I would like to hear from the experts please.
I currently have Bridgestone 295/75R 22.5 tires. The plate next to the steering wheel from FT calls for 295/80R 22.5. As I understand from a quick Google search, the 80's are slightly taller (1.16"). Which way to go with new tires? Also prices and brands? I will be comparing with what I can purchase through my employer. They buy $1m + every year, so they say they get a great discount.
Thanks for the input in advance,
Larry
Larry,
Please re-read your plate. Based on 1996 U320, no slide coach, I think you will find the plate says 275 80R 22.5 vs 295 80R 22.5.
The 295 80R is a taller tire that carries more weight than a 295 75R.
The 275 80R and 295 75R tires are less than 0.1 inch different in diameter.
Hope this helps.
As Rudy indicates 275/80 and 295/75 are very close in diameter. The only thing to watch for with the plus one size is the width in the wheel wells, tire to tire on drive axle, and avoiding contact on components at max steering angle on steer axle.
I think few (if anyone) has had issues with the plus one 295/75.
I run plus one size on my tow car. (basically same diameter, slightly wider). Better availability of tire choices.
Thanks, I will check again. I took a picture of the plate, but it didn't show up well (should have checked before leaving the coach.)
Larry
If your coach has been weighed on all four corners, you might be able to run at lower pressures with different tires. I was able to come down 20 psi from original. That equals better ride! ^.^d
Ok, I have now verified that I am not totally insane, (still open for debate). I drove the 40 mile round trip in freezing rain to check. On the plate next to the steering wheel, the manufacturer calls for 275/80R 22.5 tires. The tires on the rig are Bridgestone 295/75R 22.5. Again I ask what is the difference? These tires have been on here for around 10 years as near as I can calculate. (Previous owner 8 yrs, me 2 yrs.)
Thanks,
Larry
First post above: "The plate next to the steering wheel from FT calls for 295/80R 22.5." Now you correctly identify the OEM tire size as 275/80/22.5.
275/80/22.5 and 295/75/22.5 are commonly interchaged sizes. The upgraded size of 295/75 is commonly called a plus one size. The 295 is a bit wider than 275 (but accepable in most applications), the 75 compensates for the height" or diameter of larger tire than the stock size.
Said another way the 295 on your coach is slightly wider, but the height or diameter is fine. Many people use the 295/75 instead of the 275/80. either is acceptable in most applications.
More concerning is the date of your tires. I would change them ASAP. Google "DOT date code".
We contacted Michelin when looking for PSI specs on our fresh 255/80R 22.5 tires, load range "G", our coach had been weighed. If you know your coach weight on all four corners (with 50% liquids) ,any decent tire outlet can tell you the load range & psi for the brand you're looking for. ^.^d BTW, our tires were at 100 psi when we bought her, and she rode hard!
Dan, I agree on the age of the tires. That's why I'm asking the questions. Planning on new tires asap. The coach has been stored for the last 1 1/2 yrs with the exception to exercise it. Hoping to get to use her this year. In checking my notes from the first post, I did misrepresent the OEM plate numbers. I got my wires crossed when typing the post.
Mike, my Bridgestone's have been maintained at 100 psi since I have owned it. The ride was comfortable for us. Lighter air pressure would make it even softer, but will have to play with it to see.
Thanks,
Larry
FYI; I went to the 295 75R/22.5 several sets of tires ago. I have had no problems as far as tire rub or any over heating of the duals in the rear. I feel I have gotten a better ride and steering from the slightly wider tires on the front of my coach. I have also increased my tire weight grade from "G" to "H" just to give me a stronger side wall and weight carrying ability. ^.^d Hey Larry, the number after the "R" R/80 versus R/75, relates to the tire height and the 275 or 295 relates to the tire tread width........
Thanks Gerry, I appreciate the help.
Larry
To determine when tire was manufactured look on the sidewall at the DOT Code. First number is the week, second number the year. Picture example, 13th week of 2009.
Only one tire has the date code on the outside. It was enough to know that new rubber is in order all the way around.
Insist and inspect for a fresh date code. Podunk tire stores can have them sitting around forever and will also suggest a tire size/load range that they want to dump. >:D
I used a tape measure to determine the tread width of (275 80) and (295 75) tires and found they were both a little more than 9 inches, so the same width. I realize that not all tires (with the same numbers on them) but from different manufacturers are the same size. I wonder if some models of tires from the same manufacturer are the same size. For example, Toyo makes M-170, M-177, M-154 tires (and more) that are 195 75R 22.5. I wonder if the tread width is the same on all these tires.