We finally bit the bullet and got new tires put on the motor home.

We replaced the 7 1/2 year old Michelin 275/80R22.5 LRG's with the same
XZE LRH tire. This gained us the ability to run a bit less air pressure
for the same tire capacity. Turns out the LRG is kind of an odd ball
tire, through it is used mostly for car carriers, and a few RV's not
many Michelin dealers had them in stock. The LRH's were a more common
tire since more OTR trucks used them. I did insist on the dealer
ordering them anyhow, which got me the freshest possible dates.

I used a dealer here in Saint Louis, Brahler's Truck service. They
provided me good service, and the best price for the complete job
(which included an alignment). There was a huge variance in price
amongst the STL area, one place was over $700.00 more.

The big day was last Wednesday, and the service manager and I got off on the wrong
foot, he was under the assumption I was late, when I arrived 10 mins
prior to my appointment. Added with the fact it was a motor home (seems
he had a dislike for us RVers because of the some past customers). I
didn't feel like arguing with him, so I quickly stated that he is
welcome to go get the salesman and then he can explain why his $3200.00
sale is walking across the street to his competitor. Once the salesman
popped in to say hello, his tune changed considerably. The actual
laborers who changed the tires did a great job, and the alignment tech
had a great attitude.

I was a bit worried that the alignment
tech wouldn't know how to handle the neway IFS, and i was correct, he
had never seen such a system. I suggested we call Freightliner together
and they were great on the phone, and walked him through the alignment
process, any adjustments and how they would need to be done, and the
typical problems they saw. The tech had a great attitude, was very
competent and willing to learn something new. He did have quite a bit
of time into the alignment and they did stick to the quoted price.

My old tires didn't have unusual wear, but I was glad get the alignment
done. They did find the Caster was out of spec by quite a bit.

Overall I left very happy, and glad to be back in safe ground where tires are
concerned, the bill was high, but I felt fair for what I got.

John

Wow - that is one maintenance item that I am not looking forward to. I am sure it was not the easiest thing to do to trash six tires with plenty of tread on them. Sticking to the 7-year rule is important, but a tough pill to swallow. Nice job.

I didn't check your blog, but I hope you got some pictures when they were nice and shiny and new!!

 

kev 

I sure did, along with a few of the Alignment Rack mechanic.  :)

 

I am told that with the new rubber compounds I should expect to get 10 years out of this set, the Michelin rep said they should be inspected anually after 5, but should be good for 10.

I guess that is somewhat encoruaging.  Really mine were just starting to show signs of weathering, but sence I don't know how they were cared for, I didn't trust them.  The bill might have been big, but if I would have blown one on the highway even with minimal damage it could easily go over 3k, which would likely come at a time I was strapped for cash.

 

John