The Michelin XPS Rib an Ultimate Highway Commercial RV 10ply tire
Written: Dec 02 '07 (Updated Dec 03 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: You'll get more miles per dollar amount spent, most dependable, almost indestructible, quiet ride.
Cons: High cost but worth every penny, your vehicle may fall apart around these tires.
The Bottom Line: If you like your rig and want the best, no doubt these are what to put on after the original factory tires wear out, I won't hesitate buying another set.
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| walkerpkw's Full Review: Michelin XPS RI T/R Truck/SUV Tire |
INTRO: Michelin XPS Highway Rib: 5 STARS!
I've been buying these for both business and personal truck use. These have never let me down and I rely on these Michelin's more than any other truck tire purchase. It was in the mid 80's when I purchased my first set (7.00-15 8 Ply). It was for a 1/2 Chevy work truck that put a 100 miles a day on the odometer. They've been the smoothest, quietest, dependable, virtually flat free tire I've ever owned.
Why I Buy These:
When I realized how important tires were in my business, it was obvious these tires were outlasting anything else I had previously owned. I'm going to say on average 2 to 1 or twice as long as any competitive brand, and after 30 years in business I've tried EVERYTHING!
How Michelin Stacks Up:
It was at my local Costco where I purchase these, I noticed a stack of (5) 235-85-16 10 ply next to a competitor brand (BFG same size-ply-highway-commercial) that was stacked 6 high. The stacks were the same height. The main reason is this, the Michelin XPS Rib has an all steel casing where the competition did not. Where ever you buy your next set of highway style truck tires, ask the sales person: "I want a tire with an all steel casing" He'll either say we don't carry those, you don't need that, why do you want an all steel casing? Trust me, "You're at the wrong tire store"!
Your Application:
I'll say these will best serve your needs under the right conditions. Dry weather, or normal wet rainy pavement, NOT off road but on-road. It's almost an indestructible tire, best for Motor homes, RV's, work trucks.
COST and HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
While this is most likely one the costliest tires to put on your truck or RV, plan on being stuck with these for a long time. The last set I had lasted 80,000 miles or 10 years. I've tried telling other people about these and how they're actually cheaper than a $125 BFG or General because they last 2 to 3 times longer. They won't hold up any longer than other tires if you have front end or alignment issues though.
DON'T TRY to PLUG this TIRE!
Something else I need to mention is only plug this tire if its a last resort, a plug is temporary and with these being an all steel casing you have to actually drill a hole with a 1/4 inch bit to get the plug in. Get it repaired with a patch from the inside. Plugs tend to leak between the case and carcass causing a bubble or eventual separation and failure. I've had a bubble on the side wall of my tire once, and if this happens they won't fix it or may not warranty it. This only happened once out of 150 tires in 20 years.
I'll Never Forget:
My sister owned a Volvo in the 80's that never wore out the original tires. She had them on the car from day one until she sold it. I know, I did most of the repairs and maintenance, as well as help sell the vehicle when the time came. It had about 85,000 miles on it, the tires were down to nothing or barely legal. Side walls were checking though.
OVER ALL HANDLING and DRIVABILITY:
I mentioned most of this in the review, but you have to understand this is a STIFF tire if you put all 80 psi into it. Notice it's load carrying capacity, I can only say it's does what it says it's rated at. When I put a load (1000 lbs) in any truck, the tires barely look different. The truck rides better, like a Cadillac.
None of my drivers ever complain or have flats (very slow leaks only), because downtime cost ME $$. I'll say it again, "THIS TIRE IS CHEAPER".
FINALLY
I've only convinced a few people about the concept of these tire being cheaper in the long run. It's more money upfront, but you won't have to worry about buying another set of tires for quite some time.
I'm going to post a comment that you need to read as I didn't want to include this in the review.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 201
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walkerpkw
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 in Computer Hardware, Cars & Motorsports |
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Location: Granite Bay California
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