Michelin tires at Sam's.

[mrsilv04]

Sam's has an instant $60 rebate on 4 Michelin tires running right now.

I was wanting a set of Michelin LTX tires for the Silverado before winter, but I don't think I can pass on this deal. Sam's offers the "X Radial LT", which appears to be nothing more than an LTX with a slightly different tread and the different letters on the side.

With the $60 rebate, I'm looking at $550 for a set of 4 X Radial LT's, out the door.

The only difference that I can see in the tread between the two tires, is that the LTX has the squiggly sipes in the tread, and the X Rad LT does not. I'm assuming those are for ice traction?

 

[alreadygone]

When you say "out the door" do you mean mounted and balanced, or literally carried out the door?

Bob

 

[rshaw125]

Costco has a very similar instant rebate going on now.

 

[mrsilv04]

Out the door... mounted, balanced, stems, road hazard, tax... everything.

 

[NYEngineer]

I can't say for sure, but I've been told repeatedly that the big warehouses buy high volumes of tires made to their exact specs (ie the slightly different tread and letters) to lock you in to their tires. I've even heard the widths and diameters are slightly off.

 

[Dominic]

Sounds like a good deal. Sam's is usually a fine place to get tires done for most people. For a truck I wouldn't hesistate, for a sportscar I'd think twice

 

[Throckmorton]

I usually buy mine from online vendors who advertise in car magazines like the TireRack. I then get 'em installed with lifetime mounting and balancing at Wally World. I've often found that I can buy tires with superior treadwear, temperature, and traction ratings for a substantial discount this way.

 

[RKBA]

There are a few big retailers that have a semi-private label version of big name tires available. Sears, Sam's and WalMart come to mind immediately.
They do indeed look very, very, similar to the standard branded versions. Is it the same tire? That is a good question to which I have never been able to find a satisfactory answer. If there is a difference, it probably isn't worth losing any sleep over at any rate.
These "similar but different" tires help protect the retailer's low price guarantee policy. For example, Sears guarantees the lowest price on Michelin tires - except you can't buy a Michelin XC LT4 anywhere but Sears. At a tire dealer, you would be looking at the LTX/MS. They are under no obligation to price match the XC LT4 against the LTX/MS.

It is also a rather clever marketing ploy. Consumers are probably more likely to feel comfortable purchasing something with a recognizable name brand rather than an identical generic equivalent. WalMart recently had their private label Liberator AT tire rebadged as the Uniroyal Liberator. Same tire, new name on the sidewall - I bet it sells better (and for more money) than it did before.

 

[Colt]

Quote:

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I can't say for sure, but I've been told repeatedly that the big warehouses buy high volumes of tires made to their exact specs (ie the slightly different tread and letters) to lock you in to their tires. I've even heard the widths and diameters are slightly off.

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Yep.
Just like Home Depot and Delta,Moen and porcelain products.
Lower grade and not as good as the same items from a plumbing supply.
I'd be a bit leery with Costco.

 

[JeepZJ4.0]

I'm thinking about throwing a set on the Jeep to replace the General Ameritracs that are on there. They have no traction...ever.

 

[mrsilv04]

Quote:

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They have no traction...ever.

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That's the same problem that I have with the Uniroyal Laredo's that I have now. Nor do the Laredo's have a sidewall either. Sure, they ride nice, but the truck floats all over the road too...

 

[mrsilv04]

I took a look online at Sam's, and I can get the LTX M/S for $2 a tire LESS than the Club only "X Radial LT".

Sooo... I'll just order in a set of LTX's instead, and save a couple a bucks AND get the tire I *really* wanted.

 

[oilnoob425]

My sister just got a Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S at Costco $360 installation included, that's cheaper and less hassle than tirerack. According to tirerack's tests and reviews they are very good. Anybody had experience with these, as in what to look out for?