Tire choice December 09, 2024, 05:37:23 pm The tires on my 1997MB just celebrated their tenth birthday (not many miles on them, look brand new) so it's long past time for a replacement.My local tire dealer gave me two options, Toyo Open Country which is a direct replacement for the tires which are on there now or Michelin Aglis Cross climate which the dealer tells me that most of their customers opt for. The Michelins are about $400 more than the Toyos. I have no complaints about the tires that are on there now, my main consideration is handling. We live in the central Sierra mountains and travel to the coast to camp. We have a lot of up and down mountain travel and there is one part of the journey which has severe cross winds. I know of two people where their travel trailers were flipped over. I've already put on new stabilisers and shocks which greatly improved the handling but still have to be on full alert once I get into the cross winds.My gut tells me to get the Michelins but my wallet is in favor of the Toyos. Looking to see if anyone knows if there would be any handling differences between the two tires.
Re: Tire choice Reply #1 – December 09, 2024, 07:41:09 pm Interesting cost differential. Is the $400 price difference for all six tires. My last Michelin Agilis tire installation was $1600 for all 6 tires. As others here have chosen the Agilis as I have, a $400 increase is not a large amount for what many consider the best option for our Lazy Daze RV’s. I can not comment on the other option you have suggested, but will say that the Michelin is the only tire I will install on my 2015 RB. Just my 2 cents worth. Kent 3 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #2 – December 09, 2024, 08:10:07 pm By 'direct replacement' what do you mean? Does this just mean same size, climate rating, and load range; or are they the current model of the Toyo tires you have on the rig now? If the former, are they a different rating from the Michelins he is offering?Steve
Re: Tire choice Reply #3 – December 09, 2024, 11:53:55 pm Quote from: Davehca - December 09, 2024, 05:37:23 pmMy gut tells me to get the Michelins but my wallet is in favor of the Toyos. That extra $400 is about 10-11 large pizzas amortized over the recommended six year lifespan of a set of RV tires.YMMVJoel 2 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #4 – December 10, 2024, 12:06:44 am Quote from: Steve - December 09, 2024, 08:10:07 pmBy 'direct replacement' what do you mean? Does this just mean same size, climate rating, and load range; or are they the current model of the Toyo tires you have on the rig now? If the former, are they a different rating from the Michelins he is offering?SteveI really didn't get too deep into the specifics. They just told me that the Toyos they quoted are the same as the ones already on my RV. When I asked if there was a better handling tire for severe cross winds they recommended the Michelins.
Re: Tire choice Reply #5 – December 10, 2024, 12:13:09 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - December 09, 2024, 07:41:09 pmInteresting cost differential. Is the $400 price difference for all six tires. My last Michelin Agilis tire installation was $1600 for all 6 tires. As others here have chosen the Agilis as I have, a $400 increase is not a large amount for what many consider the best option for our Lazy Daze RV’s. I can not comment on the other option you have suggested, but will say that the Michelin is the only tire I will install on my 2015 RB. Just my 2 cents worth. KentThe Michelin quote they gave was $1647.96, the Toyos came out to $1272.99. So your $1600 seems to be spot on. I live in a small town with limited options for tire purchase so it's good to see that I'm not paying a premium for a local purchase.
Re: Tire choice Reply #6 – December 10, 2024, 03:07:48 am In 2022, bought a set of Michelin Agilis Cross Climate to replace aged out (with only 8,000 miles) original Michelins.Just replaced with another set of Michelin’s this fall after 38,000 miles, going up to Alaska and Newfoundland. Yes a bit early, but I was headed into the Rockies in late fall, wanted plenty of tread.Zero issues with the tires.I want the best tires for my irreplaceable Lazy Daze, for piece of mind. I often travel into remote places, I see no point skimping on tires. If you rarely wander that far from civilization, then sure, save a bit. 1 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #7 – December 10, 2024, 07:42:39 am Whichever brand you decide on, confirm yourself that they are Load Range E. You also might want to make sure they are only a few months old by checking the date code. Going over 7 years is very risky, there could be issues with the side walls cracking. I have Hercules Terra Tracs from my local shop, I am pleased with them. 1 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #8 – December 10, 2024, 10:03:42 am Another Michelin advocate here. I don’t recall the cost but, like Dave, I replaced the original Michelins early just before a long trip in 2021 for peace of mind. I haven’t really experienced severe cross winds. Stability issues have been noticed when passing, or being passed by semis. I’ve found that excessive tire pressure, especially in the front tires, made the problem worse. I still have the original shocks and suspension components. 1 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #9 – December 10, 2024, 11:33:44 am Hi Dave; Just my opinion, but I think that similar tires, same size, profile, weight rating (E), radial, would all handle side wind load about the same. The pattern of the tread mostly affects noise level, and traction. Tire inflation as Greg mentioned can have large affects on handling. Otherwise handling in heavy winds is more a function of front to rear, and side to side, weight loading inside your motorhome. Lazy Daze worked at keeping weight loads evenly balanced and with a lower center of gravity to improve handling. Ford of course had the most impact on handling of the vehicle with spring and suspension design. The tires have a very minimal overall affect on handling in wind. You have gotten great service life from the Toyo tires. Be aware that what you bought then, may not be what is available now. Designs, material, and construction methods usually change. The Agilis tires were a recent introduction by Michelin, and are certainly good tires. (my present set about 3 years old now) There are Federal rules and tests that all tires have to conform to; many ratings are molded into the sidewalls. Tread, traction (wet and snow), temperature, expected tire wear (lifetime) and weight rating are all measured and rated. Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) - Tire Rating Lookup | Department... This might help firm up which tires perform to your price point. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Tire choice Reply #10 – December 10, 2024, 01:58:44 pm Hi Dave,I am a little surprised that the dealer didn't also at least provide you with information on the Toyo HT(Highway Tread) line of tires.The HT is an all season radial tire designed for trucks, SUV's etc. I have the HT in load range E on my 26.5IB with about 30K on them so far and have been very pleased with handling, noise level and wear. The Open Country line is more of an All Terrain tire with several different available tread patterns, all of which are blockier than the HT, for a range of off road conditions. Any of these patterns will more than likely be at least somewhat noisier than the Toyo HT and the Michelin(just some additional info. in case it is of interest). Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with an LD riding on Toyo or Michelin tires. The low center of gravity and better than others weight distribution as mentioned in earlier responses, make the LD capable of handling pretty robust cross winds based on my own driving experiences.Happy Trails!Matt 1 Likes
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