FMCA Michelin tire program issues

[MarkieBob]

This past January I bought 6 new tires in Oregon on the FMCA Michelin tire program. The price was cheaper than dealers, so I bit. I should have researched it further--my fault--because FMCA said labor was extra but I thought it wouldn't be that much to worry about. My error--I think--. I paid $540 extra to have them mounted and balanced. When that was added I may have paid too much. I've been afraid to check on it further because it was my fault. I'm curious if any of you have had a similar awakening on it.

[Bruce_Brown]

I'm sure glad we have a good local truck tire dealer. My suggestion to anyone would be to check with your local guys too before signing up for the FMCA program and finding the surprises later. It's always good to compare.

[tropical36]

MarkieBob wrote:
This past January I bought 6 new tires in Oregon on the FMCA Michelin tire program. The price was cheaper than dealers, so I bit. I should have researched it further--my fault--because FMCA said labor was extra but I thought it wouldn't be that much to worry about. My error--I think--. I paid $540 extra to have them mounted and balanced. When that was added I may have paid too much. I've been afraid to check on it further because it was my fault. I'm curious if any of you have had a similar awakening on it.

That's not a ridiculous price, it's insane, as well as having to go with some kind of a program to get the tire price down from insane to ridiculous.

[rfsod48]

I am in the process of getting new tires for my mh, have been quoted $77 per tire for removal of tires, mounting of new tires, new valve stems, balancing of wheels and disposal of old tires. This is same for 2 different dealers. My tires are 275/70/22.5 LR J.

[BigSkyBob]

When I purchased my 315/80/22.5 Michelins through the FMCA fleet program my dealer charged me $50 per tire to mount & balance. I live in MT so no taxes involved. I feel you got ripped.

[wa8yxm]

I only paid 50 to mount one tire.. I agree your technician ripped you off.

[William_B]

I'll bet the FET is in that number.

[Community Alumni]

I paid a little under 300 for mounting and balancing 6 tires through the program. Bottom line was I saved a bit of money using FMCA program

JimR

[jorbill2or]

Well at least you didn’t pay tax in Oregon , Look at the bright side !!!! install isn’t free but I think yours was a little high 300 bucks is normal so your only out a couple hundred and you saved that probably with the FMCA program. Just trying to look at the positive side. Good lesson to not just look at the “tire” price but the all in price.
The FMCA Michelin all in price was still way off from the Toyo price .. well over a thousand .. I just couldn’t see it.

[wolfe10]

$90 per tire for mount and balance? WOW.

Are you sure that did not include state tax which is also clearly not collected through the FMCA/Michelin program?

But, both mounting/balancing and state tax would be exactly the same whether through the FMCA program or direct through the local dealer.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

I had the 4 rear tires for our Phaeton on a Freightliner chassis that were bought through the FMCA Tire Program installed for $220 including balance and mounting.

[crasster]

Well if anything else is learned, always check on the labor rate. Still though $540 for 6 tires mount and balance seems very high. Many smaller tire shops will have the jacks needed (basically bigger bottle jacks) and heavy duty impact wrenches to service a coach. What size tires?

[Trumpet_Player]

My guess is that you would have had to pay the fees to mount and balance tires purchased from anyone? Normally that is a cost that is added to any tire purchase/installation. Additionally, you likely paid a tire disposal fee, that is unless you took the old tires with you.