Tire Question

[Jpjlauer]

Tires need to be replaced again on my 2006 30' Class C.

I went to a Michelin tire dealer and got quotes for both LTX M/S 2 and XPS RIB. Not sure which way to go given the almost $600 price difference. So,I looked at the Michelin web site to see what they had to say about LT225 / 75R16 tires. The only tire for the size I need listed in the search is the XPS RIB. Is the LTX M/S 2 no longer an option for safe travel?

I sent them an email questioning why only one choice. I'm sure I will get an answer from them but I am curious to hear the opinions of RV'ers on this forum.

[WayneLee]

Some people have discovered that with FMCA's Michelin program, sometimes it is cheaper to pay the dues to join FMCA and then use their program to buy the tires, versus purchasing the tires outright from the dealer.

[mobilefleet]

whatever you do, don't buy Bridgestone duravis. I have them on my F250. They had good reviews for treadlife, and have over 40k on mine now, BUT they are absolutely the WORST wet traction tire I've ever bought. The slightest dew/wetness on grass, or on pavement and they slip slide everywhere. Michelins for me next time

[Jpjlauer]

W4MBG wrote:
Firestone Transforce HT are under $150 at tirerack. Good tires, have not had nor heard of any issues.

The full story is that I had a rear tire blowout two weeks ago. It was one of my 7 yr old RIBS. The Good Sam Roadside Assistance service man who changed the tire to my 11 year old never used OEM LT M/S spare said I should expect more problems if I did not replace all the tires. He did suggest the Firestone Transforce HT as a great option for price and quality. To be safe, the next day (I was only 30 min away at my final destination), I took the RV into his shop to put my 11 yr old spare back under the RV and replace the blown RIB with the transforce. My thought was to at least have one new tire to finish my trip and not worry about the 11 yr old spare becoming another problem.

So to replace them all I was thinking I would put the new Transforce in place as my new spare and buy 6 new Michelins. Couldn't decide if I should continue with new XPS Ribs or LTX M/S. But now having second thoughts. Maybe the Transforce HT will be as good for me as the Michelins?
I'm at the age where great tread wear is not an issue, but safety is.

Still trying to figure it all out.

[Jpjlauer]

tatest wrote:
Although Ford has been using the Michelin LTX M/S 2 (and before that the LTX M/S) as original equipment on the RV-package for the E-450, Michelin has never marketed the LTX tire line as RV tires. That does not mean it is unsuitable for that use. It just means Michelin prefers to recommend commercial tire lines, or the specialty X-RV tire, for motorhome applications. There is not really any such thing as a RV "rating" for tires. Most manufacturers do not make application recommendations.

The LTX M/S, in 225/70R16 load range E was "beefed up" over other Michelin LTX models by adding a second body ply. I don't know if that continued on to the LTX M/S 2.

"Light truck" for the tire marketing sense (and EPA emissions standards) ends somewhere around 10,000 pounds.

I think the X-RV one of the tires tire listed on the Michelin web site when I clicked on RV tires. But, when entering my tire size 225/75/R16, the only tire shown is the XPS Rib. My tire dealer did tell me that the LTX M/S2 was a "beefed up" tire from the original LTX M/S, but I'm just surprised that Michelin shows no other option for what has to be a very popular tire size for RV's.

[j-d]

Since you said "30-ft" I would say XPS Rib. The LTX MS/2 is a mainstream tire. The XPS Rib is a beefed-up commercial grade tire. In Bridgestone, there's the Duravis line, but the R250 is the only beefed-up one in the group. The rest are good tires, like LTX, like Transforce. XPS Rib and R250 are a cut above. Since 30-ft is going to be right at max weight, I suggest the higher-line tires.

[W4MBG]

Firestone Transforce HT are under $150 at tirerack. Good tires, have not had nor heard of any issues.

[tatest]

Although Ford has been using the Michelin LTX M/S 2 (and before that the LTX M/S) as original equipment on the RV-package for the E-450, Michelin has never marketed the LTX tire line as RV tires. That does not mean it is unsuitable for that use. It just means Michelin prefers to recommend commercial tire lines, or the specialty X-RV tire, for motorhome applications. There is not really any such thing as a RV "rating" for tires. Most manufacturers do not make application recommendations.

The LTX M/S, in 225/70R16 load range E was "beefed up" over other Michelin LTX models by adding a second body ply. I don't know if that continued on to the LTX M/S 2.

"Light truck" for the tire marketing sense (and EPA emissions standards) ends somewhere around 10,000 pounds.

[Jpjlauer]

Thank you for the link. I know the tire is available because my tire store quoted me a price for them and had them in stock.

It's just that going to the Michelin website and have a link to RV tires. Clicking on the RV link and entering my tire size the only option given is XPS RIBS.

I'm wondering if the LTX MSX2 is no longer rated for RV's as it says its for light trucks "Our Best-Selling Light Truck Tire that offers an exceptional combination of performances for light trucks and SUVs".

I think my 14,000# plus RV is no longer considered a Light Truck by Michelin???????

[Mich_F]

It doesn't look like they've been discontinued.
Michelin LTX MS2