Difference in Michelin Tires XZA3 vs XZE

J-Rooster,

Thanks for a great explanation.

Eric

67Cutlass wrote:
What is 'siping'?

Great Question! Siping invented by John Sipe, is a thin slit across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet, snowy or icy road conditions. And siping also reduces rolling resistance on a tire. Bridgestone and Michelin sell tires that are siped from the factory and a outfit called Saf-Tee Siping & Grooving and Les Schwab Tire have machines that will sipe tires but you should check your warrantee on your tires before siping to see if it voids your tire warrantee! The U.S. National Safety Council did tests that siping reduces wear on your tire carcass and on the sidewalls and siping with wide straight grooves have a low noise level. They also claim that siping improves stopping distances by 22%! There's also Microsiping that reduces tire friction heat according to Les Schwab Tire. If you ever seen the tire tread on a Michelin XZE Tire the siping really stands out. 67 Cutlass to really simplify siping imagine having a pair of sandals that are bare on the underside and your walking or running in these sandals in water you stand a good chance of slipping! Then take those same sandals and sipe then (put grooves in the bottom of the sandals) you will have better traction (less slippage). 67 Cutlass is also a great car! Take Care, Rooster

What is 'siping'?

Jim, I ran Michelin XZE OTR (over the road) for most of my driving career! I've read where people have posted "What's so great about Michelin Tires" I didn't respond to the basher but, I honestly can tell you I drove over 4 million miles on Michelin tires without a blowout, cracking or bubbling etc. on my Semi. And I ran Michelin XRV's tires (G Rating) on my coach for 10 years without a blowout, cracking etc. and I had a new set of Michelin XRV's put on my coach several months ago. All the miles that I ran on Michelin tires with no tire problems that's not good luck, that's a good quality tire and that speaks for itself. Those Michelin steer tires that I ran held up and as far as I'm concerned saved my life. Tire maintenance I strictly adhere to the Michelin Quality Care that's posted on there website. The difference you asked about between the two tires are the XZE+3 has more elastic material built into the sidewall (beefed up) so there a stronger sidewall than the XZE when hitting curbs. Also, Michelin cut down there siping in this tire over the XZE to make the 3+ a flatter tread to make the tire smoother on the road surface. If your not aware Michelin sipes all there Truck and Motorhome tires. Lastly the +3 tires can be regrooved (recap) up to 3 times. Never run recaps on your steer axle if you care to have the +3 regrooved! It's possible to lose the tread in extreme heat. IMHO, If I was still driving OTR or owned a DP (H rating), I would run the XZE. Good Luck, Rooster

rockhillmanor wrote:
Don't make the mistake I did on my Michelin's. :(

My tire shop did not know about the RV tires and put on the most expensive tires, per my request, and they are TOO AGGRESSIVE.
The outer rib flex's like heck. Changed what was PERFECT handling to not.

There is a reason big semi truck tires have a bald outer rib.

Is this the bald outer rib you are talking about? This is a XZA3+ on our 2012 Phaeton.

marbilupton wrote:
I was just putting air in my 3 year old XZE's today and noticed cracks in one of the sidewalls. I am disappointed that this would happen in a 3 year old tire.

Tell us about their "care and feeding":

First, is this 3 years from the build date (from DOT number)?

Stored outdoors or indoors? If outdoors are the tires covered? Black or white covers?

How often do you drive 25+ highway miles (long enough to get the tires hot enough that the emoluments that protect the tire migrate to the surface?

Tire pressure always at or above that recommended by your tire manufacturer for your actual weight?

I was just putting air in my 3 year old XZE's today and noticed cracks in one of the sidewalls. I am disappointed that this would happen in a 3 year old tire.

Our Bounder came from the factory with XRVs and when we replaced them this year the dealer did not have any, and they were in fact back-ordered, so he recommended the XZE - which we ended up getting through the FMCA program, saving us almost $100 per tire. I can honestly not tell any difference in handling between the XRV and XZE. I'll let you know in another 7 years if there is a difference in aging...

steveownby wrote:

Jim & Betty wrote:
Not wanting to Hijack Thunder Mountain's post I had a question about the differences in the Michelin tires.

I looked on the Michelin web site and found two RV tires in my size 275/80 R22.5 load range H one was a XZA3 and the other a XZE. From what I read the XZA3 can be retreaded and was, from what I understood a steer tire. So what is the difference?

I will buy Michelin only and I do appreciate other opinions but please no pitches for other brands, Thanks.

I am looking at all six all position tires so if ever needed the fronts can go to the back and the backs to the front. I have had to do that with the Goodyear tires on the RV already.

I have the Goodyear G670s that are starting to river and will be 7 years old at years end so I am looking to buy between now and Spring (within 2500 miles and 7 months)

Thank You for the reply
JimR

Hey Jim,

In Michelin brand, you are correct that you are pretty limited in choice. Personally, I would go with the XZE as they are a regional haul design and have a stronger, moe protected sidewall. They are also rated as all position. If you have room in your wheel well the 295/80 in the XZA2 Energy is a great motorhome tire.

There are only two tires marketed specifically as RV tires, the Goodyear G670 and the Michelin XRV. The XRV is not made in your size. Both have had issues over the years and personally I would always prefer a all position rated truck tire.

Hello

Yes I am leaning towards the XZE I have seen them on other rigs and the drivers seemed to like them. Thanks for the replys
And Yes I am a FMCA member and would use the program if it saves money.

JimR

Jim & Betty wrote:
Not wanting to Hijack Thunder Mountain's post I had a question about the differences in the Michelin tires.

I looked on the Michelin web site and found two RV tires in my size 275/80 R22.5 load range H one was a XZA3 and the other a XZE. From what I read the XZA3 can be retreaded and was, from what I understood a steer tire. So what is the difference?

I will buy Michelin only and I do appreciate other opinions but please no pitches for other brands, Thanks.

I am looking at all six all position tires so if ever needed the fronts can go to the back and the backs to the front. I have had to do that with the Goodyear tires on the RV already.

I have the Goodyear G670s that are starting to river and will be 7 years old at years end so I am looking to buy between now and Spring (within 2500 miles and 7 months)

Thank You for the reply
JimR

Hey Jim,

In Michelin brand, you are correct that you are pretty limited in choice. Personally, I would go with the XZE as they are a regional haul design and have a stronger, moe protected sidewall. They are also rated as all position. If you have room in your wheel well the 295/80 in the XZA2 Energy is a great motorhome tire.

There are only two tires marketed specifically as RV tires, the Goodyear G670 and the Michelin XRV. The XRV is not made in your size. Both have had issues over the years and personally I would always prefer a all position rated truck tire.