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I had been with Liberty Mutual for almost 40-years, both my cars, main and summer homes, both our kids cars and later their spouses cars and homes, etc.. Upon retirement, bought a Tiffin Motorhome and called Liberty for coverage. Was told "no interest in insuring RV's". I asked if this was their final decision on a 40-year account for an extended family. My agent of 20-years said she could run it by Regional Management, maybe get an exception, could take "a couple weeks". I asked if she understood if my new RV could not be covered, I'd move all policies. She understood, hesitated, and then said "my husband and I insure our boat with Progressive. Why don't you try them or GEICO?" This from the LM Rep.!! I called GEICO, Progressive, Hartford (AARP) and by the end of the day I had been approved by all 3 companies for all coverage requested. Per our attorney, while all insurance companies have their problems, the coverage of GEICO was, his opinion, the most complete. All our property and liability policies have now been moved to GEICO with coverage matching or exceeding (glass coverage was better) that of Liberty Mutual, for premiums about 30% lower. The only negative was GEICO policies written as 6-mo policy, I prefer 12-mo. That was 2-years ago. I have had no claims so I cannot comment on their claim-handling. Other than modest increases in homeowners premium due to value changes, premiums have been stable. Coverage updates (new cars) easy to handle if you get past the computer and find a human; fortunately I have a local GEICO office and can find my original rep with relative ease. I'm sure LM had their reasons for not wanting to insure a motorhome, but they will never get me back as a customer. That one decision ruined a loyal customer relationship, got them one ticked-off loudmouth.

I did a fair amount of research on this very subject (XRV to XZE) within the last 30-days. "Research" included reading blogs (here at FMCA and iRV2), talking to the only dealer in my home city to participate in the Michelin Advantage Program, speaking by phone with 2 different folks at Michelin and digging deep in various web-sites of both Michelin and independent tire "authorities". From the factory tires were Michelin XRV 235/80R22.5's, and the alternative was Michelin XZE 255/70R22.5's. I went with the XZE 255/70's, picked the coach up yesterday. Reasons for my decision: 1) The 235's, by Michelin's own admission, are built for RV use only and not in constant production. They are therefore subject to periodic shortages in supply. A tire failure on the road could result in a multi-day & multi-state hunt for a tire. The XZE's are reported to be in greater supply. 2) The XZE 255's have a slightly larger (1/2-inch tread width) footprint for road contact, than the XRV 235's. 3) The XZE 255's are slightly smaller (1/2 to 3/4-inch) smaller diameter, which results in speedometer overstatement of about 1.5 mph at 60 mph, and more revolutions per mile. While these are negatives, they were not significant enough to sway me. 4) Both the XRV 235 and the XZE 255 will, per Michelin, fit my 7.5" aluminum rim width, and both fit my dually rear axle without problem. 5) And the Main Reason, the XZE 255/70's carry a significantly higher load and speed rating. I understand load ratings are a function of rim capacity, axle capacity and tire capacity and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. BUT, the extra capacity and speed rating gives me a little peace of mind as I cruise along at a leisurely 60-65mph. Last bits of info..... The XZE's were about $90 more per tire than the XRV's, so I paid for that extra load capacity. And, I fully expect to replace these tires based on age, not mileage, in about 6-years so I don't care about mileage. Hope this helps and I welcome other thoughts, opinions.

The load range and capacity of the 255/70 22.5's are greater than the original equipment 235/80 22.5's, a fact verified by Michelin web site and phone call. Both tires, per Michelin, will fit 7.5" rims. The 255/70's are approx. 1/2-inch smaller diameter (resulting in a 1.5 mph speed reading error), and also approx. 1/2-inch wider tread width. Plenty of room between dualies on rear axle. Upon second questioning, the only Michelin Advantage Dealer in my home city is sticking to his story that the 235/80's are back-ordered, regardless of other dealers saying (unverified) they can get the tires but do not have the equipment to install on 22.5 aluminum rims. He says, in so many words, get the 255/70's or get in line awaiting the 235/80's. As to age of the tires, I looked at the 255/70's he's trying to sell me. They carry a manufacture date of 3415, or August 2015, 5-months ago. Have been reading other sites blogs regarding interchangeable tire sizes, and I'm leaning to the higher load capacity of the 255/70's. Looks like Spring will come early this year (ask the Groundhog!) and want to be road-ready with new rubber on the coach. Also adding Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer and a TPMS system. Many thanks for your thoughts and input!!

Under the tried and usually true theory known as POM (Peace of Mind), I am swapping out all 6 of my 5.5-year old Michelin 235/80R22.5 for new Michelins under the Michelin Advantage Program. The good news: the cost savings is roughly $100/tire, and that is an all-in cost with mounting, balancing, disposal, etc.. The bad news: only one tire distributor in my home city participates in the Program, and they claim the 235/80R22.5 size is back-ordered since last fall due to demand by RV manufacturers. The dealer recommends switching to 255/70R22.5 Michelins, which he claims are in greater supply (good if 1-tire damaged), have a slightly larger footprint (good), carry a higher load rating (good), but cost about $100/tire more. I spoke directly to Michelin who verified "spot shortages" from time to time, and quoted lots of measurements that led me to believe the dealer was correct, the 255's would fit. So my quandary is: since I'm going to end up paying the same $$, should I stick to the 235's from a non-Michelin Advantage dealer, or "upgrade" to the 255's from a Michelin Advantage dealer.