Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Volkemon on July 22, 2021, 05:19:44 pm
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Got my new tires today!
Looking around on the Discount Tire site, I was shopping for the same tires Rod D got.
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/michelin-agilis-crossclimate
Click on the Load Index/speed rating tab and select '121R'
This got me the Euro commercial version! With the coolest tread! Specs at bottom....if the picture attaches right... roflol
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51327894062_5b9b7ce6c9_k.jpg)
Looks REALLY tough without the wheel covers... but they are going to be installing new valve stems for me, which they FORGOT to do. After I asked twice. So I will put the valve extentions and wheel covers on AFTER that.
They put them to 70PSI, they ride really nicely. Took them up to ~85MPH on i95, and then took some rougher secondary roads.
They do have a bit more road noise, but not loud at all. Riding with the radio off you can hear them. Thats OK. 2o2 LOVE the extra weight handling and look. :cool I fear not hydroplaning! (cheer)
I am a sucker for cool tread... check out the rear tires on my trike - DOT legal racing/rain tires. heartshower
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50311401528_13b7cd8a0a_k.jpg)
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The spare was replaced with one of the 2015 takeoff tires. The ORIGINAL spare tire below.... Never been on the ground, sticker still on it (!) Spare dated 29th week of 2005. My chassis is dated 09/2005, and the tires were made July 18-24 2005.
Dry rot anyone? :lol
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51329348309_d629bf67b7_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51327893667_855fb313b5_k.jpg)
Specs from Tire rack below between the 115/112R and the 121/120R
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That's the directional tread version. I just got 2 new of the non-directional for my front tires... MUCH quieter than the Michelin Defender M+S tires I had on the front.
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Those match the ones I put on my new coach before I even took my first trip.
Kevin
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Those match the ones I put on my new coach before I even took my first trip.
Kevin
NICE! Any user notes? :)(:
I am taking mine back tomorrow for the new valve stems to be installed. HOPING they dont have to do a complete R&R, and can just break a bead and replace the stem. (exactly)
That's the directional tread version. I just got 2 new of the non-directional for my front tires... MUCH quieter than the Michelin Defender M+S tires I had on the front.
Unfortunately, to get a 120/121 load rating with the non-directional tread I would have to go to a 235/85R16 tire. I would lose ~1 inch of gap between the duallies. Taller also, be 8-9% 'overdrive' from the height. (710 vs 656 rev/mi)
The tread pattern was a bit of a concern for noise. Yeah, I LOVE the look, but not so much tire noise a look like this has made in the past.
I am hoping these wont get loud. But if they start to sing, I will know its time to rotate the tires. :lol And if my experience with 4x4 mud tires holds true, these tires will start to give some harmonics/vibrations if one goes low and 'sings' a little off tune to the others. Nice low tech early warning. 2o2
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No user notes yet. I have about 700 miles on them. They seem great. I haven't noticed any noise from them with the windows up and ac on.
I'm currently running 80 psi in the rear and 75 in the front, until I can get a four corner weighing done on my heavy 2910T.
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Those 121R tires are perfect for the longer/heavier PCs, not sure about the shorter models.
Volkemon, I hope you didn't "over-kill" your model 2350 with what I assume are stronger side-walled tires. I would love to hear back with a tire report after your next long trip.
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Those 121R tires are perfect for the longer/heavier PCs, not sure about the shorter models.
Volkemon, I hope you didn't "over-kill" your model 2350 with what I assume are stronger side-walled tires. I would love to hear back with a tire report after your next long trip.
Not sure what qualifies as 'LONG' trip, remember I am usually going ~250mi one way at most. Usually closer to 150. And on very favorable roads. So I may not be the best bet for multi-state traveling reports. roflol
RV is at the tire store now to get the new valve stems put in.
For what a short trip is worth, I was careful to take the same roads to and from the tire store (~15 miles) and took the patched up 'rough' road ~10 miles, and 5 miles smoooooth interstate getting up to 75 mph. On the way home, trying to be over critical of ride and noise. I honestly couldnt tell a ride difference in ride, and maybe a bit more noise... but not an OMG increase. It does seem to track more precisely.
Coming home today I will take 'The long way' home. ~12 miles of interstate, then 10 miles patchwork paved road. See how it does.
Will report back here as things progress. OR regress.. :beg I really want to drive in HEAVY rain and see how they do. The last tires didnt care much for standing water with their all season tread.
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Well, put them to 80 psi and a BIG difference from the old ones at 80.
They are FIRM, like 'run over a dime and tell heads or tails' firm. The others at 80 were pillows, relatively speaking. Ran it ~30 miles to a local dump station and back.
ALWAYS wish for more baseline data, but I swear the rolling resistance is MUCH lower. I never did a 50>30MPH rolldown test, but the camper seems to glide a LOT longer than it used to. Letting off the throttle does not seem to slow it as much.
A few new rattles going down the road with the tires stiffer. roflol We had eliminated the previous batch, time to hunt again. 2o2
Hopefully have time for a longer trip, but family illness/issues have been taking center stage. SIL not getting a COVID shot came back to haunt him. :beg
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Well, put them to 80 psi and a BIG difference from the old ones at 80.
They are FIRM, like "run over a dime and tell heads or tails" firm. The others at 80 were pillows, relatively speaking.
That is what I had anticipated.
The extra-load tires apparently resemble run-flat tires on the C5 Corvettes I owned. In that case, the sidewalls are made so thick to prevent collapsing with zero-psi in them, but it came at a sacrifice to the quality of the ride.
The extra load tires on a motorhome are not nearly as extreme as run-flat tires on a C5, but the more durable sidewalls naturally increase ride harshness. I feel they are ideal for models 2552 and longer. But not so much for models 2551 and shorter. Yet there is a trade-off with each choice, more durable (less prone to a blow-out) versus a softer ride. As you know, I tried real hard to get the ride as soft as possible without a sacrifice to over-all handling, and doing so without throwing piles of money into the wind.
Thanks Volk for your honest evaluation.
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Well, put them to 80 psi and a BIG difference from the old ones at 80.
They are FIRM, like "run over a dime and tell heads or tails" firm. The others at 80 were pillows, relatively speaking.
That is what I had anticipated.
The extra-load tires apparently resemble run-flat tires on the C5 Corvettes I owned. In that case, the sidewalls are made so thick to prevent collapsing with zero-psi in them, but it came at a sacrifice to the quality of the ride.
The extra load tires on a motorhome are not nearly as extreme as run-flat tires on a C5, but the more durable sidewalls naturally increase ride harshness. I feel they are ideal for models 2552 and longer. But not so much for models 2551 and shorter. Yet there is a trade-off with each choice, more durable (less prone to a blow-out) versus a softer ride. As you know, I tried real hard to get the ride as soft as possible without a sacrifice to over-all handling, and doing so without throwing piles of money into the wind.
Thanks Volk for your honest evaluation.
I wont keep them at 80 now for the 'video trips' when we are lightly loaded. 65 like the door says. Though I should do one run still at 80 and see what the mileage does. (WH)
At 65 PSI the new tires were just as comfortable, and more importantly, handled as well as the old ones at 80. The old ones at 65 were 'squiggly wiggly piggies' and I did not like the wander, so I kept them at 80. Now I can keep them at 65 for the lightly loaded runs, and have the same, maybe more comfort. (cheer) When we are festival bound, and loaded to the top, 80PSI will be there helping control and ride.
I feel like I was running the old tires at the 'top' of their range all the time, nice to have some room to work the tire pressures with the load. Time will tell! I need a tire sponsor so I can fit a set of the 112/115R uni-tread tires and do a proper comparison. Michelin has NOT responded to my request. roflol
Worked out well that I did not try to slip those 235/65 or 235/85's in there either. At 65 PSI, lightly loaded, the bottom gap between the two tires in back is less than 7/8" ( .875") adding 10MM in tire width is .397" less... and I did not measure the exact distance, its just a little smaller. The jack handle was handy while I was under there observing, so it became a gauge tool. Maybe the gap was ~.1 less, so another 10MM in tire size could have left me with under 1/2 an inch between. And thats lightly loaded.. I would be nervous about sidewall scrubbing with heavy loads. :beg Adding a spacer between wasnt an option, the wheel covers have little enough thread to hold them on as it is.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51340619899_64a2dda1de_k.jpg)
Oh My...that tread... heartshower heartshower heartshower GrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrROWR! woot
As an aside, I had three of the high pressure gauges, (2 in toolboxes, 1 in camper door pocket), and I have the habit of using all of them as I do inflation while at home. The reason is to see if any give different readings. Trust, but verify as the Big Man said. WELL... one failed. It was an oldie, and it read ~55 psi while the other two read 65. ~72 at 80. In the garbage it went, and I felt better looking 'foolish' carrying 3 tire gauges all around. :)(:
And *NO* bites on FB marketplace for 5 really good tires for $100. Not even offers. >( I want them out from behind the tractor, so might just give them away.
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Volk. A friend of mine up in Idaho wrote free on good useable tires and set them out at the curb. No takers for days. His neighbor told him to put a sign $75 and leave them set out over night. Next day they were gone.
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Volk. A friend of mine up in Idaho wrote free on good useable tires and set them out at the curb. No takers for days. His neighbor told him to put a sign $75 and leave them set out over night. Next day they were gone.
(exactly) SO true! When my Mom went from electric range to gas range in the kitchen, I put her nice clean range out with a free sign, no takers. $25 it was gone in a day. (c1996) (exactly)
I might just 'return them to the wild' roflol by the side of the road and see how quick they disappear. 2o2 The $75 sign is a good idea also, someone will will be more likely to steal them if they feel they have value. 2o2
THANKS!! :)(:
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Consider donating them to an auto charity like KARS For Kids, Cars For Vets, or similar. They often receive donated work vans with bald tires, some with the steel belts piercing through. Your old used tires would replace them and then the van would draw a better price at an auto auction.
I know. I volunteer regularly at such a place as a mechanic, been doing so >>>HERE<<< (https://www.willowcreek.org/en/serve/compassion-and-justice/cars-ministry) since 1997. If you are the least bit curious, click on the link and scroll down to the 2 minute video presentation.
I am curious. Is your 5th unused spare tire crack-free? You might be able to sell it on Craigslist to someone looking for a spare for their work van. $40 will easily cover a nice meal with tip for you and the Mrs. at a Chili's restaurant. Just order the 3-for-$10 on the back of the menu and you have money left over for a visit to Culvers afterward. :)
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Consider donating them to an auto charity like KARS For Kids, Cars For Vets, or similar. They often receive donated work vans with bald tires, some with the steel belts piercing through. Your old used tires would replace them and then the van would draw a better price at an auto auction.
I know. I volunteer regularly at such a place as a mechanic, been doing so >>>HERE<<< (https://www.willowcreek.org/en/serve/compassion-and-justice/cars-ministry) since 1997. If you are the least bit curious, click on the link and scroll down to the 2 minute video presentation.
I am curious. Is your 5th unused spare tire crack-free? You might be able to sell it on Craigslist to someone looking for a spare for their work van. $40 will easily cover a nice meal with tip for you and the Mrs. at a Chili's restaurant. Just order the 3-for-$10 on the back of the menu and you have money left over for a visit to Culvers afterward. :)
Please refer back to the original post to see a picture the intense cracking on the old spare. (nod)
And the other tires are already 'age disqualified' for any reputable organization to use on a truck/car. And, evidently, for most/all people shopping facebook that see the ad.
100+ views of the ad. Gonna lower the price to $50 and see what happens. I bet the lack of sale is me being honest about the age of the tires. Oh well, I would much rather be honest and not sell than to misrepresent by omission.
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Volkemon,
(exactly) 2o2 hithere
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I’m about due for new tires. This trip I’ve been the bug. Shock cracked out, water leak, battery boiled over and today the inner dual drivers side went flat. Picked up a self tapping screw. By the end of this trip the tires will have run 50k miles.
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If it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all!
I certainly hope things get better real soon, as in NOW!
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Joseph,
You've certainly paid your dues this time around. Once you get that stuff done, you should be due for some smooth sailing next time out!!
Mike
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I’m about due for new tires. This trip I’ve been the bug. Shock cracked out, water leak, battery boiled over and today the inner dual drivers side went flat. Picked up a self tapping screw. By the end of this trip the tires will have run 50k miles.
Boil-overs occur when the batteries are not degrading equally. One gets over-charged while the other can't get charged enough. Two 12V batteries in parallel are most prone to boil-overs. Two 6V in series are less prone but it can still happen. Try a pair of 6V AGMs to avoid boil-overs.
If I were you, I would consider those commercial grade extra load tires for your 2552. Volkemon likes his commercial grade Michelin Agilis Cross Climates.
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Don, the tires on the rear are Mich and my front I had to replace when the ball joint went is the agilis. The mich certainly aren’t cheap by any means but they have given me every mile they promise.
The batteries, now that info I knew, just not sure why it happened now all of a sudden. I don’t think I can fit the 6 volts without some mods. On the road of course that’s not an option for now. The batteries are under warranty at Costco but no Costco in Maine. So as soon as I get to a place I’ll replace for now.
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Don & Mike. Thanks. I have to be thankful actually. It can always be much worse. One flat in almost 50k miles isn’t bad. And it happened right before pulling into a campground not on a two lane somewhere. The batteries are under warranty and the water leak, well somehow I’ll figure it out … or not. LoL.
Sometimes it’s all a perspective. I noticed my pool guy hadn’t been by my house all week. He’s very reliable so it’s not the norm. I text him only to have his wife respond. He’s in the hospital ICU with covid. He had not gotten the vaccine so I’m assuming it’s a rough go right now.
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I don’t think I can fit the 6 volts without some mods.
You are correct in that you will need to modify the battery compartment to accommodate 6V batteries.
I did which involved removing the battery tray to gain the required height. Since there is no tray, there is no way of inspecting the acid levels so I went with AGM 6V batteries to eliminate the need.
I installed our 6V AGMs in early 2015. We will find out during this next trip if they are still healthy. They seem to be fine.
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Thanks Ron. Definitely something I should consider.
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Joseph, Click on this link for the details of changing from two 12V wet acid batteries, to two 6V AGM batteries.
http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,2092.0.html (http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,2092.0.html)
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Will do, thanks Ron