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Topic: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5 (Read 4215 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #75 –
Quote from: craneman –
I set mine to 130 makes airing the tires much easier.

How/Where do you set the engine driven compressor Governor HIGH setting to 130?
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #76 –
I'm ready to pull the trigger and replace the 8 bus tires. But, I'm still not convinced that the 295/80R22.5 tires can be used for the steering axle in place of the stock 275/80R22.5. I'm not interested in the 295/75R22.5 size either. The reason for the initial interest in the 295/80R22.5 was to get the higher load capacity tires in order to operate at a lower psi.

So I have decided to install 275/80R22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z LRH for the front axle and Michelin 295/80R22.5 X Coach HLZ LRH for the tag and drive axles.

Update: The X Coach HLZ LRH tire is no longer available. Discontinued by Michelin.
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #77 –
Oh no,  not the tire size thing again 😬😬. You might try the Search function, much discussion on this very subject.

Just curious why would you mix tire sizes, as your 275s would be sufficient all the way around.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #78 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Just curious why would you mix tire sizes, as your 275s would be sufficient all the way around.

1 - I think the X Coach HLZ LRH tire is a better tire than most 275/80.

Update: The X Coach HLZ LRH tire is no longer available. Discontinued by Michelin. Replacement is the Michelin X Coach Z (#53962)

2 - With a higher load rating, I'll be able to run them at a lower psi setting than 275/80 while also taking full advantage of the maximum drive and tag axle weight ratings. Also, airing up the 275/80 to 115 psi or so with the onboard compressor is a pain. The 295/80 tires will air up a lot easier because of the lower needed psi for the same axle loading.

3 - But, I do think that the 275/80R22.5 is the needed tire size for that U320 front axle, as designed.
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #79 –
Quote from: cucotx –
How/Where do you set the engine driven compressor Governor HIGH setting to 130?

ISM D2 Air Governor is located where?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXIdL6Xh7ko
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #80 –
Peter, are purchasing your tires from Dave Ward, National Tire Concierge Service, which less than FMCA?  Plus road hazard warranty included along with Michelin On-Call.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #81 –
Quote from: Rudy –
Peter, are purchasing your tires from Dave Ward, National Tire Concierge Service, which less than FMCA?  Plus road hazard warranty included along with Michelin On-Call.

I did. No price difference from that of FMCA but hazard warranty and Michelin On-Call worked for me. Plus, Dave worked hard to see if he could locate inventory of the X Coach tires for me. That was welcomed.
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #82 –
we had replaced our old Michelin RV sized tires (275/80/22.5) with the wider 295/75/22.5 Toyo's and also had MoT replaced the airbags. I asked about the rubbing of the mounting plate. They said 'DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT'

The steering angle required to have contact with that plate is such that it will only happen at slow speeds. That much input at highway speeds will have you on your side.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #83 –
Quote from: bigdog –
we had replaced our old Michelin RV sized tires (275/80/22.5) with the wider 295/75/22.5 Toyo's and also had MoT replaced the airbags. I asked about the rubbing of the mounting plate. They said 'DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT'
The steering angle required to have contact with that plate is such that it will only happen at slow speeds. That much input at highway speeds will have you one your side.
I just looked at our 295/75s and they didn't touch the air bag plate on our trip. Lots of lock to lock campground turns but we didn't go down any unimproved roads where we lean way over. That's where we get an occasional light contact. As everyone has said, don't worry about it.

Pierce

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #84 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
I just looked at our 295/75s and they didn't touch the air bag plate on our trip. Lots of lock to lock campground turns but we didn't go down any unimproved roads where we lean way over. That's where we get an occasional light contact. As everyone has said, don't worry about it.

Pierce

Pierce
At the risk of ruffling a few feathers. This thread illustrates perfectly what I posted last week about tires and tire pressure. We RV owners have way to much time for extreme levels of researching. We often end up chasing our tails and lose sight of the big picture.

Which is:
That one inch wider tire only results in half an inch width increase on the inner tire area that MIGHT cause some minor rubbing. And that rubbing will only happen at SLOW speeds. So it isn't actually a big deal nor an impediment to reversing.
If one is constantly up against the steering stops. They might want to take some of that research time and use it to look at techniques on turning in tight quarters and prepositioning for reversing into a parking site. Prepositioning was a key ingredient in my commercial truck training.  Bad prepositioning is the BIGGEST issue I see when folks get into a jam while reversing at RV parks. 
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #85 –
BigDog,

Agree positioning at many RV Parks but in some super tight Sierra campsites, I'm lock to lock even with a spotter. We are frequently pushing branches aside even going forward. Making the turn on our driveway heading down requires full lock. I have to back up a quarter mile and at the steep uphill turn, I usually have to make two attempts to miss a tree and telephone pole.

I remember in Juárez, Mexico, I went down the wrong street and had to make 13 lock to lock turns to get around a T corner.

As I was the instructor that taught all the new (and some old) guys backing techniques at the fire department, I can understand your concern.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #86 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
BigDog,

Agree positioning at many RV Parks but in some super tight Sierra campsites, I'm lock to lock even with a spotter. We are frequently pushing branches aside even going forward. Making the turn on our driveway heading down requires full lock. I have to back up a quarter mile and at the steep uphill turn, I usually have to make two attempts to miss a tree and telephone pole.

I remember in Juárez, Mexico, I went down the wrong street and had to make 13 lock to lock turns to get around a T corner.

As I was the instructor that taught all the new (and some old) guys backing techniques at the fire department, I can understand your concern.

Pierce


Not so much concern Pierce. Just something for folks to think about. Your many multiple point turn situation is probably not common among the Foretravel crowd.

I see so many folks pull up with their wheels a foot or two from the edge of the site they want to reverse into. Then proceed to turn the wheel till I can hear their PS pump squealing. Then that is followed by the partner waving their arms wildly and much yelling ensues. All they had to do was turn slightly away from their site as they pull forward. Thus making the angle much less than 90 degrees. Or even going around to position themselves for a drivers side reverse instead of on the blind side. 

It is very entertaining. If I don't think I will get shot or punched in the nose. I will offer some guidance at some point. But with all the short tempered people out there. I mostly just watch and never make rude comments or point and laugh. That would be in very bad taste.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #87 –
Does anyone know of a 295/75R22.5 steer tire with better than 7160 lbs maximum rating when used as a single tire, as with the front axle?

If so, I would use that size for the steering axle in place of the 275/80. I just can't find a 295/75 with higher ratings than the 275/80.
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #88 –
Peter,  295 75R 22.5 does not have the carry capacity of a 295 80R 22.5.  The 80% sidewall is a tall, larger diameter, tire than the 75% sidewall.  So the clearance problems with taller tire.

Now a 305 width tire is a little smaller in diameter than than a 295 75R 22.5 but has a lot more carry capacity and cost more too.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #89 –
Quote from: Rudy –
Now a 305 width tire is a little smaller in diameter than than a 295 75R 22.5 but has a lot more carry capacity and cost more too.

I haven't heard of anyone here with a 305/70 for the steering tire in a U320. The 305/70R22.5 would be more than 1" wider than the OEM 275/80, but not as tall. I don't know if that extra width would be a problem.

So, I'm sticking with the FT recommended 275/80R22.5 and deal with the issue of airing up those tires with the onboard compressor and any perceived rougher ride of the 275/80
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #90 –
Peter,

You have a front axle with a 13,880 or 14,320 lb capacity so need a tire with more than an H rated 295/75 can give you. You have probably watched the blowout on YouTube where the left front tire blew out and the coach was off the road in about one second. Not a pretty video.

So, how about a 305/70R225 like Rudy suggests? The diameter would remain about 39.5 to 40 inches so would be the same as a 295/75. The load capacity would be 7826 to 8050 lbs. per tire. You would then have a safety margin over the capacity of your axle.

If you went to a Toyo, Firestone, Bridgestone with a better casing than the Michelin has, the price would be about the same as the 295/75. Here is an example: TOYO M144 305/70R22.5 152/148L L20 The $487.92 is just the first example I found in a couple of seconds. If you used an independent supplier like I did, the price would be less. These suppliers buy directly and fill a container so are able to offer much better out the door prices than places like Walmart, etc. So, for a reasonable price, you get a better tire.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #91 –
Tires ordered.

The Michelin 295/80R22.5 X Coach LHZ LRH tire is obsolete (Catalog # 31078). The new "equivalent" tire is the Michelin 295/80R22.5 X Coach Z LRH (Catalog # 53962). 8270 lbs @ 123 psi Single and 7390 lbs @123 psi dual. I bought 6 of those for the tag and drive axles from David Ward at NTCS for $693.23 each.

For the steering axles, I bought 2 of the 275/80R22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z LRH (Catalog # 66205). 7160 lbs single @ 120 psi and 6610 lbs dual @ 120 psi. I forget what the price was for that one.

Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #92 –
 Tires Installed.

  6 Michelin X Coach Z 295/80R22.5 for drive and tag axles.
  2 Michelin X Line Energy Z 275/80R22.5 for steering axle.

  6 Centramatics wheel balancers installed.

 1 - The coach does ride much better with the Centramatics. It is subtle but it does seem to have a "smoother" ride.
 
 2 - Pictures of new X Coach Z tire.

 3 - Picture to show difference in spacing between air bag in front axle and both 275/80 and previous 295/80.

  4 - Picture of Centramatics sitting on tag axle hub.

  For now, until I get the coach weighed, I have the steering tires set to 120 psi, the drive at 100 psi and the tag at 75 psi.
Peter and Patty
2004 4020 U320 PBBS
2017 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Montague, N.J.
 

Re: Tires - Michelin 2004 U320 - Steer vs. Drive tires - 275/80R22.5 vs. 295/80R22.5

Reply #93 –
Your fronts are already installed, but for future reference, I had Michelin 295/80, XZA2 ENERGY installed on our front last summer. No rubbing issues. I installed these so I could run lower pressure (100 psi). I still have 295/75 Toyo's in the back. Not sure if I will use the 295/80 in the front in 4 years or go back to the 275/80 Michelin. The 100 psi is much easier to attain than 117 psi. 

The 295/80 Michelin's are quieter and smoother than the Toyos they replaced. Maybe partially due to the lower pressure.
2003 U320 4010 - SOLD
2014 RAM 1500 Ecodiesel