Tires - To Sipe or Not to Sipe Toyo M154s

toedtoes wrote:
Ah! So you bought the RV with factory siped Michelins already on it. And are deciding to replace with the same (factory siped michelins) or Toyos.

In that case, my last comment stands. I would question Michelin as to why they sipe their own tires. Is it done in accordance with their engineers to provide the best tire? Or is it a cheap fix for an engineering mistake?

My guess would be the latter.

Ha!

You may be right. If so... I doubt Michelin will admit it.

But no. The rig is on it's 3rd set and as many owners. 1. The OEM Michelins. 2. The Toyo M154s. 3. The 2nd set of Toyo M154s.

The Michelins were never an option. They are notorious for coming apart at the sidewalls. But that doesn't mean their tread design or the siping is bad.

But yeah... the siping looks like very similar to what the tire shop does.

MY guess is... they wanted more traction without the expense of redesigning the mold... for a tire that doesn't sell much... because of its terrible reputation among it's target market. Tire Rack has a "whopping" 3 reviews of the XRV. The first was in 2011. What does that tell you?

BUT... in addition... one might ASSume that the engineers... who approved the plan... were comfortable enough with the idea... knowing the company would still have to honor the warranty, including threat of lawsuit if they ever became known to come apart at risk to life and limb.

I'm also reminded that the Toyo tread depth is 19/32 vs 16 for the Michelins. So more room for water in those channels.

Most who have converted to the Toyos report a quiet, smooth ride. Some say better than the Michelins.

I don't have a frame of reference, but I'll say this... she rides smooth and quiet. Can't hear the tires from the cabin.