Man Tires - Repost from over 3 years ago

This post first appeared over 3 years ago.



About a year ago I was in need of some new tires for my truck.   I called CP since he and I have the same model truck.  I wanted to know where he got his tires, did he get good service, did he feel like he got a good price.  Things you want to ask to see if you can find a good deal without having to the research yourself.  CP was very helpful.  "I do not remember when or where I got my tires."

The next step was to call a few tire stores and compare prices.  I called three tire stores in the area.  Turns out they were having trouble matching the tire specs I was giving them for the model truck I drove.  They would explain they did not mind selling me the bigger tire as long as I understood it was not the original tire.  I would tell them I understood. I preferred the bigger tire. They would explain that by going to the bigger tire I would lose gas mileage and possibly, in a small truck, have issues with hydroplaning during heavy rain.  Where is your sense of adventure boys!?  I explained that I did not want my truck looking like a red rider wagon with those skinny wheels.  I wanted raised white letter tires, fat tires, 60 series tires, MAN tires!   

Of the three stores there was about a $30 difference from the lowest to highest price.  The store that won the bid happened to be the closest.  They offered the lowest price and included a 10% discount for employees of my company.  They also happened to be within walking distance.  The only hesitation in picking them came from a punk that worked there a few years ago.  He was a true used car salesman.  You could take your car in for an oil change and by the time he was finished you needed a new transmission.  But they got rid of him from all the bad press and found a real down to earth lady that, according to the word on the street, was all about customer service.  

When I called her back I wanted to double check the price and any add-ons (tire disposal, new stems, lug nut removal, etc).  She verified I was the one that had called earlier, "Yes ma'am."  She tells me how glad she was I called back.  She found me a set of tires from a new brand that had a higher road wear rating for a cheaper price.  She explained this new brand was trying to get their foot in the market.  She called out the name but my hearing is not what it used to be or maybe I was just not paying attention.  "The ones we have sold we have not seen them back in, so they must be pretty good" was her pitch.  She went on to tell me about the other perks. Free rotation and balance, free nail hole or puncture repair, on and on as long as I have the tires.  I told her I would think about it.  "No problem I can have them delivered here today and they will be on your truck this afternoon" she promised.  It was 3:30.  I called her back at 3:35; "Let's do it."

I take my truck down to the shop.  I see who turned out to be Billy Sue.  She looks like she has been...I will be nice...through some rough times.  She may have weighed 95 pounds.  You know those people that look nice enough but you know if they get mad they could really do you some damage?  She smiled politely when I drove up then put her cigarette out in her palm when I parked.  "Hey ma'am, I am the guy that called about the tires you said you put on today." 
"Honey, I will put my boy on it right now.  Sweetheart, can I give you a ride back to your office?" 
"No ma'am I will walk its not that far." 
"Are you sure I would not mind at all." 
"I will be fine, I need the exercise." 
"Not a young man like you.  Let me get your number and I will call you when its ready."  
I gave her the number to the front desk at the office.

Sure enough I got a call about an hour later that my truck was ready.  I walked back down the the tire shop and see my truck sitting in the parking lot with a new set of tires.  As I walked up on it from the front I could see the wide 60 series squatty tires.  I could see the raised lettering. I even said out loud "Um hmm MAN tires".  Then I get closer and walk up beside my truck and see the brand.  What is THAT!?

Billy Sue meets me out by the truck.  "Told you we could get it done!" 
"Billy Sue what is the name brand of tire on my truck?"
"MAXXIS."  (she pronounced it max-ee's)
"Maxxees?" I asked
"Yep, no complaints from anybody that I have sold them too."

I looked at my truck looked back at her smiling face and asked with a straight face, "So when it rains are those tires going to swell up real big?" She looked at me for about 3/4th of a second like I had shot her.  Then I winked.  She started laughing so hard it started a coughing spell.  It took her a few minutes to recover enough for me to follow her back in the shop to pay.  She never really recovered before I left. 

So far my MAXXIS are the best tires I have ever had.  Provide me with a quiet smooth ride.  I have not yet needed to rotate them.  And best of all, living in the thunderstorm belt of the south, I have yet to hydroplane.

Angels and Demons

Sunday

Resurrection Sunday

Ever wonder what happened on and why we celebrate Easter?

Learn about it here:

Luke 24

A visit to Duck Commander

The reality show Duck Dynasty is pretty close to home (figuratively and literally).  It seems like watching an episode is like watching your our friends on TV.  

We visited my brother and his family this past weekend.  During our visit Wonder Woman finally watched a few shows Lord Knobhead (my brother "Kipp Not On your Blog"-head) had recorded.  She giggled like a school girl at Jase and Si.  Being so close to West Monroe from my brothers, we decided to make a trip to the Duck Commander warehouse.  

Amazingly enough, this may change soon, but you can drive right up to the building.  We took a few photos and walked around the parking lot for a minute.  It was fun to see my girls laugh when they saw the duck decoys on the roof and referred to one of the episodes.  Wonder Woman pointed out the other roof where the wives got stuck on the lift and Gordon got sprayed by a skunk.  We walked passed a warehouse door, that was open, with just a single chain to keep everyone out.  We peered into the warehouse and guess what, it looked just like you would expect; shelves and boxes.  There were no cameras this day, just a few people working.  

I love how open they are to their fans.  From what I have heard they are seen in town frequently.  They even provide food on Sundays after church for those in need.  I hope that is true.  Rumor has it they will make appearances in the gift shop as well.  We stopped in the gift shop hoping for that chance; no such luck this time.  The girls had to have a t-shirt and hat.  They were very excited to have visited and could not wait to tell their friends.

Well I guess that goes for me too...