Tires

An 18% gas mileage increase from changing tires?:h

Patrol 65 wrote:
I recently replaced my 8 year old Chinese tires with Samson truck tires. The ride is smoothe and my gas mileage also increased by 1 mile per gallon, from 7.5 to 8.9, at a speed of around 60 mph. I paid $2,000 for six 245/70R19.5 tires mounted and balanced.

I just got a quote on Samson tires in 275/70R22.5 of $375/ea, out the door. That will probably be my next tire, as I have several RV friends that have gone to them and are very happy, plus several of the larger local trucking companies have made the switch to Samson and are very happy with the results.

I recently replaced my 8 year old Chinese tires with Samson truck tires. The ride is smoothe and my gas mileage also increased by 1 mile per gallon, from 7.5 to 8.9, at a speed of around 60 mph. I paid $2,000 for six 245/70R19.5 tires mounted and balanced.

ddndoug wrote:
Another idea for those whom are "financially challenged" or just plain cheap like me....

Some people will replace two tires a year. You can start with the steer tires this year. Next year get two new tires but them on the sterring axle again and move the pair you bought this year to the rear. Then the following year, do it all again.

It allows you to space out your purchases over three years, and you always have a fresh set of tires on your steering axle.


Doug

and that is how most trucking companies do it!!! Steer tires get moved to the rear axles long before they wear out! And eventually they find their way to the trailer axles.

Maybe back east Pat, but not out here in the west.....Michelin would come in at least 3rd or 4th and Goodyear would not be in the top 10.

UsualSuspect wrote:
Michelin is not a good bargain.

Wander around the parking lot at a big truck stop looking at the steer tires on those big rigs. Think you will find that the preferred choice of most truckers is Michelin. I don't like riding on Bargains! Just how many square inches of rubber does your motorhome ride on??? I want those square inches to be of top quality rubber from a top quality tire manufacturer. Not saying it has to be Michelin, but they are in the running with a preferred quality tire. Bargains have nothing to do with it.

Another idea for those whom are "financially challenged" or just plain cheap like me....

Some people will replace two tires a year. You can start with the steer tires this year. Next year get two new tires but them on the sterring axle again and move the pair you bought this year to the rear. Then the following year, do it all again.

It allows you to space out your purchases over three years, and you always have a fresh set of tires on your steering axle.


Doug

jerem0621 wrote:
Ummm... I am looking at older gas class A's. should I expect to spend 6 grand on new tires? Is that normal?

Thanks

If you're looking at an older chassis with 16" tires, they're much cheaper. But still expensive, figure $2-3 grand.


Doug

jerem0621 wrote:
Ummm... I am looking at older gas class A's. should I expect to spend 6 grand on new tires? Is that normal?

Thanks

Depends on the tire. I called around to see what it would cost a few months ago. I found even with the FMCA Program, Michelin is not a good bargain.
Here is the breakdown of cost for 6 275/70-22.5's mounted, balanced, and new stems.
Sumitomo - $2,490
Hankook - $2,670
Firestone - $2,890
Continental - $3,480
Michelin - $4,625
Goodyear - $4,680
Bridgestone - $4,740


Depending on the size, and the tire shop, and location, your prices may differ. I found for the same tire, some shops were 15-20% higher, and some were even higher than that. The surprising part is that a mobile tire guy is not that much higher, and they come to you. I have to drive into Los Angeles to get the lower pricing.

jerem0621 wrote:
Ummm... I am looking at older gas class A's. should I expect to spend 6 grand on new tires? Is that normal?

Thanks

That would depend on what you buy. Size of Class A, number of tires, size of tire and of course brand of tire.