Uh oh question on tires

Topic: Uh oh question on tires (Read 2283 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #25 – January 17, 2018, 09:09:26 am

Quote from: Tim – January 17, 2018, 07:42:44 am

Don't get 295s if your coach had 275 OEM tires. Someone put 295s on mine and it caused the following issues:

- Ride height and drive line too tall in rear. May cause differential U-Joint to fail.

Tim,

The ride height is NOT an issue with the taller tire. Ride height is maintained between the chassis rail (below) and the coach rail (above), Tire height has zero affect on this and does not change the drive line angles.

And, there really is NOT much difference between a 275/80 and a 295/75. Are yours 297/75 or 295/80???

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #26 – January 17, 2018, 10:02:22 am

Have run 295 on all my coaches, [275 oem] with no problems. Earlier coaches had the ability to dump the bags so low that tire touched body. If you forgot and moved coach before bags could inflate and raise coach, it would rub the fiberglass. Newer coaches will not drop so far. .3 inches difference in size between the two tires.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #27 – January 17, 2018, 10:09:41 am

As a point of reference, I just bought six 285 75R 22.5 Toyo 137 tires here in Quartzsite for $526 per tire including balance beads, stems, installation and tax. I chose the 137's for their lower tread depth which should reduce squirm and improve tracking and cornering. I don't drive enough miles to wear out the tread over the service life of the tires.

Hope this helps.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #28 – January 17, 2018, 10:27:39 am

I would absolutely consider the FMCA program however there are many other excellent tire brands available for less money without the FMCA discount on the "premium" priced tires, when I checked last.

I would look into Toyo and Uniroyal. Both are excellent tires used by truckers and RVers that cost a lot less than Michelin or Continental. I currently have old Bridgestone tires and plan on replacing them with Toyo M154 soon. My Bridgestones are old but in good enough shape to sell to a local dump truck owner/operator who will wear them out in under a year. You may find that to be the case with your remaining non damaged rear Continentals. Your five year old steers probably do not require replacement but an expert inspection will be able to tell you more accurately. I would not hesitate to drive it a short distance to a tire shop, but I would avoid any high speeds.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #29 – January 17, 2018, 10:32:48 am

The exact number for a comparison is 0.1" inches (less than 1/8") taller for the 295/75 and it will rotate 505 times per mile vs 507 for the 275. Check the page below.

Tire Size Comparison

Pierce

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #30 – January 17, 2018, 10:33:02 am

It is paramount that, as the driver and person responsible for the coach's mechanical condition (tire condition also) we are also the person that is charged with doing everything necessary to protect the lives and health of the people riding with us. We hold their safety in our hands.

KEEP THEM SAFE ALWAYS!

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #31 – January 17, 2018, 12:54:13 pm

I agree with Brett, Jim, and Pierce, as to no problem with this size, ride height, etc., I've just finished a 2500 mile trip with the Toyo 154, H rated, tires I put on in May 2016, and I could not be more pleased. Minimal difference in circumference, my odometer is accurate as checked with GPS mph and road signs.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #32 – January 17, 2018, 01:45:01 pm

Again, big difference between 295/75R22.5 and 295/80R22.5.

PLEASE be specific when you say the 295 is a problem/not a problem!

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #33 – January 17, 2018, 03:41:26 pm

Wow...a lot of information here. I didn't even think past getting the tires changed. So I'm going to have to get it weighed and have stuff recalibrated or something after changing the tires? Brett, we did check in with FMCA on the tire discount and we will probably go with Michelin tires because they are what we have and we do a LOT of traveling and tires is not something we want to skimp on. Just seems safer to go with something that we are familiar with. I'd love some more advice on all of the weight and ride height stuff if someone wants to give us a crash course in what all that means.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #34 – January 17, 2018, 04:29:43 pm

Be sure to VERIFY that the new tires are not more than 3 months old if at all possible.

Last 4 digits of the full DOT code molded into one side wall indicate the WEEK and YEAR of production. No point in paying retail for tires that are already partly "aged out".

And, the OE Michelin size is 275/80R22.5. Others will chime in on which is the best series to get. Basically you want one with LESS deep tread (less squirm) and you will never wear out the tread-- tread good for more than 100,000 miles but, tires will again age out before the tread wears out.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #35 – January 17, 2018, 04:42:36 pm

Something to check with Michelin about: A "all purpose" tire. I know you guys drive up in snow and ice country, let them know.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #36 – January 17, 2018, 05:22:49 pm

Quote from: mike leary – January 17, 2018, 04:42:36 pm

Something to check with Michelin about: A "all purpose" tire. I know you guys drive up in snow and ice country, let them know.

LOL...we don't intentionally drive in snow and ice country. We have found ourselves in that place before and don't intend to repeat it if at all possible. Campground full of ice with really tight lanes....Big Foretravel:1 vs. Little Bush:0...I'm just thankful for the trucker that was living there and helped us maneuver out of there without sliding into another rig or car. I don't think there is any tire that will stop 30,000 lbs. on ice. We are not about to become ice road RVers...hahaha!

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #37 – January 17, 2018, 05:29:20 pm

I know the tires on our coach also had tires installed with date codes inside. ASK that new tires be mounted so the codes are easily visible...outside of rim on outside tire and inner side of inside tire (closed to center of coach). Frustrates me every time I have to check.

We run the 295/75's on ours (H rated) and like the "extra meat" on the pavement.

Since tires are big expense consider setting up a sinking fund for replacement so the "hit" isn't so big. This can be actual dollars set aside each year in a separate account or simply a calendar reminder each year of how many years are left so you're ready when they need to be replaced. As I've heard said many times here tires run out of time long before they run out of rubber. If it were me I'd start looking at them extra hard when they get to 5-7 years.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #38 – January 17, 2018, 05:51:55 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – January 17, 2018, 05:29:20 pm

I know the tires on our coach also had tires installed with date codes inside. ASK that new tires be mounted so the codes are easily visible...outside of rim on outside tire and inner side of inside tire (closed to center of coach). Frustrates me every time I have to check.

We run the 295/75's on ours (H rated) and like the "extra meat" on the pavement.

Since tires are big expense consider setting up a sinking fund for replacement so the "hit" isn't so big. This can be actual dollars set aside each year in a separate account or simply a calendar reminder each year of how many years are left so you're ready when they need to be replaced. As I've heard said many times here tires run out of time long before they run out of rubber. If it were me I'd start looking at them extra hard when they get to 5-7 years.

Good tips! I definitely will get them to mount them with the DOT out because I am not about to let them put old tires on and assume they're new. A sinking fund is also a wise idea. We are prepared to take the hit this time, but it would feel like so much less of a hit if it were coming out of a separate account that was intended for tire replacement and not our main account. Nothing like seeing 2 Gs dropping out of your bank account at once

((

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #39 – January 17, 2018, 05:55:52 pm

What exactly does the H rating mean? I am assuming that is what I am seeing listed as "load range" which lists H or G? The only Michelins I can see on their "tire selector" that are H are their new steer tire (which is unnecessary for rear tires, yes?) and one with extra deep tread, which Brett said NOT to go for...lol. How can tires be this confusing?

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #40 – January 17, 2018, 06:04:15 pm

Quote from: Walkerfam7 – January 17, 2018, 05:51:55 pm

Good tips! I definitely will get them to mount them with the DOT out because I am not about to let them put old tires on and assume they're new. A sinking fund is also a wise idea. We are prepared to take the hit this time, but it would feel like so much less of a hit if it were coming out of a separate account that was intended for tire replacement and not our main account. Nothing like seeing 2 Gs dropping out of your bank account at once ((

The rotation required on the tire (most tires have a directional arrow) will determine whether the date code is inside or outside. If they are all installed at the same time with similar date codes, some tires will have date code outside, and some inside.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #41 – January 17, 2018, 06:12:23 pm

decent primer attached.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #42 – January 17, 2018, 06:24:28 pm

G rated and H rated. Design differences, H can carry more load in the same size tire.

https://az184419.vo.msecnd.net/schneider-trucks/PDF/maintenance/TireLoadRangeGvsH.pdf

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #43 – January 17, 2018, 06:45:29 pm

And allow around ten psi tire pressure to carry the same load. Better ride

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #44 – January 18, 2018, 08:14:05 pm

Yes, I would drive it, keep speed down, but it will likely not be an issue Call Les Schwab if they have an outlet. Also ask truck dealers and RV dealers for recommendations FMCA has national account pricing on Michelin's and maybe one other brand Watch the big air wrench's they use. Often over torque and stri

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #45 – January 18, 2018, 08:14:06 pm

also price too, hankook and yokohama - all good tires and you will never wear out any of them

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #46 – January 18, 2018, 09:11:33 pm

Yokohama has a brand new $300m truck tire plant in the USA, and I see a lot of them on OTR trucks. About $400 each mounted.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #47 – January 19, 2018, 06:55:20 pm

Quote from: Old phart phred – January 18, 2018, 09:11:33 pm

Yokohama has a brand new $300m truck tire plant in the USA, and I see a lot of them on OTR trucks. About $400 each mounted.

This is what the guy was telling us at the tire shop. Unfortunately, they are so in demand that they have been backordered. He was supposed to get an order of them today, but he didn't. I think we are going to go with Continental again. I hate to admit it, but we discovered after the tire guy got underneath the RV that the Conti's that we had on the back were '08 and '09 DOTs. If I had known they were that old we never would have driven on them at all, much less went two years on them. Thankfully he did not notice any other serious cracks on the other tires. I'm very grateful we have not had any accidents. But...if they lasted that long, then Continental deserves my business again.

The guy said our Michelins on the front, even though they are five years old actually look great because we actually travel a lot and they don't sit much at all. He said we don't need to replace those yet. We will keep a careful eye on them each time we check the tire pressures before driving, as usual.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #48 – January 19, 2018, 07:09:57 pm

Quote from: Old phart phred – January 18, 2018, 09:11:33 pm

Yokohama has a brand new $300m truck tire plant in the USA, and I see a lot of them on OTR trucks. About $400 each mounted.

I remember Goodyear Blue Streaks then Firestone Indy and finally Yokohama 007s or something like that. They were super sticky for autocross, etc. Good tire manufacturer.

Re: Uh oh question on tires

Reply #49 – January 19, 2018, 07:35:56 pm

One thing worth mentioning about tires that wear for a long time - there is a reason for that. There is generally a trade-off between longevity and grip, because longevity is usually achieved by making the rubber harder. Harder rubber is less "grippy". I learned this in a big way when I replaced the long-wearing tires that came on my (used) 2-seater with tires from Michelin that came with a shorter projected tread life. What a difference - on corners, in the rain - it was like driving a different car. Now I'm thinking the previous owner may have put the harder rubber on deliberately - for "drifting". Anyhow, since none of us will ever wear out the tread on our tires before they become just too oxidized and damaged to keep, I would recommend getting something with softer rubber - i.e., nothing with tread life as its selling point. Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary!

One other thing worth mentioning - inflation pressure. The first several times I drove my coach it was so squirmy it reminded me of driving a VW bus 40 years ago - not a pleasant sensation when you're driving a 17-ton vehicle! When I finally got around to addressing tire inflation I learned that they were under-inflated, especially the steer tires. What a difference correct tire pressures made!

In case you don't already, I would recommend that you keep the inflation tables for your specific tires handy and use them. Until and unless you have accurate axle weights (ideally, corner weights), at least run your tires at the max pressures on the plate by the driver's seat. Even if they're inflated higher than they need to be, as long as they're under the manufacturer's max, it's ok. Over-inflation will give you a harder ride, but as long as the inflation doesn't exceed the max rating on the sidewalls, you're better off guessing a little high than having the tires under-inflated - because under-inflation will heat up your tires excessively and wear them out prematurely, and in the extreme it will cause serious damage and potentially an accident. (And it can make the handling squirmy.

) Keep in mind that whenever pressures are given they refer to "cold" tires - at ambient temperature, prior to heating up on the road. Lately due to the whipsaw temperatures here in Texas, I have had to adjust my tire pressures the last few times I have driven, as "cold" has ranged from downright warm to just below freezing. I have a 12 Volt high pressure pump as well as a high pressure CO2 tank for adjusting the pressures.

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