Tires for Big Class C

Just for another opinion, I put Cooper SRM II Radials on my 30ft class C. Rating are exactly as your current Michelins so not stronger but definitely less expensive. I love them. The original Michelins were cracking pretty bad so it's hard to compare apples to apples, but the difference in ride on the interstate with new rubber was noticeable.

I'm a huge fan of Cooper tires. I'm sure there are some bad ones out there but I've never put them on one of my vehicles. Michelins are an RV'ers favorite but there are other options. I think we think the Michelins are the best because that's what comes on the RV initially. Definitely good tires but as with everything, it's rubber so it can be variable as to it's longevity depending on use, temperature, weight, etc.

HikerRob wrote:
To Mich F,
First, it seems we like the same things. I had a 1999 Coachmen Catalina Sport 220RK (which I loved) from 2003 - 2011. Now I have a 2011 Itasca Impulse 31N (which my wife loves). The second is certainly heavier than the first, and both are on load range E tires.
Thank you so much for your suggestion to call Michelin. I did so, and a knowledgeable fellow from India subtly implied they had been having some problems with my tires. He suggested I take my RV to an authorized Michelin dealer to have the tires evaluated. I told him I didn't want the same tires again only to have the same problem in two to three years. He responded that my tires, the LTX M&S's, were replaced on 8/4/12 by LTX M&S2's, which are made with a different compound. So I followed his advice.
When I first showed the tire store mgr my cracked tires, he said the cracks were merely cosmetic. So I assumed this was going to be a futile exercise. He then called the Michelin rep, who asked the store manager (SM) if he thought the tires presented a safety issue, and the SM said, "Yes." He told me after he got off the phone that the tires may not fail this month or next month, or maybe even in six months, but eventually, considering the cracks in the sidewalls and especially the cracks where the tread meets the sidewalls, the tread would separate from the tire. He also told me the Michelin rep authorized seven new tires for me.
So I got seven new tires, the updated Michelins LTX M&S2's, for almost free. I had to pay for mounting ($25/tire), valves, and for some proration due to my 7,500 miles driven on the old LTX's. The total bill for seven brand new tires, labor, etc. was $358. MSRP of the LTX M&S2 is $257 a tire, or $1799 for the tires alone. I can't believe it; I never win in such situations.
However, I will certainly keep an eye on these new tires to ensure I detect potential problems before they cause me grief. I will take the Michelin phone number with me in my travels.
So THANK YOU for suggesting I call Michelin. Your few words in a post saved me many dollars in my wallet. I wish you pleasant and safe travels where ever you may go. And may someone repay you the favor you paid me. Thank you.
Rob

I'm really glad it worked out for you. I have heard how Michelin has stepped up a number of times and helped people out who have had issues with their tires.
I really like my 22RK,the perfect size to me, for traveling without the need of a toad. My wife wanted more room and we definitely have it now. Hopefully I haven't gone too big. I really don't want to tow a toad.

The new Michelin M/S2 indeed does have a different sidewall construction.

Just read right on the side of the tires (fine print) the makeup of the M/S2's sidwall material, then compare this with what it says/said on the sidewalls of the old M/S tires.

Also, the new M/S2 tires now carry a 70,000 mile warranty, instead of the M/S tire's 60,000 mile warranty. Even though you probably won't accrue anywhere near this kind of mileage on your RV's tires, what this higher warranty really gives you is that for any given mileage on your new M/S2 tires they will have more tread depth left - which means you will have better road debris puncture resistance.

To Mich F,
First, it seems we like the same things. I had a 1999 Coachmen Catalina Sport 220RK (which I loved) from 2003 - 2011. Now I have a 2011 Itasca Impulse 31N (which my wife loves). The second is certainly heavier than the first, and both are on load range E tires.
Thank you so much for your suggestion to call Michelin. I did so, and a knowledgeable fellow from India subtly implied they had been having some problems with my tires. He suggested I take my RV to an authorized Michelin dealer to have the tires evaluated. I told him I didn't want the same tires again only to have the same problem in two to three years. He responded that my tires, the LTX M&S's, were replaced on 8/4/12 by LTX M&S2's, which are made with a different compound. So I followed his advice.
When I first showed the tire store mgr my cracked tires, he said the cracks were merely cosmetic. So I assumed this was going to be a futile exercise. He then called the Michelin rep, who asked the store manager (SM) if he thought the tires presented a safety issue, and the SM said, "Yes." He told me after he got off the phone that the tires may not fail this month or next month, or maybe even in six months, but eventually, considering the cracks in the sidewalls and especially the cracks where the tread meets the sidewalls, the tread would separate from the tire. He also told me the Michelin rep authorized seven new tires for me.
So I got seven new tires, the updated Michelins LTX M&S2's, for almost free. I had to pay for mounting ($25/tire), valves, and for some proration due to my 7,500 miles driven on the old LTX's. The total bill for seven brand new tires, labor, etc. was $358. MSRP of the LTX M&S2 is $257 a tire, or $1799 for the tires alone. I can't believe it; I never win in such situations.
However, I will certainly keep an eye on these new tires to ensure I detect potential problems before they cause me grief. I will take the Michelin phone number with me in my travels.
So THANK YOU for suggesting I call Michelin. Your few words in a post saved me many dollars in my wallet. I wish you pleasant and safe travels where ever you may go. And may someone repay you the favor you paid me. Thank you.
Rob

Hi crawford,

I was advised against spacers. They move the outer wheel too far out on the spindle. Yes--they can be used--but it not close to ideal. The offset wheels that I linked to are a more economical solution than Rickerson, and tires are "off the rack" rather than the special order ones needed for the Rickerson.

Hi Charles,

My 225/75R16 Michelin tires went 61000 miles and were ten years old. Load range E.
But down South temps tires can be bad on tires don't think I heard any one say that except the 6 or 7 year rule.
As far as spacer if they are solid no problem its when they use washers that's when it will be hairy. Then go Rickerson rims tire's and rims I heard they set you back about 4,500.00 ball park price. I for one will never back to stock tires good luck which ever way you go happy camping Crawford.

Hi Charles,

My 225/75R16 Michelin tires went 61000 miles and were ten years old. Load range E.

The larger Class Cs seem to snack on tires, I have heard stories of people going many miles without having to replace a Load Range E tire on one... But I have never met a person that has not had to replace, at least several, tires face to face.

After having gone through well more than a dozen tires in the past few years I am going to do what I should have done in the first place. Install a set of Rickson 17.5" wheels and commercial steel wall load range G tires. It definitely would have been less expensive if I just sucked it up and spent the money the first time.

Hi crawford,

I considered spacers--but they are a distant 2nd place safety and loading wise.

I did go to a tire store to have the offset checked before I purchased the new wheels. It was the safe way to go for a 2004 E-450.

crawford wrote:
NAPA and JC Whitney sell wheel spacers put them in between them then.

Well as far a kiss that's why if it's that close spacers would be the way to go and load range G is safety first I would never put my family in that situation like running E range tires. You also got to remember most people talk and never done it. Remember putting a superior load range is not unsafe just smarter. Remembered when sent out as a cut away just cab and frame and most cases not even a gas tank. Then how is ford knowing what GVW is will really be? I will put you a question do you have a light duty truck like tires say or do you have a real truck then make you choice. Also remember this is not a car driven daily it sits for some time in places.