Tires - A New Set

When  Laura and I purchased our 1996 Safari Sahara 3530 motorhome, the tires were near their end of life based on the factory date method of replacing tires every seven years.  Less than two years later we were ready to replace the tires.

The rig came with Toyo M120z 9R22.5 Load Range F, Hyparadial 133/131L Tread 4 plies Sidewall 1 ply.  We hadn't experienced any issues with the tires, so we planned to use the same model again.  We approached Les Schwab and found out that the M120z was no longer available through them.  The recommended replacement was the Toyo M170z 9R22.5 Load Range F, 133/131L Ply Rating 12.  After some Internet research, I decided to go with the M170z.

Here's how Toyo advertises the two different tire models:

M120

The M120 is a four-belt, all-position tire designed for regional to urban delivery in stop-and-go situations. The unique five-rib, four-groove design with 15/32″ of tread depth provides long, even wear to meet demanding pickup and delivery operations.  Applications include steer, drive, and trailer.

LONG SERVICE LIFE

• DSOC II™ technology optimizes footprint design for even wear and long life.
• Wide five-rib pattern with a solid outer rib and 15/32" tread depth combine for long, even wear.

HIGH DURABILITY

• Stone-ejector grooves minimize stone retention to maintain casing integrity.
• Four-steel-belt construction braces the tread area, improving durability.

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

• Wide five-rib pattern with a solid outer rib improves stability and handling performance.

M170

The M170 steer tire is designed for demanding regional and urban operations, here tread wear is the primary reason for tire removal. Excellent even wear with a deep 19/32″ tread depth that results in maximum removal mileage. This, combined with excellent fuel efficiency and a very competitive acquisition point, results in a lower cost per mile, making the M170 a leading value alternative tire in regional high-scrub applications that typically delivers a return on investment within a year.  Applications include steer, drive, and trailer.

EXCELLENT REMOVAL MILEAGE

• E-balance provides optimum footprint wear to increase mileage performance.
• Wide five-rib pattern with a solid outer rib and optimized tread depth combine for long, even wear.

HIGH FUEL EFFICIENCY

• Low-rolling-resistance construction minimizes fuel consumption.

EXCELLENT RETREADABILITY AND CASING DURABILITY

• E-balance profile minimizes growth of the tread profile, and maintains uniform and flatter tread radius for the entire life of the casing.
• High-elongation top belt protects casing integrity.
• V-shaped groove design ejects packed stones at low speeds to prevent stone drilling.

The Installation

The process was amazing to watch.  All work was conducted by a single Les Schwab technician.  The final bill for all six tires mounted and balanced was $2,150.  The tires use dynamic balancing, where Dyna Beads are placed and left in the tires.  The beads distribute themselves appropriately to balance the tire during normal use.

  

Our six new tires sit ready to be installed.

Left rear waiting to be removed.

Left rear.

Left front ready to be mounted.

Right front.

Right front.

Front stainless steel wheel simulator.

Front end jacked up.

Rear end "Ellipti-Ride" (elliptical spring) suspension.

Rear end.

Read End.

Rear end.

Rear stainless steel wheel simulator.

Tire awaiting air

Conclusions

Les Schwab was fast, efficient, and delivered the tires and service at a fair price.  The technician was friendly, and very professional.  I worked from the motorhome during the roughly two hour process, and have nothing by positive things to say about the Les Schwab located at 12110 NE Erin Way, Portland, OR  97220.  I haven't notice a change in the ride or handling of the motorhome, so from my perspective the M170z is working out just fine.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much