I sure hope Y'All appreciate the risky equipment experiment I've just
started for Y'All!
Since the Firestone tires on my GMC were installed in Eau Claire, WI on 21
Sep 2014, at 44564 miles, and it's now about 5 years later and the odo's at
80400, I figured I'd better replace the tires (moving the newer tire which
replaced the tread-thrown Firestone to the spare) before GMCMI Mansfield.
Since Cooper is the only truly American tire manufacturer left (NOT the
only tires MADE in USA tho'), I thought I'd be patriotic and try them.
Despite good reports from some GMCers over the years, the current reviews I
read, of which there were many, were not very reassuring. So I started
researching others, leaving out those brands I've had less-than-stellar
experience with (Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin,...), I looked
at Kumho, Sumitomo, and a bunch of other furrin brands. I finally came
across one that sounded at least as good as those $200+ each ones for a
better price.
So, last Wednesday, I ordered, from Walmart, 6 new 225/75R16-115 tires.
The specs on them are the same as on those MUCH more expensive ones.
Yesterday, they arrived at the local store. I removed, pressure washed,
and polished all the Alcoas, and took them in for the tires to be mounted
(Walmart won't do motorhomes). I provided them with 6 each each 4 oz. bags
of Walmart airsoft pellets for balancing the tires. The "service manager"
said he'd heard of such, but never used them.
Today I got the final 2 wheels back and took the coach for a test drive.
I'm delighted -- even during brief excursions to 70 & 75 mph, they were
perfectly smooth and a quiet as any tires I've ever had on the GMC.
Now for the scarey experimental part: The total cost (without the beads),
for the 6 tires delivered and mounted, including the disposal fee, was
$550.50! On-line only -- the store couldn't order them. Of course, if
they cost me $2-3000+ in fiberglass repairs, etc., I won't be so proud of
that. But then, Y'All won't have to follow my lead and buy "Westlake
SL309" tires, so the experiment will at least benefit Y'All.
I DO think I'll back off a little on my speed and try to pay closer
attention to my tire temperatures.
Oh yeah, a bit more about airsoft pellets: I only had enough on hand for 3
wheels. Those were 0.12 grams each. This time, I decided to try different
ones because I didn't like the looks of the current 0.12's: 0.25 g. each.
They were a little more expensive (about $16 for 5000 vs $11 for 5000
lighter ones), but since fewer are needed, the cost will be better. One
thing I regrettably forgot to do was ask for some of the used beads back so
I could see how they've stood up to their 36,000 mile ride.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Ken H.
started for Y'All!
Since the Firestone tires on my GMC were installed in Eau Claire, WI on 21
Sep 2014, at 44564 miles, and it's now about 5 years later and the odo's at
80400, I figured I'd better replace the tires (moving the newer tire which
replaced the tread-thrown Firestone to the spare) before GMCMI Mansfield.
Since Cooper is the only truly American tire manufacturer left (NOT the
only tires MADE in USA tho'), I thought I'd be patriotic and try them.
Despite good reports from some GMCers over the years, the current reviews I
read, of which there were many, were not very reassuring. So I started
researching others, leaving out those brands I've had less-than-stellar
experience with (Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin,...), I looked
at Kumho, Sumitomo, and a bunch of other furrin brands. I finally came
across one that sounded at least as good as those $200+ each ones for a
better price.
So, last Wednesday, I ordered, from Walmart, 6 new 225/75R16-115 tires.
The specs on them are the same as on those MUCH more expensive ones.
Yesterday, they arrived at the local store. I removed, pressure washed,
and polished all the Alcoas, and took them in for the tires to be mounted
(Walmart won't do motorhomes). I provided them with 6 each each 4 oz. bags
of Walmart airsoft pellets for balancing the tires. The "service manager"
said he'd heard of such, but never used them.
Today I got the final 2 wheels back and took the coach for a test drive.
I'm delighted -- even during brief excursions to 70 & 75 mph, they were
perfectly smooth and a quiet as any tires I've ever had on the GMC.
Now for the scarey experimental part: The total cost (without the beads),
for the 6 tires delivered and mounted, including the disposal fee, was
$550.50! On-line only -- the store couldn't order them. Of course, if
they cost me $2-3000+ in fiberglass repairs, etc., I won't be so proud of
that. But then, Y'All won't have to follow my lead and buy "Westlake
SL309" tires, so the experiment will at least benefit Y'All.
I DO think I'll back off a little on my speed and try to pay closer
attention to my tire temperatures.
Oh yeah, a bit more about airsoft pellets: I only had enough on hand for 3
wheels. Those were 0.12 grams each. This time, I decided to try different
ones because I didn't like the looks of the current 0.12's: 0.25 g. each.
They were a little more expensive (about $16 for 5000 vs $11 for 5000
lighter ones), but since fewer are needed, the cost will be better. One
thing I regrettably forgot to do was ask for some of the used beads back so
I could see how they've stood up to their 36,000 mile ride.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Ken H.
