You know what they say about opinions—here’s mine anyway:
PeterVS, while I agree with your views on age limits, I also believe Jon’s points about tire compounds are valid. As a trucker, I used to go through tires before the age issue even crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I joined POG that I learned how to read date codes. I recently discovered that my tires are from 1999 and 2000. Given that the front six are a matched set with 80% tread remaining, I’ll be moving the steer tires to the tag axle and using them until the sidewalls show cracks or the tread wears down, regardless of their age. I figure if they’re Michelins, they should last a bit longer to justify the extra cost. I’ve got tire pressure sensors, and I don’t push the tires hard. I’ll keep everyone updated on how it goes.
Regarding off-brand tires, I have a different perspective. Local charter companies have used them for years without issues, and I’ve had good experiences with lesser-known brands as well. If you’re not keen on Chinese tires, you might consider Kellys—they’re also more affordable. In my experience, Bridgestone and Michelin tires can be harder to balance and don’t necessarily wear better.
In Jon’s case, where he plans to follow age guidelines and use the tires only on the drives, carrying about 5000 lbs per tire and monitoring pressures closely, opting for cheaper tires could be a smart move.
I’ll be putting off-brand tires on my steers as well. I haven’t decided which ones yet, but they’ll be 12R22.5, and I’ll choose based on price and availability. I’ll share my experience once I get them.
Happy to be the guinea pig for this experiment. I’m not worried at all. Greg has Toyos, so we’ll have a test case for those too. All these tires are drastically underrated to begin with. I used to pull a transfer trailer with 60,000 lbs on it using mismatched and old tires. The guy I worked for would scout ahead in his SUV looking for cops. But I digress.
Michelins and Bridgestones are undoubtedly great tires, but I believe the off-brands can be just as good.