dbhutchins
Active Member
As noted in several other posts, we've had our share (maybe more) of issues with our '09 3210. One of the problems we got stuck with last spring was the failure of the China Bomb OEM tires. I suppose after milking 20,000 miles out of them I should be grateful they lasted so long. And for **** sure I'm lucky that I had my first flat on the last day of a 95-day, 9000 mile odyssey. Anyway: when I pulled the slow-leaker off, the problem was a split in the carcass between tread blocks. Yikes! Can you spell incipient catastrophic failure?? As goes one - so go them all! On went the spare, and we took it REAL easy the last 100 miles to home!
I got COSTCO to order me up a set of 7 Michelin XPS LT 245/75R16s (at a far better price than I could find elsewhere). These were as close to the OEM 235/85 16s as I could find with the appropriate 3000 lb load rating and a tire diameter compatible with the axle spacing. That measurement is critical (as you might imagine) so be sure to check it closely when ordering replacements. The Michelins are intended for a 7" wheel, and the OEM wheels are 6". But I took a chance on them, and they went on fine. If there's any effect on the tire configuration, it's not noticeable. We had them balanced, and my RV shop did a laser-alignment on the axles after the new shoes (and new suspension equalizers) were mounted. The net result has been superb! She tows far better than ever before.
The real reason I'm posting this is the difference in WEIGHT of the tires. It's amazing! We all know that the China Bombs are basically bubble-gum balloons. But I had no idea HOW MUCH difference there is between those cheapos and real tires. When I picked up one of the new tires to put it back on the spare carrier, I could barely lift it! My "bicep" guess-timate is that the Michelins weigh about 10-15 lb more PER TIRE than the Chinese rubber. I'd worry about this if it was "sprung" weight. But as "unsprung" weight it's a little mileage penalty, but nothing else. The suspension loading and pin-weight will be unaffected. And the peace of mind of having these bulletproof vests on my wheels is SUPERB.
Change up NOW! Well worth the trouble and $$ in my mind...
I got COSTCO to order me up a set of 7 Michelin XPS LT 245/75R16s (at a far better price than I could find elsewhere). These were as close to the OEM 235/85 16s as I could find with the appropriate 3000 lb load rating and a tire diameter compatible with the axle spacing. That measurement is critical (as you might imagine) so be sure to check it closely when ordering replacements. The Michelins are intended for a 7" wheel, and the OEM wheels are 6". But I took a chance on them, and they went on fine. If there's any effect on the tire configuration, it's not noticeable. We had them balanced, and my RV shop did a laser-alignment on the axles after the new shoes (and new suspension equalizers) were mounted. The net result has been superb! She tows far better than ever before.
The real reason I'm posting this is the difference in WEIGHT of the tires. It's amazing! We all know that the China Bombs are basically bubble-gum balloons. But I had no idea HOW MUCH difference there is between those cheapos and real tires. When I picked up one of the new tires to put it back on the spare carrier, I could barely lift it! My "bicep" guess-timate is that the Michelins weigh about 10-15 lb more PER TIRE than the Chinese rubber. I'd worry about this if it was "sprung" weight. But as "unsprung" weight it's a little mileage penalty, but nothing else. The suspension loading and pin-weight will be unaffected. And the peace of mind of having these bulletproof vests on my wheels is SUPERB.
Change up NOW! Well worth the trouble and $$ in my mind...
