Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Caflashbob on December 09, 2014, 12:00:40 pm

Title: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Caflashbob on December 09, 2014, 12:00:40 pm
I changed to 295 tires, when the coach ended up sitting on the hard stops as a result of unlevel spots the larger tire size caused way to much contact with the tire(s) for my comfort level. I simply added additional 1/2" spacers to the hard stops. Works just fine now tires barley resting on the floor at full dump, and have yet to bottom the coach out on the highway.

I have seen references to the change to 295 tires. What is the advantage?
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: jcus on December 09, 2014, 02:43:44 pm
Generally cheaper, [its a common truck tire] and easier to find in load range h, which gives you 7000 lbs per tire.
Weighted my 320 [with tile floor] and found it too heavy for load range g. Size difference compared to  regular 275/80/22.5
is too small to be noticed.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 09, 2014, 02:47:24 pm
295/75 is within one revolution per mile from the 275/80 size. Gives a slightly wider footprint. Michelin and a couple others make the 275/80 size. We have 295/75s on our U300 without any modifications.

If you don't mind mixing brands, 295/75 are easier to get in almost any small town. Another good reason to carry a spare and get the exact size/brand tire at your leisure.

Pierce
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: lgshoup on December 09, 2014, 04:00:01 pm
297/75's rubbed on our air bags when turning a corner. Wider so the extend further forward when turning.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: wolfe10 on December 09, 2014, 04:06:04 pm
Larry,

Suggest you reset your mechanical stops AND your Sheppard M100 stops-- both EASY.

Start by setting the mechanical stops so that the tires have clearance when at lock in each direction.

Then screw IN the stops on the Sheppard steering box to give 1/8" clearance at the mechanical stop with steering wheel full over. These screws are external to the box, so not that much of a job.  Small standard screwdriver is the only "special tool" you need for the box.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: nitehawk on December 09, 2014, 05:09:28 pm
For those interested try http:/tire-size-conversion.com/tire-size-comparison/

You can "play" with different sizes to achieve the results for different sizes, etc.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Barry & Cindy on December 09, 2014, 05:29:02 pm
Brett, we still cannot turn our bottom Sheppard adjustment screw as it is 'rust tight' to the bottom adjustment hole. And it is hard to keep Liquid Wrench up in the hole.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: lgshoup on December 09, 2014, 05:41:18 pm
Brett, thanks for the answer. The rubbing happens at about 50% of the angle in a turn. I don't want to limit the radius of my turn that much. Not sure I'm making this understood.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: jcus on December 09, 2014, 07:56:41 pm
If your coach is at or near the max. carrying capacity  of the oem tires, it would probably be wise to upgrade.
My coach has a 13000 lb front axle, my weight is 12500 front, standard michelin 275/80/22.5 that came with coach
only have a max rating of 6200 lbs each. My new 295/75/22.5  load rating h is 7100 a wheel, a good safety margin I think.
I think a lot of motorhomes overload the front tires without realizing it.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: bbeane on December 09, 2014, 08:20:17 pm
Price, availability, and additional weight compactly.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: jcus on December 09, 2014, 08:21:23 pm
Per Michelin specs:  275/80/22.5  XZE2  6175 lbs @110 psi

Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: jcus on December 09, 2014, 08:42:06 pm
actually, 99's were 13880 lbs front axle, 21000 rear axle.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Bob McGee on December 09, 2014, 08:50:02 pm
Quote
Per Michelin specs:  275/80/22.5  XZE2  6175 lbs @110 psi

Looks like you are quoting specs for load range G tires.

My Michelin XZA-3 tires are 275/80/22.5 Load Range H: 7160 at 110 psi
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Paul Smith on December 09, 2014, 09:07:49 pm
I get 6610 lbs at 120 psi for the same tire as yours.

What am I doing wrong?

best, paul

Quote
My Michelin XZA-3 tires are 275/80/22.5 Load Range H: 7160 at 110 psi
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: jcus on December 09, 2014, 09:26:55 pm
"My Michelin XZA-3 tires are 275/80/22.5 Load Range H: 7160 at 110 psi."

A very good tire, but I like my goodyear 399 295/75/22.5 h because it is about 1/2 wider, and really like, the $220 per tire price difference.
Title: Re: Why switch to 295 tires (split from Re: Controversey Over Leveling Coach)
Post by: Bob McGee on December 09, 2014, 09:41:11 pm
Quote
"My Michelin XZA-3 tires are 275/80/22.5 Load Range H: 7160 at 110 psi."

Sorry, this should have read at 120 psi. As Dave correctly quoted 13360 for load range H single axle at 110psi.

Same chart Dave, just careless.