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Topic: Tire size option...2002 U320 (Read 543 times) previous topic - next topic

Tire size option...2002 U320

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
2002 U320
3620 PBDS
Build 5985
2021 Equinox Toad
Motorcade 19006 & all those "other" clubs too!

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #1 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #2 –
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

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #3 –
I'm happy with mine.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #4 –
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
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #5 –
Mine doesn't "polish".
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #6 –
My Toyos M177s are working fine on a 98 U270. Had them on for a year.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #7 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #8 –
Sorry NuBe here and will be getting tires within a year. So why change? cost? ride? durability?
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #9 –
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

2002 U320
3620 PBDS
Build 5985
2021 Equinox Toad
Motorcade 19006 & all those "other" clubs too!

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #10 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #11 –
My coach came with 295-75 22.5 Bridgestone and lots of clearance and I'm happy with them
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #12 –
Quote from: oldguy –
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!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #13 –
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.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Tire size option...2002 U320

Reply #14 –
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.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport