I currently have these on my trailer as it came with it when I bought it. The sidewalls are all cracked though so I need to replace them. I was going to go with a G rated tire but I looked at my wheels and they are only rated for 3042 pounds. So I'd like to stick with these as they have been awesome. However, looking at new ones it says "Highway Rib Summer tires are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice." I am headed for Alaska next week and tow this trailer 90% of the time in winter. Does anyone know why they are not rated for winter? I have no idea what I'd go with if not the Michelin XPS. Thanks for the advice.

The synthetic and rubber mix is not formulated for cold temperature. They will not have acceptable traction and may act more like an ice skate.

My guess is that "summer" rated tires have a harder tread compound and obviously do not have an aggressive enough tread to shed snow. Most likely applies to light truck usage.If you tow in cold weather 90% of the time and they have held up fine for 10 years I would put them on again. I love mine.

I don't know for sure but you're not using them as drive or steer tires on a MH so I wouldn't worry about it since you're using them as trailer tires. Plus, you wouldn't be using them during a snow or ice event, correct?

Thanks for the replies. I suppose I'll call Michelin tomorrow and get to the bottom of it. I'm hoping it's only a recommendation for people using them as steer or drive tires. I use the trailer in the winter for skiing and snowmobiling so it's used in the snow and ice. I bought it last year in December with these tires on it so I haven't used them it's entire life but they've worked fine for me so far. I didn't know they weren't rated for the winter until I went looking for new ones.

If you don't hear anything let me know I am friends with the owner of a few tire shops and I can ask him when he gets back on Monday.

Anyone Know Why The Michelin XPS Is Not Intended for Winter?

tlukasavige172
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015
Thanks for the replies. I suppose I'll call Michelin tomorrow and get to the bottom of it. I'm hoping it's only a recommendation for people using them as steer or drive tires.

I use the trailer in the winter for skiing and snowmobiling so it's used in the snow and ice. I bought it last year in December with these tires on it so I haven't used them it's entire life but they've worked fine for me so far. I didn't know they weren't rated for the winter until I went looking for new ones.
phillyg
Explorer II
Feb 22, 2015
I don't know for sure but you're not using them as drive or steer tires on a MH so I wouldn't worry about it since you're using them as trailer tires. Plus, you wouldn't be using them during a snow or ice event, correct?
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
My guess is that "summer" rated tires have a harder tread compound and obviously do not have an aggressive enough tread to shed snow. Most likely applies to light truck usage.

If you tow in cold weather 90% of the time and they have held up fine for 10 years I would put them on again. I love mine.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Feb 22, 2015
The synthetic and rubber mix is not formulated for cold temperature. They will not have acceptable traction and may act more like an ice skate.

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Anyone Know Why The Michelin XPS Is Not Intended for Winter?

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