push back trying to get Michelin XPS RIB installed

[Learjet]

I'm getting some push back trying to get Michelin XPS RIB installed on my 5th wheel trailer with 6,000 lbs axles.

Dealer is wanting me to use ST trailer tires, online chat with Michelin left my wanting to throw my computer at the wall. Trying to explain the GVW rating for the trailer was not an issue at 13,740 lbs. Kept telling him I have 6,000 lbs axle and the axle rating was the important thing that all the weight is not carried on the axles, even gave him my actual scaled weights.

Can't find any docs from Michelin approving these tire for use as in my situation....anyone??

[rhagfo]

Learjet wrote:

RollandB wrote:
This isn’t to stir the pot, but something to think about. My fifth wheel has a GVW about 500 less than yours. The weight on the two trailer axles is about 10,650 when hooked to the truck. Last summer was the time when I had marked to get ride of the Marathons that had about 5000 miles and from the factory. I just didn’t like the LT options which would give me about 1300# of a cushion when adding up the tire max Times 4. I can understand why a tire dealer would be concerned even with the track record Michelin XPS Ribs have.

good point...my trailer scaled weight 12,000 lbs loaded and the actual axles weight was 10,000 lbs so each tire would be at 2,500 lbs in my case or about 82% capacity.

Well I didn't go with the Michelin or Bridgestone Duravis, but did go to Yokohama YK-HTX 235/85-16E's at 3,042# capacity each for our 12,360# GVWR 5er.
You should see the beating I get on the Keystone forum for running the LT with a lower weight capacity than the equivalent ST in the same size, about 300# per tire. I simply point out lack of blowouts on TV with LT's running closer to capacity, and the fact that the ST is rated to that higher capacity to 65 mph while the LT's are rated to their capacity to 106 mph! I would say at normal towing speeds I have a very good cushion!!

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Learjet wrote:
My second choice is the "New" Goodyear Endurance ST tires...they sound promising...but still are new with not much history.

They have been on the market for around a year with good results, My Son towed his 24' boat from NW WA to TX last Summer towing at 75mph with no issues.

I have a set on my HEAVY 23' tandem axle boat trailer, honestly not a lot of miles so far but I went with a heavier load range than what was on it and it's nice not having the tires look half flat all the time.

Discount Tire Manager said they have to keep ordering them in since they have been very popular with no issues. I believe mine were less than two months old as were my Son's.

There is a report on the Forest River forum of an Endurance failure. Looks like its starting, hopefully they won't follow suit with the G614. Time will tell

[larry_barnhart]

Big Katuna wrote:
I’d run it on the rims before I’d put Goodyear’s on.

That would be a fun thing to see. if you do post it on you tube.

Yes I know you are kidding.

chevman:B

[laknox]

Space nerd wrote:
Jayco is now putting the Goodyear Endurance ST on their new 5th wheels. At a show last Saturday I saw a Pinnacle with the Endurance ST's on it. I asked the factory rep about them and he went on and on about how great they were. But they used to put Marathons on stock a few years ago and that didn't end well. I did put the Endurance ST's on my Cougar 5er about 8 months and 5000 miles ago. So far so good.

In '15 or '16 Jayco came out with a 16" wheel option on their Eagle HT line, and they came with Maxxis tires.

Lyle

[laknox]

I agree with JIMNLIN, many dealers simply will not put a tire that has a sidewall rating less than the factory placard, even though the tires will have more than enough capacity to handle the entire GVW of the trailer. There are only 2 solutions; 1) find another dealer, 2) dismount the wheels and take them to the dealer and have the new tires mounted and balanced, 2a) buy tires online and refer to #2.

FWIW, the Bridgestone Duravis R250s are virtually identical to the XP Ribs and cheaper.

Lyle

[Space_nerd]

Jayco is now putting the Goodyear Endurance ST on their new 5th wheels. At a show last Saturday I saw a Pinnacle with the Endurance ST's on it. I asked the factory rep about them and he went on and on about how great they were. But they used to put Marathons on stock a few years ago and that didn't end well. I did put the Endurance ST's on my Cougar 5er about 8 months and 5000 miles ago. So far so good.

[aruba5er]

I blew 3 tires in one day last spring. All LT 225/75/16. I was going to replace the tires with Maxxis but that thought was blown to the wind when I needed new tires now in Van Horn TX on a saturday afternoon. Before I put LT back on I would try the GY Endurance. Only had around 12000 miles on them and aired to 80 # and driveing about 62 mph. BUT air temp was 94 and brand new BLACKtop. I wonder. The tires where Uniroyal.durasomething.

[joebedford]

waltbennett wrote:
Take your wheels OFF yourself and bring them to dealer. They'll put whatever you want on them that way.

Yup - I did that. I took three, then on a separate trip, took the other three.

Not for me, but a friend found a dealer who wouldn't put an LT tire on a trailer.

[waltbennett]

Take your wheels OFF yourself and bring them to dealer. They'll put whatever you want on them that way.

[1971duster340]

I went from 15" to 16" rims/XPS on a Jayco 300FSS TT. Blew 3 of the factory supplied tires the first year which were loaded to 90% of their capacity. I don't remember the size of the XPS, but it was close to the physical size of the 15" tires. I had to be specific about the stronger, 80psi rims.
The XPS were E rated and had a stiffer sidewall than the D rated that came on it, which made the TT handle better. Seems the loaded TT weight was about 10,800#. Probably ran the XPS 20K mi. when I moved to a DP. It was an expensive trade-out, but what's confidence worth traveling thru the AZ desert?

[Cummins12V98]

Learjet wrote:
My second choice is the "New" Goodyear Endurance ST tires...they sound promising...but still are new with not much history.

They have been on the market for around a year with good results, My Son towed his 24' boat from NW WA to TX last Summer towing at 75mph with no issues.

I have a set on my HEAVY 23' tandem axle boat trailer, honestly not a lot of miles so far but I went with a heavier load range than what was on it and it's nice not having the tires look half flat all the time.

Discount Tire Manager said they have to keep ordering them in since they have been very popular with no issues. I believe mine were less than two months old as were my Son's.

[gitane59]

Michelin describe's the XPS Rib as a commercial grade all-position tire. Years ago on the Michelin website trailer axle use was listed as a certified application. For reason's likely only a lawyer would be able to start to articulate the trailer use statement was removed.
However look at this current tire dealer listing of XPS Rib applications in which they call the XPS Rib an ideal choice for commercial trailers because of low rolling resistance.Mavis Tire Michelin XPS Rib

[JIMNLIN]

Your issue with the dealer can be a liability issue..... he saw the tire placard sticker with those may pop ST E tires at 3400-3600 lbs capacity tires....or you mentioned your replacing them with the LT E at 3195 lbs. Experienced tire dealers can see what the issue is tire capacity shall meet or exceed a trailer=s axle ratings. The dealer is very inexperienced. I use mostly truck tire dealers as they seem overall more experienced in this area.

This from a previous Michelin website XPS Rib add;
Michelin® XPS Rib® tires are the best value per mile in the Michelin commercial tire lineup and an ideal choice for commercial trailers because of low rolling resistance (for better fuel economy), a long-wear tread design and retreadability. These tires also have the strength of a reinforced all-steel construction for lasting durability.
Responsive handling helps you negotiate through tough traffic
Greater durability and puncture
resistance from a third steel belt.
Easily retreadable all-steel casing
Lowest cost per mile in this category
Resists sidewall damage with the sculptured sidewall protector.
Sidewall: black serrated
outline lettering.
Load Range: E
Service Description: 120/116Q


...................................

this email was my question to Michelin and a direct answer about the add and was in response to FastEagle stirring the pot back then with his anti Michelin campaign;

MICHELINS XPS RIBS RESPONCE Q & A

It was brougt up in a thread that the XPS Rib is not for use on trailers so I emailed Michelin to get a response to this matter.

Email response was:


Quote:

Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.


The Michelin XPS Rib can be used for recreational vehicles, trailer travelers and pick up trucks. This is an all around tire for many different applications. I hope this answer your question. Again, thank you for being a Michelin consumer.

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-847-3435 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 9:00AM and 5:00PM Eastern Time on Saturday.


Michelin North America
................................................

[BB_TX]

Discount Tire put Ribs on my 5er no problem. Soon will be getting a new set as mine are past due age wise even though lots of tread left.

[Learjet]

Charlie D. wrote:
Anyone notice the comment the OP posted about his conversation with Michelin?:S I spoke to TWO different BF Goodrich employees by phone when three of their Advantage T/A's developed broken belts or ripped the belts. They emphatically said that the LT tires were not to be used on trailers. Placed myself and others in danger and would not warrant them. This was when they were recalling those tires a few years ago. Some on here say they have spoken to BFG and there was no issue with using those tires.

Last year I picked up a nail in my Firestone Transforce tire on my camper. Took it off and went to a Firestone dealer for repair. He chastised me for using them on an RV. and said Firestone would not warrant them.

OP here...someone mentioned about Airstream using Michelin LT tires, I checked the Airstream website and the do say that...not the XPS RIB judging by the tire size...So...how can the top of the line airstream be sold with Michelin LT tire with out that approval from Michelin for Trailer use?