Resolved I think the time has come - 8 new tires for me

[Richpatty]

I looked at the load charts and also noticed that the tires are rated higher at the same pressure than Michelins. And although I still have my pressures at the old settings (which, in theory would be a little higher than needed), I am not sure why you couldn't lower them to match the ratings chart. I am not sure I understand why you could not match the charts... isn't that what the charts are for? Or am I missing something?

 

[Richpatty]

BTW - Congrats on the babys new shoes!

 

[Neal]

I looked at the load charts and also noticed that the tires are rated higher at the same pressure than Michelins. And although I still have my pressures at the old settings (which, in theory would be a little higher than needed), I am not sure why you couldn't lower them to match the ratings chart. I am not sure I understand why you could not match the charts... isn't that what the charts are for? Or am I missing something?

Good question, or are the charts MIN pressures? It is amazing this "science" of tire pressures and how every place you visit has a different story.

 

[Richpatty]

https://www.toyotires.com/media/sqld2inz/2021_commerical_loadinflationtables_v8.pdf

Not sure they are minimums...but recommendations... Same thing?

 

[Neal]

Here is my last weighing, let me know what you come up with, going heads down into the chart now.

 

[Neal]

If I'm reading it correctly my same value of 105 for front applies.

Rears are at bottom of the chart but I run 90 psi

 

[Richpatty]

I agree with your findings... And the rear pressures could be lower (same with mine), but was told to stay at 90... Not sure I remember why.

My last weights were similar:

Front - 13,250
Drive - 16,990
Tag - 8,230

 

[Neal]

but was told to stay at 90... Not sure I remember why.

Sidewalls

 

[Richpatty]

OK....but if that is true, why even list the lower ratings? I guess this is above my pay grade.

 

[Neal]

Haha, because we are subject to opinions including mine. When I went to a rally and the RVSEF or whoever they are did the weighing at the rally I was pissed that he was preaching to me his opinions and advising people tire pressures that did not agree with the charts. I went so far as to calling Michelin RV and they said charts is the answer and I believe in following the charts! Then I just got worn down, I did the weigh at FL Gaffney and that tech told me his opinions which were the 105/90 numbers and I just caved at that point. So who knows....but it seems higher pressures are better as long as your ride is not affected. I actually found with my last tires that my ride was better at 105 on the fronts when I was running lower for some time.

 

[Neal]

We often hear age out before we will actually wear them out. In the picture I posted you can see the tread loss from 60K/6 years. My last FL visit the tech said something about wear markers, it's time for new. The tread looked plenty deep and talking with the tire shop months ago that changed my tires he discussed measurements, etc. Moot point but you can definitely see the tread difference and I dare say I was probably closer to wearing out vs. aging out on these.

 

[Richpatty]

You got your moneys worth from your original set of tires….

 

[Neal]

With the cow pasture behind me (the smell finally gone) I'm very happy with how the Toyo's are driving. When I left Asheville there was a vibration in the front over 60'ish, what the heck. Okay, maybe it's the roads. Do I have a bent axle? I know they are spin balanced, I watched them, I have centramatics, are the centramatics causing this? Drive and analysis continued, into Tennessee now, ehh, keeping on going, then into Kentucky, a state that seems to know how to do roads right! Ahhh, nice and smooth, love it. So yeah, roads can be the problem, KY does more concrete I believe, for whatever reason, and very smooth.

I read on Facebook yesterday, or this morning, who knows...about another person that had issues with runouts on Michelin's and fought this like I did and in the end Michelin replaced all of his tires under warranty. Yeah, a little confirmation bias, i.e. I chose Toyo's but I'm beginning to think Michelin light truck tires (i.e. for RV's) may not be as great as we want to give them credit for. I will be staying with Toyo's unless something in the future makes me think otherwise.

 

[BGMAC]

I’ve had a lot of issues with balancing of new tires. Different brands bought at different places. Just seems tire quality isn’t as good as it use to be. I had just bought a set of new tires for pickup truck. I never could get them balanced right. Installers don’t really check for out of round when installing. I ended up trueing the tires and now there smooth as glass.

 

[Trav_lr]

My search to replace the two fronts has begun. I currently have Goodyear G670's (all 2019) on all 4 corners. The right front started making noise so upon inspection, there's a flat spot on the outer 2 1/2 inches of the tread to the side wall.... almost like a chunk was carved off? I've got quotes from FMCA for Michelin and Goodyear but the local Goodyear dealer has a better price and I can't find an installer for the Michelin's. Finding alternatives is a challenge, mostly because the local guys I've asked will only install what they sell!