Forum Discussion

Learjet's avatar
Learjet
Explorer
Mar 19, 2018

push back trying to get Michelin XPS RIB installed

I'm getting some push back trying to get Michelin XPS RIB installed on my 5th wheel trailer with 6,000 lbs axles.

Dealer is wanting me to use ST trailer tires, online chat with Michelin left my wanting to throw my computer at the wall. Trying to explain the GVW rating for the trailer was not an issue at 13,740 lbs. Kept telling him I have 6,000 lbs axle and the axle rating was the important thing that all the weight is not carried on the axles, even gave him my actual scaled weights.

Can't find any docs from Michelin approving these tire for use as in my situation....anyone??
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2018
    What tire dealer? Have you looked for a Discount Tires dealer. Or better yet, buy them online from somplace like tire rack, dismount the wheels at home and take them to a local tire store and have the old tires taken off and new ones mounted and balanced.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    Airstream puts Michelins on their upper end 30' TT's. Show them the data on that.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    Had no issues at Discount Tire. Find another dealer, your's is an idiot.
  • pismopete's avatar
    pismopete
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    My fiver has 6000 lb axles and weighs close to 13000 lbs. I have been running XPS ribs for years and recently Bridgestone Duravis and both have served me well. Good luck.
  • stein4's avatar
    stein4
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    Agreed find another dealer.

    2 American Tire stores in my area; the first one wouldn't install RIBs - the second did.
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    This isn’t to stir the pot, but something to think about. My fifth wheel has a GVW about 500 less than yours. The weight on the two trailer axles is about 10,650 when hooked to the truck. Last summer was the time when I had marked to get ride of the Marathons that had about 5000 miles and from the factory. I just didn’t like the LT options which would give me about 1300# of a cushion when adding up the tire max Times 4. I can understand why a tire dealer would be concerned even with the track record Michelin XPS Ribs have.
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    RollandB wrote:
    This isn’t to stir the pot, but something to think about. My fifth wheel has a GVW about 500 less than yours. The weight on the two trailer axles is about 10,650 when hooked to the truck. Last summer was the time when I had marked to get ride of the Marathons that had about 5000 miles and from the factory. I just didn’t like the LT options which would give me about 1300# of a cushion when adding up the tire max Times 4. I can understand why a tire dealer would be concerned even with the track record Michelin XPS Ribs have.


    good point...my trailer scaled weight 12,000 lbs loaded and the actual axles weight was 10,000 lbs so each tire would be at 2,500 lbs in my case or about 82% capacity.
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2018
    My second choice is the "New" Goodyear Endurance ST tires...they sound promising...but still are new with not much history.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 19, 2018
    Learjet wrote:
    RollandB wrote:
    This isn’t to stir the pot, but something to think about. My fifth wheel has a GVW about 500 less than yours. The weight on the two trailer axles is about 10,650 when hooked to the truck. Last summer was the time when I had marked to get ride of the Marathons that had about 5000 miles and from the factory. I just didn’t like the LT options which would give me about 1300 lbs. of a cushion when adding up the tire max Times 4. I can understand why a tire dealer would be concerned even with the track record Michelin XPS Ribs have.


    good point...my trailer scaled weight 12,000 lbs loaded and the actual axles weight was 10,000 lbs so each tire would be at 2,500 lbs in my case or about 82% capacity.
    Just another thing to think about: that 2500 lbs. per tire is only if they are all equal, which I would almost guarantee is not the case. It's very likely you have a tire or two over 2500 lbs. and a tire or two under. My scaled weight on my triple axle toyhauler is 12,000 lbs. on three axles. But there are two of them that actually weigh about 2500 lbs. with the rest weighing about 2,000 lbs. It depends on where your fridge and heavy stuff is located.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025