Bus Tire Battle Michelin, Toyo, Ironman, or Sumitomo
Post by: Glennman
Now that I've replaced my front brakes, drums, and shocks, I plan to get new 315 80R 22.5 steer tires as well. Does anyone have recommendations?
Post by: luvrbus
I’ve never run Ironman tires, but I see a lot of the brand on tour buses and RVs now with the 315's. Van used the Ironman 315's on his Prevost. Gary Hatt just installed a set of Ironman tires on his H3-45 Prevost. I’ve never had much luck with Michelins, but you see a lot of them on the front axles of buses. I’ve always run Toyo for the past 30+ years with no trouble. I think you are okay with any brand that meets DOT specs for steer tires.
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM
The price for six 315 80R22.5 Ironman tires was $3,400 out the door. The quote for Toyo's was over $6,000. I already had the front tires replaced with Michelin tires, which cost me $1,200 each at Prevost in Florida. FWIW, I walked around the Prevost parking lot, and every bus there had Michelin tires, except for one, which had Toyo tires. Most were passenger buses, but there were a few motorhomes in the lot. I suspect some people always have their Prevost buses serviced at a Prevost service center, as some (unlike me) can afford to have everything done first class. Prevost in Florida only carries Michelin tires.
Post by: Utahclaimjumper
My brother just bought two Michelin steer tires at $1,400 each in southern Oregon.
Post by: Glennman
I think I like the Ironman prices. I could buy them twice and still spend less than some of the more popular name brands. I'll be looking into those. Thanks for the advice!
Post by: luvrbus
The Ironman brand is owned by Hercules Tires. They have been around for many years. I noticed Friday, while looking at some Ironman’s on a bus, that the tires have a balancing dot for mounting. That takes the cost of balancing out of the final price.
Post by: DoubleEagle
I have Hercules radials on some of my trailers, and they have performed well. They were made in Thailand. Hercules has been associated with Cooper Tires for decades, and Cooper is now owned by Goodyear. I wonder where the Ironman tires were made and whether they are a Hercules Tire model or a separate brand? If the price is good, they might be Chinese.
Post by: silversport
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Phil Lyons has been a Bus Nut and moderator of the BCM forum for many years. He and his wife Ginni live in the central highlands of Arizona. Phil’s day job is in IT Security and Ginni is a retired Registered Nurse.
They are the proud parents and grandparents of daughters, granddaughters, and two spoiled dogs.
Phil and Ginni are part of a bluegrass/gospel trio called Copper Mountain String Along, are members of Bethel Baptist Church in Prescott Valley, and volunteer and serve in various capacities in the church and the community.
RVing has been part of their lives for over 35 years, and they both hope to enjoy the bus lifestyle for many more years.
You can contact Phil via email at
Phil@BusConversionMagazine.com
to open the company's website.
