OK to mix tire brands? (Front/Steer tires)

[mtrumpet]

Never did I think that I would have a tire question, but I do. I did an extensive search through the many past tire posts, but could not find an answer to my question..

Is it ok to mix different brands of tires on the front (steer) provided that they are of the same size and load rating? For example, A Goodyear on the drivers side and say, a Hankook or any other brand on the passenger side if both are 275/70R22.5 Load Range H ?

I don't see a problem, but is there something that I may not be considering?

I realize that this is a no-no with the rear duals on the same side.

[eichacsj]

mtrumpet wrote:
OK. Thanks for all of the informative replies to my initial post/question. Clearly, there were a couple of details that I wasn't considering.

One thing I am not sure on from your signature is that is this a 4wd? If it is you must have all tires with same tread and tread depth or you could rip out your transfer case when you try to lock it in. If it is a 2wd then like you posted front must be equal, for stability and the back must be equal in order to keep your diff spider gears from spinning excessively.

But still mixing front and back still could cause control issues in weather conditions.

[mtrumpet]

Thanks for the very informative reply Busskipper.

[Busskipper]

mtrumpet wrote:
OK. Thanks for all of the informative replies to my initial post/question. Clearly, there were a couple of details that I wasn't considering.

Don't know how this turned into a "this brand is better than this brand" thread (not my original question), but since it has, let me put this question out there....

How is it factually known that Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone/Firestone, etc. are "better" tires than Cooper, Toyo, Yokohama, Hankook, Sumitomo, Dunlop, Continental, etc.? Why? Because they're more expensive than the others? Because marketing literature says so? Perhaps because the popularity of the brand names indicates "popular name=higher quality"? I would like to know. Has there ever been any known statistical testing done on RV tires?

FWIW, I've been exclusively running Goodyear G670RV's on my motorhomes (current size, 275/70R22.5 LRH). However, given the current, ever increasing prices of not only the Goodyears, but the Michelin RV Tires as well, I find it hard to believe that they are the ONLY tires we could/should be "safely" running on Class A DP's as some would seem to have us believe. I feel that because "RV" is included in the model description, we're getting "jacked' for a couple of hundred extra bucks per tire.

Then again, I realize that I could be completely wrong...

The truth is matched pair front - I think you got that message.

The rest is personal preference; IMHO, all tires are SAFE, just for me I've run all the tires listed on something I've owned (from Tractor Trailers - Dump trucks - service trucks - 1/2 to 10 ton road trucks and a number of car, and vans personally.

I like a few others ran retreads on my Dumps and Trailers - many would last as long as 20 years (So if the side walls are still looking good I'll still run them) with multiple re/re/retreads in the end the casings that were normally still good after more than one retread were the Michelins - Thus my personal experience. My son talked me into a set of Toyo's last year for a Prius lasted 25,000 miles before they just fell apart, the 15$/ tire I saved was long gone when I purchased a new set of Michelins (the earlier set of Michelins went for just over 100K)

So my history is with Michelins - have never had one fail - unless it was cut or punctured, I cannot say that about any other tire that we have tried, during the 80's and 90's it was normal to be putting tags on as many as 50 vehicles every year, trust me most of these were "rode hard and put away wet" So today they only tire I will buy is a Michelin, they have never let me down so they will continue to be my choice.

JMHO,

[mtrumpet]

OK. Thanks for all of the informative replies to my initial post/question. Clearly, there were a couple of details that I wasn't considering.

Don't know how this turned into a "this brand is better than this brand" thread (not my original question), but since it has, let me put this question out there....

How is it factually known that Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone/Firestone, etc. are "better" tires than Cooper, Toyo, Yokohama, Hankook, Sumitomo, Dunlop, Continental, etc.? Why? Because they're more expensive than the others? Because marketing literature says so? Perhaps because the popularity of the brand names indicates "popular name=higher quality"? I would like to know. Has there ever been any known statistical testing done on RV tires?

FWIW, I've been exclusively running Goodyear G670RV's on my motorhomes (current size, 275/70R22.5 LRH). However, given the current, ever increasing prices of not only the Goodyears, but the Michelin RV Tires as well, I find it hard to believe that they are the ONLY tires we could/should be "safely" running on Class A DP's as some would seem to have us believe. I feel that because "RV" is included in the model description, we're getting "jacked' for a couple of hundred extra bucks per tire.

Then again, I realize that I could be completely wrong...

[rivercity22]

Busskipper wrote:
While the two of you are usually dead on, the solution I propose is TWO New Michelins - and sell the single on Craig's list to make everyone happy.

Fat wallet and the Best/safest Ride.

The Coach might not be able to tell the difference, but I'm pretty sure the driver will notice the difference in ride over the long life of the Michelins.

:S

Absolutely, don't cheap out on tires especially steer tires.

[Busskipper]

Ivylog wrote:
:B :B :B :B While we normally agree on most things, Dennis and I disagree on what brand of tires to use on a MH. He likes RV tires... Goodyear and Michelin. I do not think a truck tire can tell the difference between a DP or a heavy truck... maybe a RV tire can. My MH came with Goodyear and I'm running Firestone FS400 315/80/22.5 on the front and Hankook AH12 11R22.5 on the rear. Cannot tell any difference other than my wallet is thicker.:W

:B While the two of you are usually dead on, the solution I propose is TWO New Michelins - and sell the single on Craig's list to make everyone happy.

Fat wallet and the Best/safest Ride.

The Coach might not be able to tell the difference, but I'm pretty sure the driver will notice the difference in ride over the long life of the Michelins.

:S

[racer99]

We run firestone on all 6 tires but our spare is a goodyear which can be used in case of a flat but then if flat tire is not repairable I used the other tire for the updated spare and bought 2 new tires, it don't make since to take any chances on tires, can not understand people spending thousands on a MH but then skimp on tires
Rich
pauperspride.blogspot.com

[Ivylog]

:B :B :B :B While we normally agree on most things, Dennis and I disagree on what brand of tires to use on a MH. He likes RV tires... Goodyear and Michelin. I do not think a truck tire can tell the difference between a DP or a heavy truck... maybe a RV tire can. My MH came with Goodyear and I'm running Firestone FS400 315/80/22.5 on the front and Hankook AH12 11R22.5 on the rear. Cannot tell any difference other than my wallet is thicker.:W

[Executive45]

Ivylog wrote:
I often go against the grain, but I would want the same brand with the same amount of tread. Buy two new Hankook and put the GY on the roof as a unmounted spare.

I often go against the grain, but I would want the same brand with the same amount of tread. Buy two new Goodyears and put the Hankook on the roof as a unmounted spare....:B:B....Dennis

[the_vfox]

I would never do that. If one tire goes, the axle gets now feet that are the same. I was always taught that the tires need to be the same on the axle.

[Busskipper]

Ivylog wrote:
I often go against the grain, but I would want the same brand with the same amount of tread. Buy two new Hankook and put the GY on the roof as a unmounted spare.

Never mix on the front axle, JMHO,

Rear maybe tandem but front just not smart.

From a guy who had a lot of trucks on the road. Never in millions of miles.

JMHO

[sailor_lou]

If you look at the manufacturer's spec you find dimensional differences between tires even though they may be the same size according to the sidewall numbers. As a matter of fact, you'll find different dimensions between models within a single manufacturer (Michelin ZXA-1 vs. ZXA-2). That, coupled with different handling characteristics I would not recommend mixing tires on the same axle. Front to rear, no problem.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

[Ivylog]

I often go against the grain, but I would want the same brand with the same amount of tread. Buy two new Hankook and put the GY on the roof as a unmounted spare.

[wolfe10]

Mark,

I would not do it. The time it would make the most difference is when you REALLY need your coach to "behave". Wet braking comes to mind. As already stated, OK to have different tires on different axles, but particularly on steer axle, it can be a safety issue.

[eichacsj]

It changes handling, and in severe road conditions traction can throw off the handling when you least want it. Should never mix brands or tread patterns if you can help it.