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Tgator1's avatar
Tgator1
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014

Tires for Fiver

We just got back from our planned trip from south Texas to Alaska. We were about 23 miles into our trip when we experienced a low tire on our Titanium fifth wheel (dry weight about 8200 lbs.). Good Sam sent a tow truck who put on a spare and found two small "pin prick" leaks on the flat tire. We decided to return home where we could line up buying a new tire and start out the next day. On the way home (yes, just 23 miles away) we had a blow out to a different tire on the other side of our RV. It took out the trim around the wheel and we are waiting for our insurance company appraiser to assess the damage amount. Both tires were Towmax tires (ST23580R16, load range E) that were purchased new in June of 2012 and had less than 3000 miles on them. I check them regularly and had filled them to 80 PSI before this trip. My question is: are there any good, dependable trailer tires available in this size that are load range E or better? I'm considering Goodyear Marathons, but saw lots of negative reviews on-line (Google it if you want proof!). We still want to make our Alaska trip, but need tires we can depend on.

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  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Jun 13, 2014
    Most fiver tires age out with plenty of tread still on them. Not counting the bombs, of course.

    Different topic: 245/75R16 is an almost exact replacement for 235/85R16. (or 230 or /80)
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Jun 12, 2014
    Tgator1 wrote:
    Thanks for the feedback. I'm still researching and will finalize my decision this weekend. I am leaning towards the Bridgestone R250's based on information received here and other websites. Just want to make sure the Bridgestones are similar quality tires as the Michelin Ribs. On a set of 4 tires, the difference is about $250 (per Tire Rack & Discount Tires). The original tires on our Titanium were 235 80 16, but that size is not available anywhere that I can find on these LT tires.


    I ran Ribs for 6.5 years and 40K+ miles and sold them for 200 bucks on CL. This time I bought R250's, which I feel are just as good or better that the Ribs. Coming up on three years this fall with the R250's. Not air pressure loss, track straight as an arrow. No sign of wear yet. Bought the R250 based on the lower price and VERY happy.

    Both will out live ST tires 2-3 times and provide about as great of service as there is available.
    Chris
  • Tgator1's avatar
    Tgator1
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2014
    Thanks for the feedback. I'm still researching and will finalize my decision this weekend. I am leaning towards the Bridgestone R250's based on information received here and other websites. Just want to make sure the Bridgestones are similar quality tires as the Michelin Ribs. On a set of 4 tires, the difference is about $250 (per Tire Rack & Discount Tires). The original tires on our Titanium were 235 80 16, but that size is not available anywhere that I can find on these LT tires.
  • The_Works's avatar
    The_Works
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2014
    the bear II wrote:
    After researching the various RV & Truck forums plus reviews on other websites for about a year, I decided to go with Michelin XPS RIBS for my 5th wheel. Very few RVers had anything bad to say about them. Quite few mentioned they actually got more mileage out of the tires than expected.

    They've been on for two years with no complaints.


    We put the XPS RIBS on our 5th wheeler last year, currently we have over 15,000 miles on them with no problems. They are pricier that other brands but we full time and I wanted a little piece of mind concerning tires. When the truck needs tires I'm planning on putting Michelins on it also.
  • SuperDutyMan's avatar
    SuperDutyMan
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2014
    My camping buddy has a 10,000lb+ Jayco 5ver,put Good Year Marathons on,pulled 18,000mi. to Prudo Bay Al.then to Fla. from Pa.to Colorado and back,10,000mi.,then back to Fla. this past winter,I just asked him last week about the GYs,and he said never a problem,always checks the air,and says he never pulls over 65mph......just saying.
  • ddschuman's avatar
    ddschuman
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    We had a tire failure about 3 weeks ago after only 1 year and less than 3500 miles with the Towmax tires that came on our 5er. We switched to Bridgestone R250s. They were around $100 (give or take a little) less than Michlin XPS Ribs but reviews and lots of research showed to be a good tire for our 5er. From what I can tell so far, they seem to be a very good tire and we are hoping to get many more miles out of them than the original Towmax provided.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2014
    Slap on a set of GY G's and air to 85# the minimum on the G inflation chart. Will NOT hurt your 80psi rims. Did this on our Avion Platinum went 5 years without a single problem then traded in the rig.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2014
    FastEagle wrote:
    ol Bombero-JC wrote:


    XPS Ribs are rated by Michelin for *trailer* use.

    ~


    Can you show us a reference?

    FastEagle

    As you well know Michelin has recommended the XPS Rib for commercial trailer service in their adds but you do a dis service and like to cut Michelin for your own twisted reasons thats getting old.

    This email to me personally from Michelin on the subject.

    12/05/2013


    Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

    In regards to the email you sent stating:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
    Michelin ran a add for years that recommended using the XPS Ribs LT tires for commercial trailer service. I don't see the add any more on Michelins website. My question is does Michelin still recommend the XPS Ribs for commercial trailer service.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thank you for the contact and for considering Michelin for your replacement tires for your Trailer

    Michelin does still recommend the XPS Rib for the commercial trailer service. The features and benefits are listed below:

    XPS Rib: Tires offer long wear life with steel casing strength and retreadability.


    * Tread compounds specifically developed for commercial applications help tires last longer so your business dollars go further.

    * Added strength and ability to retread are just two advantages of steel casing - a feature that keeps trucks where they belong: on the job.

    We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin

    It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.



    Sincerely,

    Barb C
    Consumer Care Department
    Certified Michelin Product Expert


    Now before you squeal and holler its a commercial trailer I have several Michelin emails for a heavy RV trailer like this one;

    Michelin responce

    Posted: 12/14/12 12:14am Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator
    I sent an email to Michelin for a response regarding using Michelin XPS ribs on my 5th wheel. Here is the question and their response:

    Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

    Due to recent high email volume and some technical issues that we have experienced, please accept our apology for the delay in this response. Your interest in Michelin is certainly appreciated.


    In regards to the email you sent stating:
    I have a 2006 Montana 5th wheel Trailer that has two 6,000 lb Dexter axles and 4 deluxe aluminum Rims each rated at 3,042 lbs. I would like to install your Michelin XPS® Rib™ LT235/85 R16/E's on this 5th wheel. Will the tires be fully waranteed in this application?

    Answer..---------------------------------------------------------------------
    We appreciate your request for information regarding the Michelin XPS Rib. The XPS Rib, size LT235/85R16/E, part number 13080 would be a good fitment for your 5th wheel. The tire carries 3042Lbs at 80-psi max pressure. For best pressure recommendation, run at maximum pressure until you can weigh your axles either call or reply to this email for a pressure recommendation.
    It is a good application, so there are no warranty issues. Your tires are covered under applicable warranty.
    We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.

    It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Eastern Time on Saturday.

    Sincerely,

    Diana
    Consumer Care Department
    Certified Michelin Product Expert

    PS: It's important that you get all the safety-related materials that come with the purchase of new Michelin passenger and light truck tires. If you did not receive a warranty book, you can download one at www.michelin.com/warranty/. If you did not register your tires, please take a moment to do so at www.michelin.com. Registering your tires is easy and takes just a minute.


    Sorry mod/adm for this being so long. Maybe FastEagle will stop his mis information campaign against the XPS Rib tire.
  • NHIrish's avatar
    NHIrish
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    C Schomer wrote:
    You're lucky to have big16s on a light trailer. Put on LT Es and you should have a lot of margin @3042 each. Craig


    I agree. E rated tires should be more than sufficient for your rig. If you had 110 psi rims and wanted overkill, you could go to G rated but they are expensive and you don't need it unless you are WAY overloaded.

    Your problem was towmax tires, and yes, I had them and had issues as did others I know.

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