Tires for Big Class C
Hi, Folks, I have a 2011 Itasca Impulse 31N, a 32' class C. This motor home is big and heavy compared to my last one (1999 Coachmen Catalina Sport 220-RK) and is close to the max load range of its...
Forum Discussion
To Mich F,
First, it seems we like the same things. I had a 1999 Coachmen Catalina Sport 220RK (which I loved) from 2003 - 2011. Now I have a 2011 Itasca Impulse 31N (which my wife loves). The second is certainly heavier than the first, and both are on load range E tires.
Thank you so much for your suggestion to call Michelin. I did so, and a knowledgeable fellow from India subtly implied they had been having some problems with my tires. He suggested I take my RV to an authorized Michelin dealer to have the tires evaluated. I told him I didn't want the same tires again only to have the same problem in two to three years. He responded that my tires, the LTX M&S's, were replaced on 8/4/12 by LTX M&S2's, which are made with a different compound. So I followed his advice.
When I first showed the tire store mgr my cracked tires, he said the cracks were merely cosmetic. So I assumed this was going to be a futile exercise. He then called the Michelin rep, who asked the store manager (SM) if he thought the tires presented a safety issue, and the SM said, "Yes." He told me after he got off the phone that the tires may not fail this month or next month, or maybe even in six months, but eventually, considering the cracks in the sidewalls and especially the cracks where the tread meets the sidewalls, the tread would separate from the tire. He also told me the Michelin rep authorized seven new tires for me.
So I got seven new tires, the updated Michelins LTX M&S2's, for almost free. I had to pay for mounting ($25/tire), valves, and for some proration due to my 7,500 miles driven on the old LTX's. The total bill for seven brand new tires, labor, etc. was $358. MSRP of the LTX M&S2 is $257 a tire, or $1799 for the tires alone. I can't believe it; I never win in such situations.
However, I will certainly keep an eye on these new tires to ensure I detect potential problems before they cause me grief. I will take the Michelin phone number with me in my travels.
So THANK YOU for suggesting I call Michelin. Your few words in a post saved me many dollars in my wallet. I wish you pleasant and safe travels where ever you may go. And may someone repay you the favor you paid me. Thank you.
Rob
First, it seems we like the same things. I had a 1999 Coachmen Catalina Sport 220RK (which I loved) from 2003 - 2011. Now I have a 2011 Itasca Impulse 31N (which my wife loves). The second is certainly heavier than the first, and both are on load range E tires.
Thank you so much for your suggestion to call Michelin. I did so, and a knowledgeable fellow from India subtly implied they had been having some problems with my tires. He suggested I take my RV to an authorized Michelin dealer to have the tires evaluated. I told him I didn't want the same tires again only to have the same problem in two to three years. He responded that my tires, the LTX M&S's, were replaced on 8/4/12 by LTX M&S2's, which are made with a different compound. So I followed his advice.
When I first showed the tire store mgr my cracked tires, he said the cracks were merely cosmetic. So I assumed this was going to be a futile exercise. He then called the Michelin rep, who asked the store manager (SM) if he thought the tires presented a safety issue, and the SM said, "Yes." He told me after he got off the phone that the tires may not fail this month or next month, or maybe even in six months, but eventually, considering the cracks in the sidewalls and especially the cracks where the tread meets the sidewalls, the tread would separate from the tire. He also told me the Michelin rep authorized seven new tires for me.
So I got seven new tires, the updated Michelins LTX M&S2's, for almost free. I had to pay for mounting ($25/tire), valves, and for some proration due to my 7,500 miles driven on the old LTX's. The total bill for seven brand new tires, labor, etc. was $358. MSRP of the LTX M&S2 is $257 a tire, or $1799 for the tires alone. I can't believe it; I never win in such situations.
However, I will certainly keep an eye on these new tires to ensure I detect potential problems before they cause me grief. I will take the Michelin phone number with me in my travels.
So THANK YOU for suggesting I call Michelin. Your few words in a post saved me many dollars in my wallet. I wish you pleasant and safe travels where ever you may go. And may someone repay you the favor you paid me. Thank you.
Rob
