The tires on my class C are Firestone LT225/75 R16 Load Range E.
I think they are original to the unit which would make them about 6 years old. They have about 25,000 miles on them.
I am planning a 4,500 mile trip this summer out west and was seriously considering replacing all of the tires (big bucks I know).
I have searched the forums and have gotten a lot of hits but not the answers I was looking for.
Specifically:
- what would be the best load rating for a class c
- which company has the best reputation with its products for these types of tires
- do I really need to replace them with only 25,000 miles
- are there any other things that I should be concerned with
thanks
The Lynch's
2002 Shasta Cheyenne 308
TOAD: 2003 Honda Civic
Sterling Tow Bar with Brake Buddy
First thing to do is find out how much your rig weighs. Weigh front axle, rear axle and each side if you can. This will determine what load rating.
Six year old rig, but check the DOT date stamp on the tires. They may be a year or so older.
I like my Toyo tires. I have had them for many years. I get the better quality tire then most people who run down and get the "best buy".
I would suggest the rig gets loaded for the road before weighing and then get an alignment when the new tires are installed.
Don't forget to have them check the brake pads or shoes while the wheels are off.
Cooper not only the best tire price wise but they stand behind there warranty plus made in the U.S. I've been running them for years the ride is great, the side walls don't crack, and I get a few years more running time than the other brands. I replace tires at around the 7 year point running Coopers and in five sets over the years have never had a tire failure. Have ran 16 on first C, 16.5 on first MH, and 19.5 now on the present MH.
The advice to weigh you rig is excellent. My guess would be that you'll need the Load Range "E" tires, as that is what you have now, and I'm sure the manufacturer wouldn't put the more expensive tires on, if they didn't need to. You will probably find that many of the tires out there are made by the same mfgr., and re-branded. From what I understand, Michelin and Uniroyal are the same now, and I'm sure that there are lots of others that share a common factory, but people are used to "their brand", as noted by the previous posts, who like "their" tires more than others. (who knows, maybe both are made at the same plant?)
As for the question of needing to replace them before or after your trip? Give them a good inspection, check for any cracks or signs of wear that would make you think twice. You do not want to have to deal with this on the road!! Check the DOT code, to see how old they are, as mentioned above. You'll see a 4-digit number. The first two numbers are the week they were made, and the last two numbers are the year. (0407 would be the end of January 2007) You can also have them checked by a professional tire guy, but I'd think that they probably want to sell you new tires, so they might be less than honest with you. Personally, I think you're OK with 7 years, but that would be about it. But again, that will depend on how you treated the tires over the years.
Have you had this vehicle since new? Were the tires maintained at the proper pressures all the time? (Low pressures will damage the sidewalls, internally)
I also think that since you most likely won't be putting 50,000 miles on your next set of tires, you can buy the less expensive tires. The warranty won't mean a whole lot, since we usually change out tires due to age, not wear. You will probably want a tire that has a tread that will ride quietly...vs. an aggressive tread...unless you are in an area where snow or other conditions may warrant an "off-road" type tire. Talk to a tire rep about that.
Getting them balance properly is important, and money well spent. You will want the better "spin" balancing, instead of the old fashion way, where they just balance on a cone. Spend the extra money. Do you notice any "shimmy" in the front end? Have it looked at before your trip...that's a long drive, and you don't want to be battling the steering wheel the whole time.
JMHO..take it with a grain of salt...
You'll get lots of great advice here, now you've got to do something with it. Good luck, and enjoy that trip!!
Bill
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
fizikpal wrote: - what would be the best load rating for a class c
- which company has the best reputation with its products for these types of tires
- do I really need to replace them with only 25,000 miles
- are there any other things that I should be concerned with
thanks
1) Load Range E is the right rating for any standard Class C. Compare the GAWR, Gross Axle Weight Rating, to the rated capacity of the tire, stamped on the sidewall or posted in tables by the manufacturers. You'll find that LR D would be acceptable in many cases, but barely. It's much better to have some margin of capacity.
2) Dangerous question, with almost as many answers as users. More than any other group would probably say Michelin, who also make USRoyal and BF Goodrich. I'm sure you can find reports of success and failure with every label.
3) Not necessarily. However, RV tires usually die of old age (read "blow out") long before their tread wears out. Yours are at the age where they might need replacing. If you can find a tire dealer you trust to know how to inspect tires and tell the truth, he can tell you if they need to be replaced. Michelin's recommendation is to replace at 10 years age regardless of inspection results.
4) The "best" tires for RV service are commercial grade all steel construction. However, the LT, Light Truck, type you have are by far the most widely used.
5) If you don't already have them, change to solid metal bent valve stems such as these. They make pressure checking much easier and preclude the possibility of stem failure.
Our Class C currently has LT225/75R16 Load Range D tires. We're going to replace them in the next few weeks and we're going to go up to Load Range E. I think we've decided on Michelins. We've been checking around and found a pretty good deal at Discount Tire.
You would be extrmely pleased with the Michelin XPS Rib tire.
A little more money up front, but the peace of mind over the
many years you will run the tires is well worth the price.
Unlike most LT tires, the XPS is all steel...steel radial ply
as well as steel belts. Very long wearing and dependable.
Offline
Check the DOT code, to see how old they are, as mentioned above. You'll see a 4-digit number. The first two numbers are the week they were made, and the last two numbers are the year. (0407 would be the end of January 2007) You can also have them checked by a professional tire guy, but I'd think that they probably want to sell you new tires, so they might be less than honest with you. Personally, I think you're OK with 7 years, but that would be about it. But again, that will depend on how you treated the tires over the years. 
