OK, Here is what I have learned to date; 315/80R 22.5,
a. Yokohamas = 6 for $3300.00 before tax Ventura, Calif.
b. Michelins = 6 for 5162.00 incl tax Ventura
c. Firestone = 6 for 3515.00 incl. tax Ventura
d. Sumatomo = 6 for 3185.00 incl. tax Ventura
e. Michelins = 6 for 5470.00 incl tax Santa Barbara, Calif.
f. Michelins = 6 for 4950.00 incl. tax Prevost, Mira Loma
My tires have approx 63k miles to date and have about 1/4 to 3/8" tread remaining. so I believe I am ready to change out, plus the tags are rounded at the edge of both side of each tire. They are about 5 years of age.
If all pricing is equal in terms of labor , recycle, tax, etc. I am about $1700.00 difference between the lowest cost Japanese tire and the lowest cost Michelin Tire Quote. I don't believe I can justify purchasing anything but the Michelin for that difference.
Prevost will only sale Michelins so that tells me they prefer this tire to any others .
The Tire dealer in Ventura said there are 13 or so Tire Plants in China. But only three can be trusted to produce a reliable tire. Sounds like a spin of the roulette wheel to me.