Michelin X LT

[willyslover]

Costco was 160 ea. last time I checked... but they do not stock the tractions. . have to special order them... takes about 3 or 4 working days to get them [and they do not add the freight for special orders]

road hazzard included in price

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

That's $1200 for shoes for my baby

Pit,



Again, our applications are different, but here's why the $800+ XPS Rib's economics worked on our current 5ver. On our previous 5ver, the repair estimate due to a tread separation on a Goodyear Marathon was $2400! QED.



Rusty

 

[1tuffram]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

I went by Sam's Club today and got a XPS Rib (they don't stock the Traction's) off the shelf and the Michelin X LT off the shelf in the 235/85/16 E size. Wow I thought the XPS were heavier but man they are at least twice as heavy (must be that all steel construction) What does that heavier tire with that additional unsprung weight do to the ride/handling of the truck? I do have the Bilsteins on my truck that should help with the weight of the XPS Tractions (which I am sure are even heavier than the Ribs).

Here is my experience with 235 tires. About 3 yrs ago I purchased some 235's from Les Swab (WildCountry RVT's) on the '95 truck. First thing I noticed with the taller and heavier tires was the engine lugged down a bit more when taking off from a stop. I got about 39K miles out of those tire. A few days ago I needed new tires, Drivers side front developed a blister in the sidewall. I decided to try the highly talked about Michlen's LTX M/S. After much talking with the tire guy I went back to the stock tire size (245's). It was decided since 99% of my current driving is stop and go city driving the 245's would be more practical (the smaller and lighter tire would help fuel mileage and not "lug" the engine down as much with all the stop and go). Was not to happy with the look of the small stock size tire, but the 245 rides much better than the WIld Country 235's. I immediatley noticed the engine RPM barely changes now when taking off from a stop. Plus the ride is much smoother/softer than the 235's. Maybe the ride improved since I went to a better brand tire and nothing to do with the 235 size, but I was told by both the tire guys at Big-O and Discount Tire that 235's tend to ride on the rough side and was told going to either a 245 or 265 size tire would soften things up. All I can say now is the 245's have softened up the ride considerablly. I still need new shocks, but at least my teeth aren't rattled each time I hit rough spot in the road.

 

[One Old Dog]

I had a set of Michelin LTX M/S On my 3500 for 80,000 miles and I put a new set back on. If I can get another 80,000 I be happy.



But not good on snow.



I also Have some Good Year Marathon 225/75R15 trailer tires on my 5th wheel and I had one that came apart tuning down the road at about 70 . When I got it stoped all was left was the rim . I need some good tires on it any Idea's on what to put on the 5th wheel . Thanks Joe

 

[RustyJC]

If you have room, it's not that expensive to upgrade to 16" wheels. From my posts, you can probably tell what I would recommend if you can use a 16" tire.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

I recently installed six new Michelin XPS Ribs on my Ram 3500. Initially I was somewhat disappointed with the stiff and rough ride but after some experimentation, found that if I run them 10 psi softer than the original Goodyears, 50 psi front and 45 psi rear, I get full tread patch contact with the road surface across the tire's full width and a much smoother ride. I guess the tires are so stiff the tread surface doesn't flex. I just returned from a 9400 mile journey pulling my TT and experienced no carcass heating, adverse wear, or other problems running the Michelins softer.



I also realized something about the OEM Goodyears a while back when a fellow poster, maybe RustyJC, commented that his OEM Goodyears were nail magnets. Mine were also. I've never had so many nail punctures as I did with the OEM GYs on my Ram.



As for the Goodyear Marathons, I wouldn't use them on anything heavier and capable of running faster than my lawn tractor. I've heard nothing but bad news from Marathon owners. Hundreds of owners, possibly thousands, have experienced blow outs and trailer damage with them. They were OEM on an Airstream I formerly owned. I never had a blowout but I experienced premature sidewall cracking and rapid wear. Tires with identical carcass and tread pattern but branded "Nankang" can be bought at discount tire stores and cargo trailer suppliers. I wonder if Nankang actually molds the GY Marathons for GY? They don't offer the size I use on my lawn tractor so I won't be buying any.



Harvey