Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

Jon, when we put new tires on the coach, the ride was not any diifferent.
But when we changed out the shocks--- unbeliieveable!! And since we were on a
budget-aka not much income we chose the cheap kinds.Ernie-83pt40-
Sumatomos-front Power King drive- and can't remember the ttag


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I kind of it hard to beleive that with the various tires you can buy
for one of these big machines that the ride would be that much
different from the high end tires to the low end. Has anyone really
bought up and noticed a big difference? My own oppion is that by the
time you put 14 tons of coach wieght on a set of new tires it really
can't make that much of a difference or does it?

Jon
1978 Wanderlodge

Made a Night/Day difference in ride when the Michelins were installed
on my stear axle...

JDarst
85PT40


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" wrote:
>
> I kind of it hard to beleive that with the various tires you can buy
> for one of these big machines that the ride would be that much
> different from the high end tires to the low end. Has anyone really
> bought up and noticed a big difference? My own oppion is that by the
> time you put 14 tons of coach wieght on a set of new tires it really
> can't make that much of a difference or does it?
>
> Jon
> 1978 Wanderlodge
>

Today when I'm out and about I'm going down to my local Les Swab
tire outlet and get some information on different tires for
smoothness of ride on one of our big buses. You might be right
about the front tires and I haft to get a set maybe next year? So
when I get all my ducks in a row I will chat a little bit more about
this tire issue.

Jipjob
78 Wanderlodge


> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Darst"
wrote:
>
> Made a Night/Day difference in ride when the Michelins were
installed
> on my stear axle...
>
> JDarst
> 85PT40


>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" wrote:
> >
> > I kind of it hard to beleive that with the various tires you can
buy
> > for one of these big machines that the ride would be that much
> > different from the high end tires to the low end. Has anyone
really
> > bought up and noticed a big difference? My own oppion is that by
the
> > time you put 14 tons of coach wieght on a set of new tires it
really
> > can't make that much of a difference or does it?
> >
> > Jon
> > 1978 Wanderlodge
> >
>

I am at Beaudry's in Tucson as I write this. I did a walk about (in
the desert heat) and this is an unofficial survey of what tires are
being used on new units. High end and low end. About 70% are Good year
G670. The rest are Michelin. I think Good year has made a big push to
get market share in the RV industry. These are the only 2 mfrs. that
SPECIFICALLY make an Rv tire. Toyo did but after law suit fights with
Country Coach they do not recommend their tires on many RV's. The
Chinese tires are TRUCK tires. Whole other thing. They use different
tires on the steer and driving axles. Go to any big truck stop or HD
truck dealer and look at the Brands.Almost all are major: Good Year,
Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. No Chinese tires to be found. If the big
fleets thought they could save a few bucks a tire they would switch in
a heartbeat. But they do not. Neither will I ! A few hundred dollars
vs. safety? A no brainer.

Bruce

Bruce, Jay, Ernie.. I agree with all you guys. I installed Michelins
XZ2's on RUBY (5yr warranty) and at the same time installed new
shocks (koni's)it seemed the appropriate time to do the "correct
maintenance" I have noticed a major difference. The porpoising is
gone, body roll is greatly reduced, the grip is noticeable when
turning, not as much pump noise. The overall ride is much better. I
also installed EQUAL. I think if anyone is replacing tires they
should do shocks if they do not know when they were last changed.

The major brands (Mich,Bridge,Kuhmo) is somewhat subjective..but to
save a few bucks and buy Chinese and risk way more than the
difference in tire pricing vs body damage and safety is totally
rediculous.

Why don't you talk to the Michelin guys or the Bridgestone
guys..rather than the (Les Swhab??)guys selling you whatever..only
makes sense to me. The tire purchase is one of the most expensive
ongoing maintenance issues with a coach..get educated on why the
tires are designed to do or not to do. Actually, it is a fascinating
topic that the engineers LOVE to talk about. Heck have a tire rep
come to your regional rally..great topic.

I guess it is like when you need major medical assistance.. go to the
vetrinarian..afterall they charge less per hour..If you are going to
drive a high end coach treat is as such.

ScottB
86FC35 "RUBY"
Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven"


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
wrote:
>
> I am at Beaudry's in Tucson as I write this. I did a walk about (in
> the desert heat) and this is an unofficial survey of what tires are
> being used on new units. High end and low end. About 70% are Good
year
> G670. The rest are Michelin. I think Good year has made a big push
to
> get market share in the RV industry. These are the only 2 mfrs.
that
> SPECIFICALLY make an Rv tire. Toyo did but after law suit fights
with
> Country Coach they do not recommend their tires on many RV's. The
> Chinese tires are TRUCK tires. Whole other thing. They use
different
> tires on the steer and driving axles. Go to any big truck stop or
HD
> truck dealer and look at the Brands.Almost all are major: Good
Year,
> Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. No Chinese tires to be found. If the
big
> fleets thought they could save a few bucks a tire they would switch
in
> a heartbeat. But they do not. Neither will I ! A few hundred
dollars
> vs. safety? A no brainer.
>
> Bruce
>

I would take it a step further.. Setup Michelin to bring a truckload
of tires to the rally in the valley and sell to birds in
attendence. You can have them put on right at the rally and make a
group purchase and save everyone several hundrend dollars a piece.
We could track what people needed so we can order prior to the rally
and have them installed while we enjoyed ourselves.

Al & Kathy Johnson
'96 BMC B20
'93 Dodge Diesel B100
'03 Dodge Diesel B100
Looking for late model mercedes diesel and jeep libery diesel for
toad.
Mandeville, Louisiana


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott"
wrote:
>
> Bruce, Jay, Ernie.. I agree with all you guys. I installed
Michelins
> XZ2's on RUBY (5yr warranty) and at the same time installed new
> shocks (koni's)it seemed the appropriate time to do the "correct
> maintenance" I have noticed a major difference. The porpoising is
> gone, body roll is greatly reduced, the grip is noticeable when
> turning, not as much pump noise. The overall ride is much better.
I
> also installed EQUAL. I think if anyone is replacing tires they
> should do shocks if they do not know when they were last changed.
>
> The major brands (Mich,Bridge,Kuhmo) is somewhat subjective..but
to
> save a few bucks and buy Chinese and risk way more than the
> difference in tire pricing vs body damage and safety is totally
> rediculous.
>
> Why don't you talk to the Michelin guys or the Bridgestone
> guys..rather than the (Les Swhab??)guys selling you whatever..only
> makes sense to me. The tire purchase is one of the most expensive
> ongoing maintenance issues with a coach..get educated on why the
> tires are designed to do or not to do. Actually, it is a
fascinating
> topic that the engineers LOVE to talk about. Heck have a tire rep
> come to your regional rally..great topic.
>
> I guess it is like when you need major medical assistance.. go to
the
> vetrinarian..afterall they charge less per hour..If you are going
to
> drive a high end coach treat is as such.
>
> ScottB
> 86FC35 "RUBY"
> Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven"
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
> wrote:
> >
> > I am at Beaudry's in Tucson as I write this. I did a walk about
(in
> > the desert heat) and this is an unofficial survey of what tires
are
> > being used on new units. High end and low end. About 70% are
Good
> year
> > G670. The rest are Michelin. I think Good year has made a big
push
> to
> > get market share in the RV industry. These are the only 2 mfrs.
> that
> > SPECIFICALLY make an Rv tire. Toyo did but after law suit fights
> with
> > Country Coach they do not recommend their tires on many RV's.
The
> > Chinese tires are TRUCK tires. Whole other thing. They use
> different
> > tires on the steer and driving axles. Go to any big truck stop
or
> HD
> > truck dealer and look at the Brands.Almost all are major: Good
> Year,
> > Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. No Chinese tires to be found. If the
> big
> > fleets thought they could save a few bucks a tire they would
switch
> in
> > a heartbeat. But they do not. Neither will I ! A few hundred
> dollars
> > vs. safety? A no brainer.
> >
> > Bruce
> >
>

Every year that I have been to RIV there were Michelin Reps in
attendance they even ran some seminars
But unfortunatley Michelin does not sell direct to end users. They
will however refer you to a dealer in the area that will sell you the
tires you desire. But to ask a dealer to buy and supply tires on the
premise he may sell them is asking a bit much as well as install them
It takes some considerable time to install a complete set of tires and
then there is the resulting cleanup and removal of the old product
As well you have to assemble the crews to remove and install the tires.
Iwould tend to think that one tire guy could only do a complete change
on 2 coaches per day at the most and that would be a very long full day
The tire dealers also have to be ina position to service their
regular and contract customers when and if they call while this is
going on.
The long and short of it is I dont think that what you are asking will
come to fruition in my opinion.
Stephen 77fc35


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Al" wrote:
>
> I would take it a step further.. Setup Michelin to bring a truckload
> of tires to the rally in the valley and sell to birds in
> attendence. You can have them put on right at the rally and make a
> group purchase and save everyone several hundrend dollars a piece.
> We could track what people needed so we can order prior to the rally
> and have them installed while we enjoyed ourselves.
>
> Al & Kathy Johnson
> '96 BMC B20
> '93 Dodge Diesel B100
> '03 Dodge Diesel B100
> Looking for late model mercedes diesel and jeep libery diesel for
> toad.
> Mandeville, Louisiana
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott"
> wrote:
> >
> > Bruce, Jay, Ernie.. I agree with all you guys. I installed
> Michelins
> > XZ2's on RUBY (5yr warranty) and at the same time installed new
> > shocks (koni's)it seemed the appropriate time to do the "correct
> > maintenance" I have noticed a major difference. The porpoising is
> > gone, body roll is greatly reduced, the grip is noticeable when
> > turning, not as much pump noise. The overall ride is much better.
> I
> > also installed EQUAL. I think if anyone is replacing tires they
> > should do shocks if they do not know when they were last changed.
> >
> > The major brands (Mich,Bridge,Kuhmo) is somewhat subjective..but
> to
> > save a few bucks and buy Chinese and risk way more than the
> > difference in tire pricing vs body damage and safety is totally
> > rediculous.
> >
> > Why don't you talk to the Michelin guys or the Bridgestone
> > guys..rather than the (Les Swhab??)guys selling you whatever..only
> > makes sense to me. The tire purchase is one of the most expensive
> > ongoing maintenance issues with a coach..get educated on why the
> > tires are designed to do or not to do. Actually, it is a
> fascinating
> > topic that the engineers LOVE to talk about. Heck have a tire rep
> > come to your regional rally..great topic.
> >
> > I guess it is like when you need major medical assistance.. go to
> the
> > vetrinarian..afterall they charge less per hour..If you are going
> to
> > drive a high end coach treat is as such.
> >
> > ScottB
> > 86FC35 "RUBY"
> > Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven"
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I am at Beaudry's in Tucson as I write this. I did a walk about
> (in
> > > the desert heat) and this is an unofficial survey of what tires
> are
> > > being used on new units. High end and low end. About 70% are
> Good
> > year
> > > G670. The rest are Michelin. I think Good year has made a big
> push
> > to
> > > get market share in the RV industry. These are the only 2 mfrs.
> > that
> > > SPECIFICALLY make an Rv tire. Toyo did but after law suit fights
> > with
> > > Country Coach they do not recommend their tires on many RV's.
> The
> > > Chinese tires are TRUCK tires. Whole other thing. They use
> > different
> > > tires on the steer and driving axles. Go to any big truck stop
> or
> > HD
> > > truck dealer and look at the Brands.Almost all are major: Good
> > Year,
> > > Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. No Chinese tires to be found. If the
> > big
> > > fleets thought they could save a few bucks a tire they would
> switch
> > in
> > > a heartbeat. But they do not. Neither will I ! A few hundred
> > dollars
> > > vs. safety? A no brainer.
> > >
> > > Bruce
> > >
> >
>

I assume that Mich. will have a representative at RIV. There is a local
dealer who actually sells the tires on grounds and Mich has Fact. rep on
premises. In 2002 I bought tires at the rally 6 for $3018, $503 each.
LT 90 SP in Eclectic, AL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Al"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 6:34 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Tires and ride on a Wanderlodge


>I would take it a step further.. Setup Michelin to bring a truckload
> of tires to the rally in the valley and sell to birds in
> attendence. You can have them put on right at the rally and make a
> group purchase and save everyone several hundrend dollars a piece.
> We could track what people needed so we can order prior to the rally
> and have them installed while we enjoyed ourselves.
>
> Al & Kathy Johnson
> '96 BMC B20
> '93 Dodge Diesel B100
> '03 Dodge Diesel B100
> Looking for late model mercedes diesel and jeep libery diesel for
> toad.
> Mandeville, Louisiana
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott"
> wrote:
>>
>> Bruce, Jay, Ernie.. I agree with all you guys. I installed
> Michelins
>> XZ2's on RUBY (5yr warranty) and at the same time installed new
>> shocks (koni's)it seemed the appropriate time to do the "correct
>> maintenance" I have noticed a major difference. The porpoising is
>> gone, body roll is greatly reduced, the grip is noticeable when
>> turning, not as much pump noise. The overall ride is much better.
> I
>> also installed EQUAL. I think if anyone is replacing tires they
>> should do shocks if they do not know when they were last changed.
>>
>> The major brands (Mich,Bridge,Kuhmo) is somewhat subjective..but
> to
>> save a few bucks and buy Chinese and risk way more than the
>> difference in tire pricing vs body damage and safety is totally
>> rediculous.
>>
>> Why don't you talk to the Michelin guys or the Bridgestone
>> guys..rather than the (Les Swhab??)guys selling you whatever..only
>> makes sense to me. The tire purchase is one of the most expensive
>> ongoing maintenance issues with a coach..get educated on why the
>> tires are designed to do or not to do. Actually, it is a
> fascinating
>> topic that the engineers LOVE to talk about. Heck have a tire rep
>> come to your regional rally..great topic.
>>
>> I guess it is like when you need major medical assistance.. go to
> the
>> vetrinarian..afterall they charge less per hour..If you are going
> to
>> drive a high end coach treat is as such.
>>
>> ScottB
>> 86FC35 "RUBY"
>> Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven"
>>
>>
>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > I am at Beaudry's in Tucson as I write this. I did a walk about
> (in
>> > the desert heat) and this is an unofficial survey of what tires
> are
>> > being used on new units. High end and low end. About 70% are
> Good
>> year
>> > G670. The rest are Michelin. I think Good year has made a big
> push
>> to
>> > get market share in the RV industry. These are the only 2 mfrs.
>> that
>> > SPECIFICALLY make an Rv tire. Toyo did but after law suit fights
>> with
>> > Country Coach they do not recommend their tires on many RV's.
> The
>> > Chinese tires are TRUCK tires. Whole other thing. They use
>> different
>> > tires on the steer and driving axles. Go to any big truck stop
> or
>> HD
>> > truck dealer and look at the Brands.Almost all are major: Good
>> Year,
>> > Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. No Chinese tires to be found. If the
>> big
>> > fleets thought they could save a few bucks a tire they would
> switch
>> in
>> > a heartbeat. But they do not. Neither will I ! A few hundred
>> dollars
>> > vs. safety? A no brainer.
>> >
>> > Bruce
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hi All,
Last year I purchased 8 new mounted and balanced Michelin XZ2, 12R22.5's and 20
new inner nipples and checked the front end alignment for $ 4192.52 + Tax of
$279.48 = total $ 4472.00.
Contact, Scott Beasley at Duncan Tire Co. in Dublin, Ga. Phone: 478-272-5404
Dublin, Ga. is just off I-16 between Macon and Savannah it's about 60 miles due
east of Perry, Ga. and I-75. Scott was very pleasant to deal with and his staff
was very courteous. Scott may have an interest in coming to the RIV. He was
reccommended to me by Earl Davis at Bluebird parts dept.
Howard Truitt
Camilla, Ga.
86 PT40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]