Forum Discussion

F1bNorm's avatar
F1bNorm
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013

Michelin tire problem

I HAD a really nice handlling 24' E350 based Winnie B+. Needed to replace An older set of Michelin LTX MS because of age and checking. Because they handled very well, I decided to pay the premium for another set of Michelins. The LTX MS was replaced by an MS2. Now the rig handles terrible! It sways back and forth like it is way under inflated. Worse when pulling my towd.

Tried different inflation pressures, over, under and the better was the door sticker pressure. Called Mich help line, not much help, except that I may need to go to the even more expensive EPX Rib. On Mon i'll get the rig weighed and go back to the dealer.

What really bugs me is that the tires are so close to the previous, good handling set.

Any clues as to what the problem may be? These are 225/75/16 load E.

Thx
Norm
Class C
  • snowdance's avatar
    snowdance
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2013
    New tires any brand have kind of soft rubber. But after driving them a while they heat and cool and the rubber gets firm. Like the ones you took off. We notice in on all new tires we get most because we live in the mts and drive roads corner after corner. Some of the new ones worry us. But after heating and cooling a few times they get better.. Odds are that is the problem. But getting a weight ect is a good idea..
  • Handbasket's avatar
    Handbasket
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2013
    I'm one of the ones who has had handling issues with the original LTX. From my experience and several others that I've seen here and in the Class B forum, I have no doubt that their soft sidewalls can cause problems for tall top-heavy vehicles. No knowledge of the '2' version; it's immaterial to me, since I'll never buy another Michelin.

    Jim, "The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up."
  • CapriRacer's avatar
    CapriRacer
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2013
    Just an FYI:

    I have noticed many reports of people having handling issues with new LT tires. Several of these reports include comments that the issues eventually go away (although, I am struggling with that!) - or at least, the driver gets used to the difference (That seems more logical).

    Some of these reports are for change of brands, but like this one, there are several with absolutely no change at all! (Other than the difference in wear).

    I don't quite know what to make of this, but I wanted to point this out.
  • F1bNorm's avatar
    F1bNorm
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2013
    Thanks for the replies! As stated in the original post, this has been a very good handling MH. It has fresh Bilsteins (2years) and a rear sway bar. It had been on the road a month ago and all was fine, just got nervous about the age of the tires.
    Got about 500 miles on the new rubber and there is an exchange guarantee. Will check with the dealer on the limits.

    Norm
  • jbarry's avatar
    jbarry
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2013
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    When I put Michelins (LTX AT2) on my truck they 'seemed' to squirm.

    Then one day it was gone......couple hundred miles I think.


    This has happened with every set of Michelin tires I've ever bought...and I've bought a lot...both for cars and our SUV. Didn't replace moho tires with Michelins...got Bridgestone Duravis instead...they've been great.
  • pnichols's avatar
    pnichols
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2013
    You (the OP) didn't say how big (long) your Class C is. From what I've read in these forums, a Class C with long rear overhang can often feel squirrelly in it's steering. Also, correct alignment of the front suspension for a loaded Class C motorhome is VERY IMPORTANT to proper steering.

    I put Michelin LTX M/S2 215/85R16 tires on my short Class C a couple of years ago and they are handling and riding just great. I stayed away from Michelin RIB tires because of their pure highway tread design, as I wanted the more aggressive Mud & Snow design for best all around traction. I use 80 lbs. in the rear and 65 lbs. in the front on our 24 foot E450 Class C. Our E450 chassis came with a steering damper shock, which may be helping.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 03, 2013
    When I put Michelins (LTX AT2) on my truck they 'seemed' to squirm.

    Then one day it was gone......couple hundred miles I think.
    Guess the new shoes needed broken in cause they have performed and worn great since..that was 50,000 miles ago

    Getting the rig weighed is a great idea!
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2013
    Intuitively, old tires get flabby. Hmmm, like WE do. But actually they stiffen and new tires ride better because the rubber's still fresh and supple.

    I totally respect Michelin Ribs and I'm skeptical of the LTX series. Even though they've been OEM from Ford.

    Please understand I have no dog in this hunt. Our coach is on Bridgestone Duravis. But it's a Rib, more like Mic's Rib than like their LTX.
  • deereone's avatar
    deereone
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2013
    Sometimes new tires especially Michelin are very soft and flexible when new compared to the old tires taken off. Many times you can feel the new rubber gripping the road surface compared to the old tires. Inflate to the maximum pressure on the sidewall. Give it a test drive and see if it handles better.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2013
    I s'pose this could just be hype, but here's what Tire Rack says about the M/S2
    Tire Rack wrote:
    Compared to the original LTX M/S, the LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks…and a leap forward in performance.


    Sounds like they've changed it more than may be immediately apparent- maybe to give a softer ride? More flexible sidewalls would do that on a pickup/SUV, but might feel squirrely on a moho.

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