WVBOB
Parkersburg, WV
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I am considering an upgrade from TC and 5th wheel to Class A. Does tire size factor into ride quality? Also what is the differance between Ford F53 18000# & 20500# chassis? I am guessing the tire load capacity is the major difference. I am considering Newmar Bay Star and Winnebago Vista. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.
WVBOB
2013 Allegra Open Road 34TGA
2007 Ford Edge TOAD
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jolooote
Miami, FL
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I had a GeorgeTown on the 18500 F53 & now have a National on the 20500 F53.
The 20500 has a 362 HP V10 with 5 speed tranny which is a great improvement over the 305 hp, 4 speed. It also has Bilstien shocks, sway/Torsion bars front & rear. Longer 228 wheel base which helps stop side sway if trucks pass.
I like 19.5 tires better than 22s. Cheaper, more available & I can change one if 'Absolutely' needed. I can in no way change a 22.
I recently changed the original Goodyear 670 RV tires to Goodyear 647 Truck rated tires. I always had strange problems with all the 670 RVs.
The 647 were cheaper, even tho I stepped up to a Loadd range 'G' stronger tire. The 647 is far more available & the ride quality is the same except I no longer have the annoying hyway 'Whine' from the fronts, that I always had with the 670RVs.
* This post was
edited 08/06/12 11:57am by jolooote *
Joe&Charlotte, Nat'l SurfSide DE34D Ford 362HP 5speed
Rusty, Rosie, Snuffy Dogs
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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The taller tire is smoother over speed bumps, etc. They can last longer due to lower RPM and more road contact. More load rating is another plus.
The MH has 19.5 and F700 22.5. Love both equally. Not a factor in a buying decision in my book IF they well carry the load with a 20% margin of safety.
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mena661
Southern California
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The 18,500 lb should have the "newer" V10 also. There is a wheelbase difference and I would go with as long a wheelbase as you can get for a given length. Especially if you plan to tow. At least that's what people here tell me. I've never driven the 18.5k lb chassis myself. I'd go with the heavier chassis for more CCC and longer wheelbase.
2009 Newmar Canyon Star 3205, Ford F53 V10
Trojan L16 6V's 740 Amp-hours
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Dale.Traveling
Newport News, VA
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WVBOB wrote:Does tire size factor into ride quality?
WVBOB
Tire size will make some difference in ride. Larger diameter tires will absorb more road variations then a smaller diameter. Also the 22.5" tires are a bit easier to find considering that is the standard size for over the road trucks. But more rubber means high costs. Both the Ford F53 18K and 20.5K chassis have 19.5 tires. On the 22.5K chassis Ford moves up to 22.5" tires.
WVBOB wrote:Also what is the difference between Ford F53 18000# & 20500# chassis?
WVBOB
Besides the 2500 lbs loading Ford changed the rear axle to carry the extra weight. 18K chassis rear is rated at 11K while the 20.5K chassis the rear is rated at 13.5K. Also the rear end gear ratio is changed from 4.88 to 5.38. There are other differences that you can scan thru HERE.
You will lose 2500 of trailer tow capacity but it really doesn't matter. With my 18K chassis Ford states I have 8000 lbs of towing available but with frame extensions and the hitch as installed I'm still limited to 5K lbs the same as you will probably be.
Also with tires, I have a maximum loading of 4540 in a single axle and 4410 in a dual configuration with the tires I currently have installed, Kelly KSR 245/70R 19.5. As such I have 9080 tire capability on the front and 17640 on the rear for a total of 26720 lbs. Front axle is rated at 7K and the back at 12K so I have more tire then I have chassis.
2006 Hurricane 31D aka 'Moby' the Whale
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Pirate
Appalachia
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I have a 2006 22K which has 19.5 tires. I am really happy with them as I can change one myself and can also carry a mounted spare. The ride is real good. No complaints.
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Goldencrazy
madison wi
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I have never had anything larger than the 19.5 tires. I have them currently on my 2012 Winnebago Vista 30T. They seem fine. I don't worry about wear as they will be old before worn out. It is hard to put 50,000 miles on in five years and I travel quite a bunch. I think heavier motorhomes ride better and they would have larger tires but I don't think the tire size really makes that much difference in ride. Inflation certainly does make a difference.
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