Tire decision, Michelin, BFG, or Kumho

Smitty77 wrote:
Second post in this thread, to expand. I concur that price always is a factor, as long as safety is not compromised.

Three years ago when doing my research, off of memory, three tires were considered Tier 1 in our tire size (22 X 12R):
-Michelin
-Goodyear G670
-BF Goodrich (Please see note below.)

Tier 2:
-Bridgestone
-Toyo
-Others (about two or three more)

Tier 3:
-Others (As I would only consider Tier 1 and 2, don't have these in my memory cells.)

Note: As with all things, opinions varied when I talked with different tire distributors/dealers. Some considered BF Goodrich (Made by Michelin) to be Tier 1, others said Tier 2 but 'close to Tier 1'. Also, to the best of my knowledge and memory, the current Continental RV tires were not available at that time.)

OK - So what? I feel that any Tier 2 and above tire, is a 'safe' tire. As you shop price, you really can't go wrong with any of these tires.

Why I have Michelins? And yes, they were the highest cost. I had negotiated a credit for 8 new tires as part of the purchase agreement. We agreed to use BF Goodrich's price as the baseline. So I only paid the difference between BF Goodrich and the Michelin's.

I had wanted the XZE*, as they had a bit thicker sidewall then standard XZE's. (As a rookie with a 40', and tag's, I was concerned about clipping the curb from time to time on turns. And yes, I have done this. That extra little extra gives me a safety edge.

Next set? Will probably do as Mr. Executive has done. Putting a Tier 1 tire on the steers, and a Tier 2 on the Drives and Tag. (And note, not saying Goodyear G670's are Tier 2, and if they price close they could easily be those tires on the rear.)

Last comment. Tier 1 and Tier 2 opinions, are just that opinions. But these were from three multiple sources, and I trusted their input enough to run with it. Other's may not care to do so. And, this was three years ago.

Do your research, factor the costs to your decision on the level of quality. Make your decision.

One last opinion, already said by others: Buy the best tire you can. As no matter how good your suspension or brakes are - it is those tiny little patches of tires making contact to the pavement, that can be the difference in an emergency maneuver or stopping. (Cars as well as RV's)

Best of luck to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty

Currently, "third tier now is made up almost exclusively of Chinese-made tires, representing 30 to 35 percent of the market, Mr. Weller said. This tier includes brands such as Cooper Roadmaster, Double Coin, Hercules, Sailun, GITI, Samson, Road One and another 20 to 30 manufacturers or brands sold in North America at the moment."
source: http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20130802/NEWS/130809973/chinese-tire-industry-consolidating&template=printart

And Tier 1, 2, and 3 are meaningless when determining what tires to put on your motorhome. Means nothing but market share.

427435 wrote:
After 8 years, it's time to replace my 245-70R-19.5 tires. I got these prices from a reputable local store. They are all out the door including balance and new valve stems.

Michelin.......................... $2901

BF Goodrich....................... $2318

Kumho............................. $2066


Any thoughts or advice???

I had Kumho on my last motorhome and they were great, smooth and quiet, when the tires on my newer rv need changed that's my 1st pick.

Second post in this thread, to expand. I concur that price always is a factor, as long as safety is not compromised.

Three years ago when doing my research, off of memory, three tires were considered Tier 1 in our tire size (22 X 12R):
-Michelin
-Goodyear G670
-BF Goodrich (Please see note below.)

Tier 2:
-Bridgestone
-Toyo
-Others (about two or three more)

Tier 3:
-Others (As I would only consider Tier 1 and 2, don't have these in my memory cells.)

Note: As with all things, opinions varied when I talked with different tire distributors/dealers. Some considered BF Goodrich (Made by Michelin) to be Tier 1, others said Tier 2 but 'close to Tier 1'. Also, to the best of my knowledge and memory, the current Continental RV tires were not available at that time.)

OK - So what? I feel that any Tier 2 and above tire, is a 'safe' tire. As you shop price, you really can't go wrong with any of these tires.

Why I have Michelins? And yes, they were the highest cost. I had negotiated a credit for 8 new tires as part of the purchase agreement. We agreed to use BF Goodrich's price as the baseline. So I only paid the difference between BF Goodrich and the Michelin's.

I had wanted the XZE*, as they had a bit thicker sidewall then standard XZE's. (As a rookie with a 40', and tag's, I was concerned about clipping the curb from time to time on turns. And yes, I have done this. That extra little extra gives me a safety edge.

Next set? Will probably do as Mr. Executive has done. Putting a Tier 1 tire on the steers, and a Tier 2 on the Drives and Tag. (And note, not saying Goodyear G670's are Tier 2, and if they price close they could easily be those tires on the rear.)

Last comment. Tier 1 and Tier 2 opinions, are just that opinions. But these were from three multiple sources, and I trusted their input enough to run with it. Other's may not care to do so. And, this was three years ago.

Do your research, factor the costs to your decision on the level of quality. Make your decision.

One last opinion, already said by others: Buy the best tire you can. As no matter how good your suspension or brakes are - it is those tiny little patches of tires making contact to the pavement, that can be the difference in an emergency maneuver or stopping. (Cars as well as RV's)

Best of luck to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty

I buy Michelins because they make a soft rubber tire (XRV) softest RV tire on the market, which is made specifically for RV's that sit for long periods of time. I have no complaints about Chinese except they are made of hard rubber!

Sully2 wrote:

Executive wrote:
IMHO, only fools buy tires buy based on price alone......Dennis

Thank you for calling me a fool...because I openly admit that I price the living CRA* out of tire prices when shopping. I dont buy the lowest cost out on the market but I sure do price them to death. And IMHO people that BLINDLY buy Michelins because "they are the best" are the fools in the buying game.

There are other brands available that are JUST AS GOOD as the Mich's at lots less $$. Not that Mich's are bad...or junk or anything...because they arent...Mich makes a great tire. In lots of cases almost 200% OVERPRICED....but quality-wise a good tire.

Sully you are no fool....I've highlighted the word you may have missed...:B..obviously you do your research THEN check prices....if that makes you a fool, then it makes me one too....just sayin..:W..Dennis

Go continintal , what most buses over the road run.

This guy likes his Michelins.

Executive wrote:
Who buys tires based on price alone....:h:h..

My family's safety is my first concern. I'm interested in buying the best rated, best quality tire I can find. I could care less about the cost.

My research showed Michelin and Goodyear had better quality control, testing and compounds than any of the other brands so that's what I run...Michelins on the front, Goodyears on the drive and tag axles....your perception may be different....good luck..

IMHO, only fools buy tires buy based on price alone......Dennis

Thank you for calling me a fool...because I openly admit that I price the living CRA* out of tire prices when shopping. I dont buy the lowest cost out on the market but I sure do price them to death. And IMHO people that BLINDLY buy Michelins because "they are the best" are the fools in the buying game.

There are other brands available that are JUST AS GOOD as the Mich's at lots less $$. Not that Mich's are bad...or junk or anything...because they arent...Mich makes a great tire. In lots of cases almost 200% OVERPRICED....but quality-wise a good tire.

Seneca 35GS wrote:

mike brez wrote:
You could get 6 Hankooks out the door for $1,700.00

Don't buy CHINESE.

Thats an old saw that cant cut anymore

I have had 3 sets of Michelin's (22.5) w/ no problems although I have read that Hankooks have been very realiable and my 12 Explorer came w/ them and they run good so far!