A word about tires. I recently installed Alcoa wheels (via
Don Wirth) and Michelin tires. My tire dealer was convinced
that I should buy the all-steel XPS series tire, because
it's their toughest, strongest heavy duty tire.
Actually that's what was on my coach when I bought it. To
be brief, the sidewalls were in sad shape, but there was
lots of tread wear left. Several other people advised me
against the all steel tire (some against Michelin in
general). But due to a personal friendship and good
experience on cars, I decided to stay with Michelin. I
called Michelin's Tech Service number and to make a long
story short, their first recommendation was the same XPS
tire. But after discussing the GMC application, flexing of
sidewalls on the rear tandems, ride harshness and since I
live in Michigan traction in snow, etc, the final
recommendation was an LTX M/S tire (M/S signifying Mud and
Snow. There's also an A/S series for All Season with the
same construction except a little less transverse grooving
of the tread). So, that's what I bought- with an E load
rating (the tire comes in both D and E ratings) which I
think everyone agreed is advisable. Based on the actual
axle loading, these tires should be inflated to 60 to 65 psi
( probably 65 on the fronts and 60 on the rears would be
about right).
I didn't have a lot of driving experience with the old XPS's
before changing, but I can attest to the fact that the LTX
rides a lot softer. They're no secret bullet to correct the
problems with "groovy" roads, but I don't think they're any
worse either (again limited experience).
Interestingly, when I took my rig to Buskirk's for some
work, I found out that's the tire (LTX M/S) that Clarence
uses and recommends.
So, when the commercial truck tire dealer pushes the XPS, do
your owh research. In a couple years I'll know if I was
right.
Clark Searle
Don Wirth) and Michelin tires. My tire dealer was convinced
that I should buy the all-steel XPS series tire, because
it's their toughest, strongest heavy duty tire.
Actually that's what was on my coach when I bought it. To
be brief, the sidewalls were in sad shape, but there was
lots of tread wear left. Several other people advised me
against the all steel tire (some against Michelin in
general). But due to a personal friendship and good
experience on cars, I decided to stay with Michelin. I
called Michelin's Tech Service number and to make a long
story short, their first recommendation was the same XPS
tire. But after discussing the GMC application, flexing of
sidewalls on the rear tandems, ride harshness and since I
live in Michigan traction in snow, etc, the final
recommendation was an LTX M/S tire (M/S signifying Mud and
Snow. There's also an A/S series for All Season with the
same construction except a little less transverse grooving
of the tread). So, that's what I bought- with an E load
rating (the tire comes in both D and E ratings) which I
think everyone agreed is advisable. Based on the actual
axle loading, these tires should be inflated to 60 to 65 psi
( probably 65 on the fronts and 60 on the rears would be
about right).
I didn't have a lot of driving experience with the old XPS's
before changing, but I can attest to the fact that the LTX
rides a lot softer. They're no secret bullet to correct the
problems with "groovy" roads, but I don't think they're any
worse either (again limited experience).
Interestingly, when I took my rig to Buskirk's for some
work, I found out that's the tire (LTX M/S) that Clarence
uses and recommends.
So, when the commercial truck tire dealer pushes the XPS, do
your owh research. In a couple years I'll know if I was
right.
Clark Searle
