.
I had a tire store manager tell me that he felt Michelins were a waste of money as most people don't put enough miles on their rigs to justify the $40 - $50 extra cost and the tires would rot before the tread wore off.  May be some truth to that but I suspect that he just didn't sell Michelins.  I'm not stuck on any brand name and will even consider the Firestones again.  I know they had some problems years ago but hopefully have worked them out by now.  Looking for some opinions based on your experiences and not on your feelings!  Thanks!
Re: New Tire Recommendations and Input
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102802
Quote
I had a tire store manager tell me that he felt Michelins were a waste of money as most people don't put enough miles on their rigs to justify the $40 - $50 extra cost and the tires would rot before the tread wore off.  May be some truth to that but I suspect that he just didn't sell Michelins.  I'm not stuck on any brand name and will even consider the Firestones again.  I know they had some problems years ago but hopefully have worked them out by now.  Looking for some opinions based on your experiences and not on your feelings!  Thanks!
Robert,
 I just replaced my six Michelin LTX M/S OEM tires with the same type and brand after 5 years, 50,000 miles and 7/32nd's of the original 15/32nd's tread remaining. The main reason was cupping on the front treads that I suspect I could have mitigated with a front right-left-right periodic rotation schedule. I didn't do any rotating.
 I think that your salesman MIGHT have a valid point. If an Rver is only going to accumulate minimal mileage (oops, there's that dirty word again :-)) before age and sidewall cracking become a replacement requirement it wouldn't make sense to buy a top-line tire. Then again, that may be the only way to get steel belts and/or casing which may be critical to safety on the road in the RV application. Certainly both aspects of the conversation are worthy of consideration.

Paul NE 50
New Tire Recommendations and Input
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102806
I have a 2002 30'IB with 35K miles. Also kept in a shop building when not in use. Tire pressure was checked religiously. I had two blow-outs on the OEM Firestone tires in less than 25K miles. Not much fun.
 I did some research, and chose the Goodyear G647 as a replacement. I don't think these tires are still available, but I've been very happy with the Goodyears.
 I don't think tire purchase should be based solely on dollars. There's also the factor of safety. I never felt safe on the Firestone tires.

Mike - 2002 30'IB
 
Re: New Tire Recommendations and Input
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102807
Quote
"After 7 years and 48K miles it looks like its time to replace the tires on our 2002 MB.  Looking for some opinions based on your experiences and not on your feelings!  Thanks!"
I replaced the original Firestones on our 30' '02 with Michelin LTX A/Ss (A/S not available now but M/Ss are and are about the same tire) and after 15,000 miles am very pleased with wear and ride.  I would suggest replacing all 6.  The cost amortized over time makes sense (in your case, 7 years).
 Robert, you might search the this site; there have been many discussions on which tire brand to buy.

Chris Horst
Arvada, CO
Formerly: 2002 30' IB