Forum Discussion

Explorer

Oct 23, 2014

Need an opinion on tire swap

I am in the process of purchasing a new Heartland Gateway 5th wheel, and of course it has Chinese tires on it. We were in Santa Fe in August of 2012 and had to purchase a new set of tires to get home. All Discount Tire had were LT 235/85 R16 Load Range E Michelin tires, so I bit the bullet and purchased them. The manufacture code says they were made in May of 2012.

I am just wondering if the 2 year old Michelins would have more life in them than the equipment Chinese tires will have. I am wondering if I should go to the hassle of getting the dealer to change them out. I am not trading the old rig in, I am taking it to PPL for them to sell it for me. I am sure I will have to pay them to change the tires.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Seeking Advice

13 Replies

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
You should have posted in the 5th wheel forum.

Tires are *always* a hot issue there, and a search will yield hours of reading!.

Michelin XPS Ribs are an *excellent* choice.
(IMO) pay for the mounting & get two more XPS Ribs (assume that's what you bought).

BTW - Michelin has many distributors - any tire dealer should be able to get tires with current date codes in one day (except on weekends).

Chinese tires are at the bottom of the barrel - except when no other choice is available (ex: for 15" rims).

~
azdryheat
Explorer
Oct 23, 2014
Here's what I did as soon as I took delivery of my brand new Voltage toy hauler: I replaced the 6 brand new Chinese tires (Akuret) with Michelin XPS Ribs. Cost me $2100 but I refuse to have Chinese tires on my rig. My previous trailer, an Everest 5th wheel, had Michelin LT's on it and I never had any tire issues.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2014
Yes, by a long shot. I would not hesitate to install the two year old LT tires as long as they will safely handle the load.