[Ronald]

$5,000 for just the steer tires, correct. Also, there is no mention of what happens to the band during the event. Is it degraded? Is it a one use system? How often do they need to be visually inspected to make sure they remain affixed to the rim? Lot’s if questions…

On the surface these seem prudent. I am always a two handed driver regardless of the speed, surface condition, weather condition, and geographic location.

I am interested to see what Jeff says. Where is Prevost in this evaluation?

Ron

[Mark]

I am sure the devices to assist in the event of a blowout are going to be a lot better than nothing.

But there will never be a substitute for a trained driver who actually takes driving the coach safely as a serious obligation. Drive at safe speeds, never ever move the coach unless the tire pressures are correct for the weight carried. Always inspect the tires prior to driving, including an inspection for road hazard damage or items stuck in the tire.

And make certain the tires are of a safe age and are not exhibiting cracks or other signs of imminent failure. If a tire has been run at low pressure consider it junk.

Two hands on the wheel, cell phone turned off and stuck in a bedroom drawer, eyes on the road, and always be aware of the correct procedure to respond to a tire failure.

[Archived]

I don’t think this is an either /or. Obviously we should be very prudent on tire condition / age; pressure; weight of our coach; 2-handed driving, 70 mph or under, and try to rehearse going to throttle instead of brakes in case of the blow-out.

What this product offers in my opinion . (IF IT WORKS, and I”m having trouble getting independent verification … maybe because it’s new) is 1) better control during the event by preventing the collapse of the tire onto the wheel; and 2) don’t overlook the value of being able to get to an off-ramp instead of stuck on the shoulder of a busy interstate for hours.

I’m not necessarily an advocate yet because I haven’t found much beyond the company’s own publicity. That’s why I was hoping for a forum discussion or even folks weighing in who’ve had actual experience with the product

[Dan]

Stopping distance at 70 is 450 feet, at 60 it is 285 feet. Average car at 60 is 120 feet.

What’s the hurry?

[Harry]

So, speaking of tire blowouts, this is the second Michelin 365 tag tire I`ve replaced in 2 yrs with same problem (Chunking in Michelin terms). They did give me 75% comp toward replacement. They called it a good faith adjustment. Both tires had 17/32 tread depth. Maybe it was road hazard, but drive tires or toad not damaged. Let`s see how this next trip fares.

[Jozef]

[Stopping distance at 70 is 450 feet, at 60 it is 285 feet. Average car at 60 is 120 feet.

What’s the hurry?]

I agree. 60 is our personal targeted cruising speed.

[Dorel]

Steve, you are showing the only reason I would suggest the use of lifting the tag axle. Until Michelin has a tire design that addresses the tearing of the decoupling groove all sharp turns at low speeds should be made with the tag axle lifted.

But just to be clear I do not expect the tag axle to lift. At the very best it will carry less weight on both the tag and steer tires as a result of “lifting” and the rear of the bus is going to drop several inches lower than the drive height which means drivers have to be aware of much less ground clearance, especially if there are slopes to encounter or something normally easily cleared, such as parking bumpers.

[Ronald]

Jon, I always lift tag on tight turns. Knowing that my tag actually doesn`t lift off the ground as you said.

[Ronald]

My max cruising speed is always 5 miles below posted. It varies, of course, based upon driving conditions, traffic, interstate versus other area, etc. I almost always stay in the far right lane so I can get out of the way of traffic as much as possible as safely as possible.

[Archived]

did a xl2 of that vintage come with 365 on tag? that tire looks like its been side loaded allot. does that tag carry that much weight? Do you overload drive tires when you lift(take pressure off tag)? Just curious. Not critizing–would love to have newer coach. Bob

[steve]

Owners have changed tire sizes on some coaches themselves so a coach that came with 315 on all locations may now have 365 on the steers or if the owner wanted spares, they were put on the tag also.

On a sharp slow speed turn the front tires distort significantly stressing the decoupling groove, and on the tag, loaded or lifted the tires is literally dragged sideways.

Michelin does not consider chunking or lost rubber as a result of a torn decoupling groove as a warranty issue and any compensation they have provided has been considered “good will”.

[Archived]

[Mike]

Al, tire size and location on Bus ?

[Thomas]

I have had the de-coupling issue on 2 365’s in 4 yrs. Both on the tags. I guess that i kind of agree with Michilen that it does not compromise the tire from a safety standpoint, but they look like hell and I replaced them. Geo.

[Art]

If 365’s on the tag are causing issues, you might consider a switch to 315’s. I’ve been running 365’s-455’s-315’s for years with fairly good results. Obviously, the weight of the tag axle would have to be in line and you wouldn’t have a front spare, but I’m still not convinced you couldn’t put a 315 (or maybe even the 295 I got stuck with after a 315 failure) on the 365 wheel in an emergency.