Choosing new tires for your RV can be quite challenging. You need to make sure that the tires are reliable, heavy-duty, and long-lasting. In the RV world, the common debate is Toyo Vs Michelin.
I have been using Michelin for many years now, but many retailers have been recommending Toyo tires to me. My concern is whether Toyo can meet or surpass the performance of Michelin tires. Let me elaborate on the Toyo Vs. Michelin tires comparisons below.
Toyo Vs. Michelin: What’s the Difference?
Michelin tires tend to have thinner sidewalls, providing a better ride than Toyo. They’re also constructed with all-steel, offering more durability. Most premium models offer a smooth ride in long distances, ideal for any RV adventure.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, Michelin’s IntelliSipe technology is better than Toyo’s Nano Balance technology. Michelin also gives a slightly quieter drive with the unique tread pattern and improved number of sipes. However, Michelin’s performance seems to decline when driving a rougher road.
Toyo tires are way cheaper than their Michelin counterparts, but most of their models are combined with polyester to lower the price. They still do give a smooth ride, but not as smooth as Michelin.
One thing that Toyo stands out is UV inhibition. Unlike Michelin, Toyo can keep the RV tires last longer under the sun. Their tires also seem to provide better traction in all terrains than Michelin.
Overall, Toyo can do an adequate job at a lower price. However, Michelin still overpowers when it comes to reliability and durability. And here’re the details about each type:
Option 1- Toyo Motorhome Tires
Toyo has been manufacturing tires since 1945 in Japan and since 2004 at their plant in Georgia. They’re a known supplier to many truck and auto manufacturers worldwide, making them a good option for RV use. Their tires seem to work well in rugged terrains where you need strong traction the most.
The best feature of Toyo tires is the UV inhibitor, which helps trailer tires last longer under scorching weather. These tires perform well and can endure a lot of mileage before they deteriorate. Approximately, Toyo can endure as much as 50,000 miles easily.
Toyo’s Nano Balance technology is a remarkable initiative to improve the fuel efficiency of their tires. The Toyo 22.5 RV tires series are quite impressive in winter conditions because they offer deep snow and wet traction. Some models even work all season long, adding weight to the competition.
However, some cheaper models combine steel with polyester on the tire construction, making them less durable to carry a heavy load. They also seem to howl and begin to slip around curves.
Pros
- Seems to work in all rugged terrains
- Offers superb traction on snow and wet surfaces
- Features a UV inhibitor to protect tires from the sun’s damaging effects
- Nano Balance technology tries to reduce fuel consumption
- Offers excellent mileage
Cons
- Steel is combined with polyester to lower the price
- Tends to slip and makes a little noise when driving around the curves
Overall, Toyo tires can be a suitable choice for rugged terrains, especially in the snow. They offer impressive traction, as well as good mileage before they deteriorate.
My Top Recommendations
- Toyo tires EXTENSA HP II All-Season Radial Tire: These tires offer a comfortable ride all season long, from winter to summer. I like how these tires offer excellent grip while driving 90 on the road. They ride smoothly during the rain and even in light snow.
- Toyo OPEN COUNTRY R/T All Terrain Radial Tire: This tire is perfect for off-road adventure because it can endure any rugged terrain. The construction seems to be sturdy because it can drive through rocks, sand, and even heavy dirt. The road noise seems to be less noticeable on this one.
Option 2- Michelin Tires
Michelin has been a famous model among tire fanatics because they’re known for being reliable in all weather conditions. They’re the innovators of steel radial tires, which offer flexible sidewalls for better maneuverability and road grip. Also, the unique tread pattern and multiple sipes make these tires quiet and comfortable to ride.
Michelin tires feature IntelliSipe technology to improve fuel efficiency. The said technology offers superb tread block rigidity while improving the tire’s road contact during acceleration and braking. Since it consumes less fuel, this brand is cost-effective and eco-friendly.
When it comes to mileage, Michelin seems to be the highest at about 90,000 miles. These tires can endure more abuse. Even if you hit something on a windy road, Michelin tires seem to keep their tire pressure.
However, the tires tend to get sidewall cracks because they’re made of natural rubber. The good news is that these cracks don’t puncture the core fabric nor cause any safety issues. Also, they’re quite expensive.
Pros
- Reliable to use all season long
- Steel radial tires offer excellent sidewall flexibility
- Unique tread pattern offers superior comfort with less noise
- Eco-friendly and fuel-efficient
- Provides the highest mileage
- Durable and resistant to impact
Cons
- Prone to sidewall cracks
- Can be very expensive
My Top Recommendations
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial Tire: This tire offers a superb grip for shorter braking distances on wet surfaces. The tread life seems to be long-lasting due to the EverTread Compound, which offers supreme traction for all seasons. This model is energy-efficient, thanks to its MaxTouch Construction that distributes the contract force evenly.
- Michelin Defender T+H All Season Radial Tire: This particular model offers a comfortable ride all season long. Thanks to the IntelliSipe technology, this tire prevents hydroplaning on wet roads. This tire promises to deliver an 80,000 mileage for long-lasting use.
Conclusion
In the Toyo vs. Michelin tire comparison, nothing can still beat Michelin when it comes to quality. Michelin tires can provide the smoothest RV ride, but they can be pretty expensive. If you want to save money, Toyo is a good alternative as it performs as good as Michelin.
If you’ve used any of these tires, let us know in the comment section below. Also, please share this article with your friends if you like it.
Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!