@ pnichols (and anyone else): I was wondering about the size, too. Obviously, the OEM tires are Load Range D. Just from reading on here, I assumed it would be beneficial to move up to E. But, again, I'm no tire expert. Is that a good idea?
I don't know about all the other measurements, so I really hadn't though of doing anything besides that. And I don't recall seeing discussion of moving to the 215/80/16R size... Interesting idea...do a lot of people do that?
alliemac9 wrote: ...we plan to move four of the tires to the pickup and retire () its bald tires. Since the pickup just gets used for running around town, we're not that concerned about older tires on it.
Well...that changes everything. If you can utilize the RV tires on your old pickup truck, I am right there with you. It is much wiser to put 6 new tires on your motor home than 4 new tires on your rough-n-dumpy pickup truck. And don't forget the space tire too. Just make sure the RV tires will safely fit the pickup without concern of rubbing a fender or worse, especially noted when turning sharp.
Regarding new tires for your motor home, as everyone is suggesting, I too recommend buying the same size, but get load range "E" as you are considering. That will provide you with extra margin regarding your load. They will likely yield a little rougher ride, but the peace of mind should over-rule that significantly. M&S rated (Mud & Snow) is a good idea considering where you live. When traveling on muddy unpaved roads, those tires will help avoid getting stuck. Then there is winter snow if you decide to "brave" that.
I had to learn it the hard way when to change the tires.I blow a rear tire.It took the black water tank and the plumbing with it.I replaced
all 6 tires with Good Year G647 RSS LT225/75 R16.They ware no bargains,
but safety first.
alliemac9 wrote: @ pnichols (and anyone else): I was wondering about the size, too. Obviously, the OEM tires are Load Range D. Just from reading on here, I assumed it would be beneficial to move up to E. But, again, I'm no tire expert. Is that a good idea?
I don't know about all the other measurements, so I really hadn't though of doing anything besides that. And I don't recall seeing discussion of moving to the 215/80/16R size... Interesting idea...do a lot of people do that?
Load range E for the MH. Good luck with your tires.
I just went through the same decision. Our tires(Michelin LT225/75R16 M/S load range E) were 6.5 years old. Cool climate, outdoors all the time, no wheel covers. I found out that Michelin says sidewall cracks 1/16 inch deep means you change them immediately so I did. I replaced the worst tire with the spare to drive the 100 km to the nearest Costco and learned that I was not equipped to change a wheel on the road - my jack did not fit securely under the round lifting areas on the MH. I welded a proper concave top on it and somehow refrained from giving hell to the dealer I bought it from - that jack was dangerous!
Costco certainly had the best price in our area and perhaps surprisingly the best service. I have bought quite a few tires there and have come to trust the tire sales guy who seems very professional and willing to give advice in my interest. But perhaps no tire guy would be willing to say your 6 year old tires are sure to go another year.
They said to please bring the MH in on a nice day because they would have to work outside. I parked in front of the tire shop bays and their crew did the job in an hour. I didn't bring DW - killing an hour at Costco usually costs $500. I got the same Michelin LTX M/S tires again - they served perfectly well and showed very little wear other than the age cracks.
I would not want old deep cracked tires on my other vehicle, either.
Edited to give tire type correctly
* This post was
edited 05/01/12 09:42am by Harvey51 *
I find it hard to believe that Load Range D tires were OEM on your rig.
You say the rig was "new old stock"? Are you sure the dealer did not replace OEM Load Range E tires with Load Range D. I have never heard of Coachmen using Uniroyal Laredo tires as original equipment on their Class-Cs.
As for me, I am the biggest Goodyear G947 RSS Armor MAX tire advocate around here. Of course, I have a larger 31' Class-C but I'd never use anything else.
The benefits are multi-fold in that I am able to run lower air pressure in the RideRite air bags, thus getting a smoother ride, while also feeling more stable due to the characteristics of the all-steel tire. There's no accounting for peace of mind either.
2005 31' Coachmen Freelander 3150SS, Stargazer II - Mobile Astronomy Unit Do you remember when the sky was dark, and the stars were bright? The International Dark-Sky Association American by birth...Scottish by the Grace Of God.
Quote: The benefits are multi-fold in that I am able to run lower air pressure in the RideRite air bags,
I'm curious, would you explain how this is made possible?
i.e. Shouldn't the high pressure in your air bags have been necessary in order to keep your rig's rear height correct and/or your rear springs from occasionally bottoming out?
Probably steel belts in the sidewalls make tires ride stiffer, which to me seems not related to what air bags do.
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) its bald tires. Since the pickup just gets used for running around town, we're not that concerned about older tires on it.
