>
> Jim:
>
> I had heard great things about the Bridgestone R265 series tires and
> installed them last July when I switched to Alcoa wheels. Previously, I
> had the Michelin XPS tires. I was very amazed that a tire could make
> such a difference. The Michelins practically rode like I had square
> tires compared to the Bridgestone's. One of the reasons, of course, is
> that the Bridgestone's do not have steel sidewalls. The advantage of
> steel sidewalls is that tires have extra weigh carrying capacity,
> primarily a truck concern.
>
> In addition, I found that I no longer have a problem with rear wiggle
> while traversing rutted asphalt paved highways, nor need to make as much
> steering wheel corrections going down the road.
>
> Provided the weight carrying capacity is sufficient, I plan to go with
> load range D vs. E tires next time I need, as I have heard several
> positive stories about their ride qualities.
>
> Got any ideal what the difference is between the R265 vs. R273 series
> Bridgestone tires>?
>
> Glad to see you have e-mail capability now.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Jim Bounds [SMTP:jimbounds]
> > Sent: Monday, May 18, 1998 2:30 AM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: Michelin Tires for GMCs
> >
> >
> > I have decided to run Michelins on my GMC because I can get them at
> > Costco (Formerly Price Club) a whole lot cheaper than Good Year at a
> > franchise or other store.
> >
> > As I look at the Michelin XPS (Rib Model), it looks strictly like a
> > fleet tire for dry asphalt with a straight line tread. Not aggressive
> > enough for my GMC. The XPS (Traction Model) has a great looking all
> > terrain tread but they tell me it doesn't come in a LT 225/75 R16 LRE
> > size. Does anyone know about the LTX M/S, it has a great looking tread
> > and does come in the right size and load rating. At $111.99 at Costco,
> > it is also hard to beat dollar wise too. I guess the bottom line is,
> > does any of our Michelin experts out there know the best tire for
> > performance and dollars? Any information is greatly appreciated since
> > I have to buy 7 for my new Alcoa Classic wheels.
> >
> > Phil Swanson
> >
> > Phil,
> >
> > Many people ask me about tires and we get interesting discussions
> > about the different tires. I have an unusual position in that my
> > uncle
> > operates one of the largest tire distributuion companies in Florida
> > which are the distributers for Mich., Bridgestone and several others.
> >
> >
> > Mich. had a bad series of 16 & 16.5" tires 3-4 years ago where they
> > actually did not recomend their tire for the GMC. That disturbed me
> > greatly and talked to my uncle about the situation, he told me to get
> > off of them and start using Bridgestones. The 22575R16 R273 series E
> > rated (10 ply) tire has worked flawlessly for my customers since then.
> > The 875
x16.5E R273 works great as well for people with origional 16.5"
> > rims.
> >
> > The important note is that even with the Alcoa aluminum rims, trueing
> > & static balancing must be performed to assure the tire/wheel assembly
> > is perfectly round. If not trued, an ocilation will occure between
> > the rear wheels that will be annoying and eat up your new tires.
> > Trying to find a tire store with a trueing machine will prove to be
> > harder than finding the tires! Check out truck tire shops, especially
> > if the recap tires to trailers. I have a truer if you come to
> > Florida, but you should be able to find at least 1 shop with the geer
> > in your area.
> >
> > Jim Bounds
Paul,
The R273 is the newest and current series of Bridgestone highway tred
tires. The R260 & 265 are last years designations, that means absolutly
nothing. The R265 tires you have are a highway tread and should work
fine. I am suprised and delighted that you actually found that much
difference in those tires, I have been recomending them on my uncles
advise and am glad to find additional support. As I said before, I have
seen NO returns in the Bridgestones, very unesual!
Having a great time on the net, I don't get to log on until late each
night. I wonder how long it takes before sleep deprivation will claim
my sanite! Talk to you soon.
Jim Bounds (jimbounds)
VM22727]
