Michelin XPS Rib vs XPS Traction

M

mark sawyer

New member
Aug 20, 2015
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So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas
except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.

I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction... Basically, an
all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have available that is close
to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking at the specs on tirerack,
the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger at 30.7 vs 29.4.

I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I have in
my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.

However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running this size
tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?

Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't wish
steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!

bdub
76 Palm Beach in Central Texas
www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Mark Sawyer
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2016 10:55 AM

I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that
I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction...
 
> You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't wish
> steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!
>
> bdub
> 76 Palm Beach in Central Texas
> www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

Depends what you're used to, I guess. I recently upgraded to the stiffer torsion bars on our coach thanks to Hal StClair, and I'm still considering
going to Bilsteins, which I believe are the firmest of the available shocks for our rigs.

I prefer a firmly suspended vehicle, and the GMC is already by far the softest suspension setup of any of our cars --including my wife's. (She drives
a G8 GT, which came with the FE3 suspension from GM, and I added Koni yellows a few years after we bought it)

I run the Michelin LTX's on our Excursion, and even aired up, I find it mushy when I have a load on or am towing a trailer. I don't have any desire
to soften the ride of our GMC more than it already is, and I like the piece of mind I get with the all steel tire.

But again, it's all personal preference...

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
Mark,

I'm with you and the all steel sidewall tires.And yes, I do know what
otheres think, but still prefer them and have no problems with the ride,
etc.
We run Michelin XPS Traction tires size 235 85 16 on the front and the Rb
on the rear. This way it gets the grip needed up front. The 235's work well
in the front, but as we found out the hard way, are way too wide for the
rear.

JWWD.

Fay Curtis
'76 Glenbrook'
were the ground is often soggy - Kneeland, CA

On Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 10:23 AM, Mark Sawyer
wrote:

> > You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't
> wish
> > steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!
> >
> > bdub
> > 76 Palm Beach in Central Texas
> > www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
> > https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
> > https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/
>
>
> Depends what you're used to, I guess. I recently upgraded to the stiffer
> torsion bars on our coach thanks to Hal StClair, and I'm still considering
> going to Bilsteins, which I believe are the firmest of the available
> shocks for our rigs.
>
> I prefer a firmly suspended vehicle, and the GMC is already by far the
> softest suspension setup of any of our cars --including my wife's. (She
> drives
> a G8 GT, which came with the FE3 suspension from GM, and I added Koni
> yellows a few years after we bought it)
>
> I run the Michelin LTX's on our Excursion, and even aired up, I find it
> mushy when I have a load on or am towing a trailer. I don't have any desire
> to soften the ride of our GMC more than it already is, and I like the
> piece of mind I get with the all steel tire.
>
> But again, it's all personal preference...
>
> --
> Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
> Manny 1 Ton Front End,
> Howell Injection,
> Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
> Fort Worth, TX
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I ran LTX M/S and loved them though pricey. After 12 years (yikes) I bought Cooper HT3s and they are as quiet but slightly firmer, and the closed
tread edges seem to be less squirmy when in truck wash. Balance on both were perfect and the Coopers are very round. They are invisible on smooth
roads at any speed and on sale paid about $119 each. I would highly recommend them and NEVER go to a higher aspect ratio like 85. They are M/S rated
which solves your foul weather traction issue as well.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Source America First
 
The ride is not the issue. The problem is that they is less flex in the
sidewall. The steering will be so much better with rag walls that you'll
think you've got a new coach.

Try a set of BF Goodrich Commercial T/As. You will be glad you did.

bdub

> > You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't
> wish
> > steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!
>
>
> Depends what you're used to, I guess.
>
>
 
I run the 215/85/16 tire and have no clearance issues. As to the the ride characteristics, can't comment as the coach had the same size rubber on it
when I bought it. I added bag lifts in the rear to add a little more clear space but the PO had no issues with the tires in the original location.
As for the shocks, I'm with you as to the handling but don't like the damage the Bilstiens sustain when lifting the rear if not supported.
I feel the lifted rear bags has a larger impact on handling than the shocks and seem too let the rear do a little more wagging than I like. Just my
thoughts, Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
 
A pair of Coopers on the front of my 26' improved handling immeasurably over the (worn out) TAs that were there. Still has 4 TAs in back. I expect
Coopers will further improve ride and handling, based on experience with my 23'. The Coopers are fabric sidewal;ls, I dunno the TAs.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.

"Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
 
TAs are fabric as well. New tires always help.

>
> A pair of Coopers on the front of my 26' improved handling immeasurably
over the (worn out) TAs that were there. Still has 4 TAs in back. I expect
> Coopers will further improve ride and handling, based on experience with
my 23'. The Coopers are fabric sidewal;ls, I dunno the TAs.
 
>
> So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a
little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas
> excimuept for traction off pavement. I'm also conhhhjcerned with the XPS
Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.
>
> I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire
that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction... Basically, an
> all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is
phasing this tire out, and the only size they have available that is close
> to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is
identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking at the specs on tirerack,
> the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at
8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger at 30.7 vs 29.4.
>
> I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out
to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I have in
> my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.
>
> However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit
the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running this size
> tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more
traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?
>
> Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...
>
>
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
>
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
> --
> Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
> Manny 1 Ton Front End,
> Howell Injection,
> Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
> Fort Worth, TX
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Thank you all for the responses.

Fay: since you are running different tires on the front vs rear, what size are you running on your spare?

Bdub, I'm not following you response on how the softer sidewall would help steering response... Can you provide a little more info?

Based on what Fay and Hal said, I think I am leaning towards the 215s.

Just a note on anyone else looking for something similar, one tire characteristic I'm concerned about, is the noise generated by an all terrain tire.
I currently have a jeep TJ running on all terrains, and the tire noise would not be something I would want on my GMC. From my research on the XPS
traction, most are saying the noise levels are low.. Especially for an AT tire. If I end up going this route, I will post a review of the tires when
I get them on and turn some miles on them.
--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
> So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas
> except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.
>
> I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction... Basically,
> an all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have available that is
> close to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking at the specs on
> tirerack, the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger at 30.7 vs 29.4.
>
>
> I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I have
> in my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.
>
> However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running this
> size tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?
>
> Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...
>
> http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
> http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
Your sig says you have a 73. Unless you have overloaded it above what the Operating Manual says, you can probably run Load Range D tires.

The front axle carries more weight per wheel than the rear, and neither side should ever see more than 2225 pounds on it. The max weight on a load
range D tire is 2335 pounds. That gives you 110 pounds for overload. Of course a Load Range E tire gives you more safety margin. Also remember that a
73 has weak/poorly reinforced a-arms, and overloading one is asking for trouble.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."
 
> > So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all
> > areas except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.
> >
> > I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction...
> > Basically, an all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have
> > available that is close to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking
> > at the specs on tirerack, the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger
> > at 30.7 vs 29.4.
> >
> > I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I
> > have in my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.
> >
> > However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running
> > this size tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?
> >
> > Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...
> >
> > http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
> > http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
> Your sig says you have a 73. Unless you have overloaded it above what the Operating Manual says, you can probably run Load Range D tires.
>
> The front axle carries more weight per wheel than the rear, and neither side should ever see more than 2225 pounds on it. The max weight on a load
> range D tire is 2335 pounds. That gives you 110 pounds for overload. Of course a Load Range E tire gives you more safety margin. Also remember that
> a 73 has weak/poorly reinforced a-arms, and overloading one is asking for trouble.


Thanks for the info, a.hamilton. Unfortunately, I have yet to corner weigh my coach, but the loadout for the most part is stock... Except I do run 2
house batteries in the front of the coach, which may put me closer to the limit on Range D tires. Also, my coach has been converted to the 1 ton
front end... I was under the impression that the a-arms were reinforced as part of the conversion? FWIW, my coach had a frame-off refresh by the
previous owner, and I know he mentioned reinforcing some areas of the frame/subframe when he went through everything.

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
> Thanks for the info, a.hamilton. Unfortunately, I have yet to corner weigh my coach, but the loadout for the most part is stock... Except I do
> run 2 house batteries in the front of the coach, which may put me closer to the limit on Range D tires. Also, my coach has been converted to the 1
> ton front end... I was under the impression that the a-arms were reinforced as part of the conversion? FWIW, my coach had a frame-off refresh by
> the previous owner, and I know he mentioned reinforcing some areas of the frame/subframe when he went through everything.
Yep. The lower arms are rebuilt on the one-ton conversion, probably increasing the load bearing capability over the stock 73 front end.

You would need to weigh all four corners to find out if you could get away with LRD tires.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."
 
> Just for your consideration, this is what I have on my Kingsley, quiet, low rolling resistance:
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WIUXZSE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
>
> They also make an AT version.

Years ago, I ran a set of Nokian Haakapaliitta snows as sort of a poor man's rally tire on an old AWD Mazda I have. This was a popular option as
rally tires were hard to get and very expensive here in the US... At least back then they were. The tires were great on the logging/fire roads I
used to frequent when I was into mountain biking.

However, I really want to try to stay with an all steel-cased tire for my GMC. I have 3 kids (youngest is 3 1/2) and I'm already nervous on long
trips with them sitting in booster seats with lap belts. Once they outgrow the boosters, the lack of headrests worries me as well. I have a set of
near new Odyssey rear seat takeouts from my father-in-law who is in a wheelchair and just had his van converted. This spring I'm going to work on
installing them in the dinette location with some shoulder belts. I have a left, right and the center seat/console unit. I figure if I can pick up
another center seat/console, I would have 4 seats with shoulder belts/headrests, and the option of folding down the center seat/consoles to give the
passenger a nice console/armrest for stuff if no one is sitting in them.

At some point I will start another post on that project... However, my point is I feel running the steel tire adds something to my margin of safety,
and is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.

Since I also plan on working a toad into our trip loadout at some point, and I live in Texas where it can get quite hot out on the highway, the
prospect of a tire failure keeps me up at nights.
--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
> ...I feel running the steel tire adds something to my margin of safety, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.
> ...the prospect of a tire failure keeps me up at nights.
Not all of us are all-knowing about tires. How is a steel sidewall tire more safe than a ragwall? The vast majority of folks that have used steel
sidewalls say the handling is atrocious. Also seems like an underinflated steel wall will blow out sooner than an underinflated poly side wall.

What is the great fear of a tire failure? Safety or bodywork? Folks here have blowouts and even wheels come off axles of their GMCs and I am not aware
of an injury or death as a result. Worst case is they have to be towed someplace, more often it is just a tire change and on their way.

If you have a deathly fear of changing a tire on the side of the interstate, use your auto club policy to send someone out to do it, or get it hauled
off the interstate and change the tire when/where it is more safe.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."
 
I do not pack a spare. And if I was, I would probably pack one for the
rear. Fronts get replaced two to three times as often due to wear, so they
stay much fresher. The Michellins are much quieter than the Goodyears were
and seem to balance easier also.
As far as steering/handling, on my coach the all steels work great. But
then again, so does the stock alignment specs. Each coach has aged
differently, so each owner must find what works for them and their coach.

Fay Curtis
'76 Glenbrook
Kneeland, Ca

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, Mark Sawyer Thank you all for the responses.
>
> Fay: since you are running different tires on the front vs rear, what size
> are you running on your spare?
>
> Bdub, I'm not following you response on how the softer sidewall would help
> steering response... Can you provide a little more info?
>
> Based on what Fay and Hal said, I think I am leaning towards the 215s.
>
> Just a note on anyone else looking for something similar, one tire
> characteristic I'm concerned about, is the noise generated by an all
> terrain tire.
> I currently have a jeep TJ running on all terrains, and the tire noise
> would not be something I would want on my GMC. From my research on the XPS
> traction, most are saying the noise levels are low.. Especially for an AT
> tire. If I end up going this route, I will post a review of the tires when
> I get them on and turn some miles on them.
> --
> Mark S. '73 Painted Descoach.ert,
> Manny 1 Ton Front End,
> Howell Injection,
> Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
> Fort Worth, TX
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
TR-1

Be aware that the all steel sidewall tires are terrible if the road surface is rutted from heavy truck traffic. The difference in track between the
front wheels and the rear wheels with rutted roads and steel sidewall tires makes for a very uncomfortable drive.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM
 
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