Michelin vs. Toyo tires for RV's (and other brands)

[Richpatty]

I'm trying to determine if there is a trend that causes this, i.e. too high of a pressure or too low?

The answer is yes to both questions….

 

[AbdRahim]

Interesting. There are quite a few complaints over at IRV2 about Michelin and sidewall cracking. I guess the saying, YMMV applies.

Apparently. Michelins don’t like to sit.I think I posted this somewhere before, but not sure where.

I had two sets of Michelins, one on SUV, one on MH. The ones on the suv ran for 8 years, ~ 60,000 miles. The MH 4 yeares , 12,000 mi. The one on the suv looked perfect 5-7/32 left on the tread. The ones on the MH had lots of cracking on the sidewalls. MH sat fir six months. SUV driven regularly -never sat for more than a month or two. They both had the same model LT Michelin?

Moving moves the lubricants in the rubber, I am told, preventing the outside from drying out. Michelins are very dependent on this movement apparently.

Btw, exact same manufacture date on both sets
Will see how the current Michelins do on this MH. 16, 000 mi or so, three years.

 

[Ddmo]

I have mine weighed fully loaded then add 10-15%. Adjust for temperatures as needed. Recheck weight annually to verify.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Moving moves the lubricants in the rubber, I am told, preventing the outside from drying out. Michelins are very dependent on this movement apparently.

Regarding chemicals to keep sidewalls from cracking, a Bridgestone tire engineer made the same statement during a conversation as above regarding movement. The heat and movement redistribute preservative chemicals in the tires and keep sidewalls from cracking.

 

[Neal]

Speaking of chemicals, I heard applying "treatment" such as to gloss up the sidewalls post detail is not recommended and there was even chat it voids warranties. Anyone know anything about this? Maybe tires that have had this bad cracking have had something applied to them during their life?

 

[Rich W.]

Speaking of chemicals, I heard applying "treatment" such as to gloss up the sidewalls post detail is not recommended and there was even chat it voids warranties. Anyone know anything about this? Maybe tires that have had this bad cracking have had something applied to them during their life?

I think UV protectant such as 303 is ok, or hopefully even beneficial, especially for older tires, but the goo that just makes them shiny (detailer stiff) also makes dirt stick to them which may act as a desiccant. Living on a dirt road, I avoid stuff like that.

 

[Richpatty]

I agree with all of the above. And is one of the many reasons I have never let my RV sit for much more than 30 days (or so). I have a reminder on my calendar to take it for a drive which is about 40 miles and includes running on the interstate. I also cover them when parked in a sunny spot and use 303.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Tires!!! Let's brake them down (pun intended). Quality craftsmanship can be the difference between life and death! That is the ultimate reason for brand choice. However life, ride, handling, traction, speed, temperature, load, are on the Tires legend. To some degree how happy you are with your vehicle's new shoes will have a lot to do with the compounds used in the tire.
If you travel mostly southern routes choosing a compound that will handle heat should be considered. Using The same compound in the north will not give good traction in cold conditions. A tire that is built for lower speeds will come apart when spun at speeds exceeding design limits. The compounds used to make a tire last many miles, will give a rough ride and have less traction. The opposite result can be engineered as well! If you take the time you can find the right tire for your driving habits.

I talked about compounds for a reason! Belt design is almost as important, but that is for another time. Now it's story time!

Many years ago I opened the trunk to maintain the spare. The sidewall was gummy to the touch, what could have happened? Long story shortened, off to the tire store I went!!! To this topic that was significant in the learning process.


My passport trailer had information on tire life! Not that I agree with everything they printed, but I was able to build my opinion!!! They stated the oils (compounds), would gravitate to the bottom of the tire over time.

Can we extend the life of our tire using a saav on it? Along with the above explanation we need to consider Ozone, the true cause of weather checking. Nitrogen fill displaces oxygen, friction causes static static in the presence of oxygen creates Ozone and can lead to tire degradation from the inside out.

On the outside of the tire UV light produces Ozone that can rot the tire from the outside in. Improper inflation creates friction, and produces Ozone deeper in the tire. An approved (by the manufacturer) UV protector could add life to your tire!!!

Back to my spare!

I watched a video after my brother spurred me into a rabbit hole! The topic was "how do they recycle Tires". Do you know? I didn't!
They spray hot oil on the tire, and the resulting products are OIL, CARBON BLACK, AND WHATEVER THEY USED FOR BELTS/ REINFORCEMENT. That carbon black is why you can fall victim to a lightning strike in your car!

In conclusion!

Reputable brand Tire companies make Reputable quality tires.
With all of them you can request a tire for your driving conditions.
Exercise your Tires to extend their life.
Nitrogen fill your tires for longer carcass life.
Properly maintain tire pressure.
Your cruise speed plays a part in tire selection.
Only put UV protector on the tire manufacturer approves.
Never use tires with a lower load rating than what you haul.

Just some food for thought!

 

[J&JD]

Regarding chemicals to keep sidewalls from cracking, a Bridgestone tire engineer made the same statement during a conversation as above regarding movement. The heat and movement redistribute preservative chemicals in the tires and keep sidewalls from cracking.

The engineers obviously have way superior tire knowledge than me it’s just hard to wrap my pea brain around “movement equals less cracking”

 

[Ventana]

100 lbs on the steers, 95 lbs on the rears. Weighed coach and used Michelin's inflation table to determine. Also l drive slow. Usually around 62 mph. Also tried to drive monthly in the off season. FWIW, they looked okay until last year. Seemed to age a lot in year 7.

 

[Ventana]

I use a product called Rubber Care from Aero Cosmetics for the tires. Approved for use on aircraft tires per Boeing.

 

[Joe Hogan]

he engineers obviously have way superior tire knowledge than me it’s just hard to wrap my pea brain around “movement equals less cracking”

The way he explained this to me is that the chemicals in the tire will settle when sitting for extended times. Not sure if the exterior of the tire when exposed to UV would flash off the various compounds or not. He did say that exercising the tire and bring the tires up to operating temperature helped redistribute the various chemicals in the tire sidewalls and bring the compounds to the surface of sidewalls.
The engineer was very patient with me as we played 20 questions.

 

[Rich W.]

100 lbs on the steers, 95 lbs on the rears. Weighed coach and used Michelin's inflation table to determine. Also l drive slow. Usually around 62 mph. Also tried to drive monthly in the off season. FWIW, they looked okay until last year. Seemed to age a lot in year 7.

I came up with the same values based on my previous four corner weights of a couple years ago, and drove with those pressures for the last 15,000 miles or so, but I recently upped my rears to 100 and fronts to 110 because I decided I didn’t want to run at the minimum and I want to account for load variations, and it doesn’t ride noticeably different. Not really a scientific approach, but until I can get a current weight that’s what I’m doing.

 

[Neal]

I would still suggest, and like to hear what Michelin says, send pictures to the RV group and see what they have to say about this, what causes it, etc. I've spoken with them before long ago, not hard to get in touch with and was easy to work with.

 

[Rich W.]

I would still suggest, and like to hear what Michelin says, send pictures to the RV group and see what they have to say about this, what causes it, etc. I've spoken with them before long ago, not hard to get in touch with and was easy to work with.

They don’t explain the chemistry or physics of it here but they do discuss the issue in the Michelin Tire Book, page 8:

LONG TERM STORAGE
MICHELIN® RV Tires

When a tire is fitted to a wheel and put under load, but it is not regularly used, the tire does not have an opportunity to
“exercise” and will prematurely age.
If a recreational vehicle is not driven regularly, care must be
taken to preserve the remaining life of the tires. Best practices include:
1. Store the recreational vehicle in a cool, dry, sealed garage,
away from electric generators or transformers. Do not store in an area where welding is performed, or in a garage that has frequently used electric motors.
2. Place a barrier between the tire and the storage surface. Suitable barriers include plastic, plywood, cardboard, or rubber floor mats.
3. Before storing the vehicles, thoroughly clean tires with soap and water.
4. If outdoors, cover tires to block direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
5. Inflate tires to the maximum inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall.
6. If long term storage exceeds 3 months, consider taking the recreational vehicle for monthly highway drives (about one hour of operational time). Driving the vehicle will give the tires an opportunity to generate internal heat which will promote long life.
Before removing the vehicle from long term storage,
thoroughly inspect each tire, and restore all tires to the proper inflation pressure.

 

[Richpatty]

I am still researching this (Michelin vs Toyo) and read somewhere that Michelin uses natural rubber on the walls, which can crack over time, but it does not have any effect on the structure of the tire (cosmetic?). Not sure if this is true or not.

I also read that Toyo's tend to be a more durable tire, although some say it does not ride QUITE as quietly or smooth as the Michelins (this is probably subjective). They are also said to last longer due to this fact... I have not read anywhere that Toyo has issues... So I am still considering them. It would save me over $3K (depending on where you buy) over 8 tires.
Oh, the only thing people say about Toyo's is that due to the type of runner compounds they use, they smell like cow manure for a time...

And remember, I read this on the Internet, so it has to be true.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Here are some discussions regarding Toyo ve Michelin

Toyo Vs. Michelin: Differences and Comparison - Rvhometown

Are you thinking of buying new tires for your RV? Check the comprehensive comparison of Toyo Vs. Michelin here.

www.rvhometown.com

Toyo Vs Michelin RV Tires: The Better Option for Your RV

Wondering which brand can give your RV the best tires? We’ve broken down the best options: Toyo vs Michelin RV Tires.

www.riversidetrailer.com

There are others comparisons but all seem to be using the same play book.

 

[Richpatty]

Thanks Joe. i did see those articles (and others) and agree that they all have the same theme…. Both are good tires, although Michelin is usually given the edge…but is it worth the added cost?

 

[Neal]

but is it worth the added cost?

It depends if "brand" gives you peace of mind. Also take into account the company's reputation, experience, time in production of tires, etc. etc. All elements an owner has to weigh.

On the flip side, if you save all that money you can justify $5K for a pair rettrobands

 

[Richpatty]

On the flip side, if you save all that money you can justify $5K for a pair rettrobands

That was definitely crossing my mind…