Well the goodyear RT/S tires, 17" 2001 4x4, finally wore out.

Actually what happened is I got a flat so what a better time to get new tires. Changing the flat tire was very easy, the jack, tire iron etc.. all worked great, easy to get to, etc...nice setup. I really appreciated the nice long handle on the tire iron, made loosening the lug nuts a breeze.

The goodyears lasted 25k miles and where all ready worn well past the wear marks. These tires cupped from the beginning, despite a front end alignment by the dealer and regular rotations and where just terrible tires. Glad to see them go.

I put on Michelin LTX M/S tires and got a new front end alignment (which was off slightly), so far it seems like a much better tire, they ride much better. We will see how even they wear.

Cost was $735 total out the door for tires and front end alignment. Sure seems like a lot of money for tires but I guess the 17" tires are pretty pricey. These trucks are a lot of fun but they sure suck down the money when it comes to maintenance and gas. I went through the front brake pads in just 18k miles.

 

I have never owned the Michelin's, but from all I have read on this site, you should love those tires. ANY tire is better than the RT/S. Those tires really suck.

The difference in ride/handling/traction between the BFG A/T (what I have always bought for the last 5 yrs.) and the RT/S is AMAZING.

I cannot beleive that GY woud make a tire as sorry as the RT/S.

Good luck with your new tires

 

The Michelins are great tires. I had a set of LTX/AT's on my old truck and loved them. I am considering what I will replace my GY AT/S with and have to say today I would not buy a Michelin tire. Nothing against the tires, but I am staying away from French stuff.

 

WHat is the difference between the RT/S and the AT/S tires and are the AT/S any better?

Thanks,

Tom

 

I have had LTX/MS tires for 40K+ on my Expy and still have a little more than 6/32 tread left.

 

LakeSands........


First, I want to say that I agree completely with the SPIRIT of what you said. The French posture on the Iraqi war disgusts me. Especially after all we did for those losers in WWII. Talk about ungratefulness.

Almost all Michelin Tires sold in America are built in America by American employees. Boycotting Michelin tires would only hurt a few individuals in France a little bit, but hurt fellow Americans alot. Being in the same city as the headquarters of Michelin North America, you should know what a presence Michelin has here.

The corporate structure of most global companies makes it so that each country's facilities are virtually separate from those of other countries, financially. Each region usually has it's own budget, it's own operational plan, and it's own marketing strategies. Each region or country is either in the red or the black based on it's own profits or losses.

Driving on a lesser tire just to financially punish a few Frenchmen would be hurting the owner of the vehicle far more than any Frenchmen.

Boycott French wine! That crap is awful anyway!

> "Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion."--Norman Schwartzkopf
Raise your right hand if you like the French.... Raise both hands if you are French

 

THall...

The AT/S is a far better tire than the RT/S. My brother has had 2 F150's with the AT/S. I have had 2 with the RT/S. I have driven them all and the AT/S is not a bad tire. The RT/S, however, is prolly the worst tire I have ever owned.

As far as differences, the AT/S has a slightly more aggressive tread pattern than the RT/S, lasts longer, handles better, looks better, has a better tread compound, gets WAY better traction (dry or wet or mud or etc.), and every AT/S I have seen on our trucks is an "LT" rated tire, whereas every RT/S I have seen on our trucks is a "P" rated tire.

Can U tell I don't care for the RT/S very much?

 

hmmmmm, now im thinking i gotta get rid of mine, only a year old and they are already worn down. Guess i better start saving now.

 

Thanks for the response on the AT/S vs RT/S. The AT/S are what came on my new 03 SCrew. I only have 7,000 miles on them, but so far I think they are fine. Of course I don't have any other experience for comparison either.
When I heard the negative comments about the RT/S I had to check my own tires to see what they were. I have always liked Michelins, but when I got my new truck and it came with these AT/S tires I thought they were supposed to be good ones, but I don't really know.
Anyway, thanks for the input . . . it makes me feel a little better about what I'm running here.

Tom

 

I just thought i'd remind you that Michelin owns BFG.

 

Rebel,
You got me there. I have friends that work in both the headquarters and engineering group and just know how much travel takes place between here and France and honestly am just fed up with all this anit American stuff. But you are right and I am sure that would hurt us more than them. Other than Michelins, I can't say that I know of another French made product I have owned.

 

loncullen

Michelin Tire Corp. owns Uniroyal as well a BFG...and they manufacture a multitude of other brands of tires. The other brands are not owned by Michelin, but are Michelin tires, with someone elses name on them. Riken, Continental off the top of my head, with about 8 or so others that I cannot think of right now.

 

LakeSands.....
I know what you mean. The only French products that I own are my wife's XOne tires and my BFG's, as far as I know. I think that tires and wine are the only things that the French produce! LOL! The wine sux, but the tires are great!

In todays world of global markets it is very difficult to "do the honorable thing" by boycotting a particular company. Regardless of how ethical it may seem. The way the corporate structures are nowadays, it is hard to "hit 'em where it hurts". Too bad. It would be nice if we could find a way to show the French just how we feel about their ungratefulness.

nice to see another from the upstate here!! I have not seen anyone else from our area posting in the forums until I happened across your post. glad to meet ya, neighbor!

 

Same to ya Rebel. I have been off and on here for a couple of years. I gues I just read a lot more than I post, this is a great place to learn about our trucks and get ideas for them.