RV Tire recommendation
 

My 2003 Winnebago Minnie 24v Class C needs some new tires. I blew a sidewall out on the way back from Charlotte. Wondering if I need all new tires and what load rating, etc. Pulling the 22' enclosed trailer makes the rear of motorhome slouch a little even with the bars on and I hope I'm not too heavy for the tires. Any good ones out there with proper load/speed rating?

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Need more info...

What size are the tires?
What are the current tires load rating?
How old are the tires?
How much weight is on each axle?
Which tire blew out on the motorhome?

Dan

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

LT225/75r16

The current tires are pretty old and this rv probably sat a lot before I bought it. The trailer probably weighs about 7,500 lbs with car and tools in it. Don't really know how much weight is on the axles.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Some things I've learned about RV's-- no matter how many miles are on the tires CONSIDER replacing them every 4 years or so--- reasons

most motor homes tires are seriously overloaded and under spec'd for the weight they are carrying

the sidewalls tend to reduce in strength because of under inflation, over loading, heat caused by the previous exposure to sunlight, and speed

tires MUST/SHOULD be covered and away from the sunlight when the vehicle is stored this helps prolong the life of the rubber from ozone depletion- you can buy covers like they use on dragsters or something as simple as a sheet of plywood up against the side of the tire will help too

Look into a load range E or G when replacing the tires-- maybe go up in tire size too from say a 225 to a 235 etc. check for tire clearance issues between the tire and body to see how much room is available



Towing anything extra with the RV puts an additional strain on the already seriously overloaded tires


Do some research and you should be able to have an good experience towing with your RV, Good luck FED 387

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

I would recommend michelin tires if you join the FMCA Family motor coach association you can get michelin tires at a discount nation wide. As someone else recommended you might go 1 load range heavier to help with the load. going a size larger might change your gear ratio and throw off your speedometer. I switched to the michelin tires and can say that I am very happy with them. you can put this in your for what it's worth category, but that's my recommendation. they are very smooth.:)
Dave Dahlem S/C & S/G

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Bobby check the Firestone TransForce Lt225-75-16 that what's on my trailor very good life.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Whatever brand you go with remember the Revolutions per mile between say a 225 and a 235 tire will only be about 15 rpm and the overall diameter difference i of the 2 tires is about 1/2 inch---plus the load bearing capacity will be greater with a 235 vs 225- not really a whole lot to goof up your speedo reading BUT IT WILL register a slower speed-FED 387

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Go with Michelin XPS Rib, They are rated as an E range tire but are equal to a G rate. They are pricey but in the long run well worth it.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Bobby, when one tire blows, it's a great idea to replace all of them. We sure don't want to lose the Guy that invented the billet shift fingers. I can't wait for your latest product. M.J.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Hahaa thanks for the advice guys. Yea I definitely want to replace them all don't worry! That sidewall blast was so loud I thought the driveshaft came up through the floor lol. Don't want to hear that again.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Hi Bobby. My take is the same as most. FMCA is a very nice plan, I got it while I was waiting for my Michelin Advantage Program to get set up directly. They also send you a nice magazine each month, so you can see what you would spend the lottery winnings on if you were so lucky. The moving city needed new skins two seasons ago, and the advantage program got me not only the best price I could on my Michelins, but also there are set labor and other addon prices that the shops use under that plan........I like it......wish the tires were cheap, but they are not...The cheap road is one best traveled by daredevils.

I also have transforce tires on the stacker, they get the job done just fine.

Go with the heaviest load rating tire you can get and you will not regret it.

Keeping the drama in the pits, and on the track is worth every cent you spend!

Still waiting on my 26 inch MT ET radials to ship from MT for the Gremlin, I think it might do a 1-2 inch wheelie.....ordered them 3/1....was thinking of a hans just in case it stood up on the rear bumper. I think you got the pro-drag radials, which I assume you are happy with.

Eric

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Switched to Michelins on the motorhome and never had another tire problem/issue afterward. Well worth the extra money. When you consider peace of mind, they actually become less expensive.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Bobby, if you are using the factory trailer hitch on your mini, check it out thoroughly.
I had an 04 and while pulling a 20' trailer with quads and motorcycles the hitch broke.
The cross bar is welded to the side plates in shear and that's just what happened.
The factory welds were junk and the cross bar came lose from the side plates.
Note that this also included the receiver section with the chains and breakaway.
I was lucky not to cause a major accident on the freeway and Winnebago and Valley Hitch wouldn't cover the defect.
My 24 came from Winnebago with Michelin tires, very good but I think the motor home is only rated to tow 5,000.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

It is relatively expensive, but most 8 lug trucks and motor homes with 16" wheels can step up to 19.5" wheels and tires. It gets you a 4500# single wheel rating, and a 4350# per wheel dual wheel rating. You can then buy good quality G rated 14 ply commercial truck tires for around $300 each, and leave the 16" tire blues behind. Doing just that to my Chevy 3500 Silverado right now. If you plan to keep your vehicle, it is worth it. The tires last much longer, and control heavy vehicles much better, for very little more than a super premium 16" tire. No matter what, you cannot make a 16" tire do what a 19.5" tire can do with ease.

Depending on the chassis/powertrain, you can get steel 19.5" x 6.75" 8 lug wheels that bolt on for less than $150 each. You can get aluminum for as little as $250 each. you don't need any adapters, they bolt right on.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

All great suggestions. Remember if you go wider with the rear tires, you need to make sure you have space between them. If not they abrade each other going down the road and damage the side wall.
Hankook makes a decent and affordable RV tire that many have had good luck with.
And X2 on reinforcing the hitch. RV's usually come with a hitch that is rated for WAY less than what we pull.
If the rear is sagging, consider add on rear air bags. They helped on my class A.

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

Hi guys. My 22ft enclosed needs new tires so I'm doing some research. It currently has 205/75/15s but I'm considering stepping up to the next taller size. Take a look at this pic (trailer loaded) and let me know what size you think I can go with.
Thanks for your help.

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3it8s5mf.jpg

Re: RV Tire recommendation
 

If it were mine, I'd change at least the hubs and go to 16" wheels, the tires are far better.