Greetings from a new FT Owner.....
While not our first coach, our first FT. I suspect this topic has been covered previously but am looking for "affirmation" good or bad for the use of 295/75r22.5 Toyo M177 tires as a replacement for the 275/80r22.5. I have read comments "for and against". Best I can tell, the wider cross-section width can make contact with the air bag mounts in tight, slow moving turns (lock to lock). I have read everything from from "only light polishing" to possible tire damage.
So the question to the collective intelligence is can the 295/75r22.5 be safely, without possible damage be run on the fronts? And, what about the rears? Any possibility of sidewall kissing?
Will stand by for an "educational experience".... Free free to PM with as appropriate.
Thanks,
Bob...in Palm Harbor, FL
Bob,
Depends on how the steering stops are set on the Sheppard steering box. If currently set to max (just clearance with 275's), it can be a problem installing a wider tire.
But, if you don't mind slightly less cut angles, the steering stop adjustments are on the outside of the Sheppard box and only take a small standard screwdriver.
On my 2001 320 Ive ran 295-75 22.5 for 30K with no issues and very slight polishing. If it's a big deal for you just polish out the airbag mounts and repaint. Not an issue. Same in the rear. They are truck tires and possibly ride rougher but "I dont know any better so its fine with me. Would definitely replace with the same. Toyo 177
I'm happy with mine.
Rich
I too put 295's on the steering wheels of my 98U320 to replace the 275's. I had enough scraping of the air bag that it was a big concern. What I did was shave off sections of the air bag"stops" at the bottom to clear the tire. No more issues and it does not have an effect on the NEW airbags that I installed. My tires are the new Bridgestone tires. See pics
Mine doesn't "polish".
My Toyos M177s are working fine on a 98 U270. Had them on for a year.
Again, a lot of the works/contacts air bag plate depends on whether the Sheppard cut angles are set to max or if there is some/adequate clearance to accommodate the wider tires.
Sorry NuBe here and will be getting tires within a year. So why change? cost? ride? durability?
Thanks to all who have commented.... I appreciate the info and civility of this forum!
As to the question "why change"... Slightly wider foot print, better handling (subjective, but typically correct), more options of brand.
Bob
BTW, I recommend checking cut angles occasionally and always if changing tire size.
Easy to do and only tools you need are a small standard screwdriver and something to use as a "feeler gauge"-- I use a scrap of 1/4" metal between steering knuckle and stop.
More IS better as long as you have clearance to suspension and body parts.
My coach came with 295-75 22.5 Bridgestone and lots of clearance and I'm happy with them
Then you can likely gain some cut angle by adjusting the steering box!
I don't know if there is an overall difference in diameter between the Toyo M177 and the M170 but we changed from the Michelin XZE 275/80/22.5 to Toyo M170 295/75/22.5 and they do not rub the bottom plate. The M177 may be a bit larger in diameter? I believe the M177 is a steer tire and the M170 is an "All position" tire.
We are happy with our change, we put over 50,000 on the Michelins and now have about 10,000 o the Toyos.
I don't think me tires will hit any how I will check tonight. When I got this coach it would steer
more one way than the other. Someone had not centered the pitman arm so I took it off and
readjusted it.