charlesvalentine
Austin, TX
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We just got back from a two week trip from Texas to Tennessee and back in our 31ft Class C. We are just about to turn 30k miles on the coach and it has tires that are a little over a year old with less than 10k miles on them. I check my pressures every morning and fill as necessary. But unfortunately we experienced tread separation, again, in Louisiana. We were blessed that it happenned on a Saturday early and that we were able to get someone out within an hour and we were back on the road within 2. This will mark the second time this has happenned in the past two years. I went through the scales the next day and we weighed in at 1k below gvwr and was also below on each axle.
I have been convinced that class c's are at chassis limits, even when they weigh in below gvwr. My class c snacks on tires, having gone through 14 in 3 years. Okay the first 6 don't really count because I replaced them when I bought the coach, and the next 6were cheap models. But the new ones are BFG commercials, yes I can be taught 
We had been thinking about upgrading to a class a dp, but have been reluctant because I have 4 children and the sleeping space in the c is nice. Bunk models of class a's seem to be a lot more popular now and I think we could use the space. After this last experience I am starting to feel strongly that a class a might solve this tire snacking issue. I see issues here on class a's tires, but does anyone have any experience on the the reliability of the tires on class a vs class c? Is this a dumb reason to upgrade?
* This post was
edited 07/29/12 08:40pm by charlesvalentine *
2003 31' Gulfstream Independence - We love to RV with our 4 children, ages ranging from 6-15
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi,
My tires have 60,000 miles on them and are from January of 2004. I will be replacing them this fall.
Check your wheel alignment and slow down.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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Trap
Alberta
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Not sure if your tires fit into this "Recall" on BF Goodrich Commercial TA radials but you may want to check it out. The recall is due to tread seperation problems.
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mena661
Southern California
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Our main reason for upgrading was so we could tow a horse trailer on occasion. I don't think your reason is dumb at all. I'm just sorry we hadn't done this sooner. AND being a new owner, I'm partial to Newmar's  . This one has bunks.
2009 Newmar CANYON STAR 3510
2009 Canyon Star Brochure
They have a TH floorplan with two beds in the garage too.
2009 Newmar Canyon Star 3205, Ford F53 V10
Trojan L16 6V's 740 Amp-hours
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kjburns
Prescott, AZ
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There is no bad reason for upgrading to a DP 
I think the family would appreciate the extra space too.
After considering the options, I started by looking at DPs. We still upgraded twice, but I think we're done now. We really like the one we have and I haven't seen anything that would make me even think about upgrading again.
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD
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chevyman2
missouri
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Who says you need a reason to upgrade?
Tim-DW(Kathy)
12 Chevy Sonic DD, 03 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, 95 Palamino PUP
When I grow up I want to be retired.. THEN I WONT HAVE TO GROW UP AT ALL!!!!
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B's Bunch
Shelbyville, TN. USA Why live any where else?
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all you need to upgrade is money. some more some less but money seems to always be the factor. Sorry for your tire experiance. Good luck on your decision. Larry
Larry,Brenda,Travis,Jarred & MEME the Boston Terror TheBunch 2011 American Coach Revolution 42T
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Might I ask what size tires you are running and what inflations?
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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charlesvalentine
Austin, TX
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Thanks for all the feedback!
@sully2 I am running 225 75 16s at 80lbs, I checked the pressure that morning about 200miles before the issue
@mena661 we love the Newmars, they are on the short list.
@pianotuna I am a middle or right lane driver and drive 55-65mph most of the time, slower as needed for conditions, wind etc. But as a result of this slow lane driving I often end up drafting trucks or other slow moving vehicles. I wonder if the buffeting that you get while drafting might be causing this? Maybe 31ft is just too long for a class c?
I obsess over tire pressures, checking all 6 every day while travelling and filling if they are even a single pound low. I also check them at least once a month while parked. Although we use our rv a lot so it is rare that a month goes buy that I am not taking it on a weekend trip. Tire maintenance and pressures are Always the top item on my check list and are always top on my mind.
Do you folks that have class a's have to think about tire pressure as much as I do?
* This post was
edited 07/31/12 05:55am by charlesvalentine *
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