2004 DS Tires and Shocks Upgrade

[84 911 Carrera]

Looking at replacement of Tires and shocks on our 2004 DS model 4011 40'. Thanks to this Forum have been reviewing previous Post try to get info on what other members have done.

Presently the fronts are XZA2 Energy 275/70R 22.5 Michelin's. The rears duals are 275/70 R 22.5 Load Range H Goodyear's G169 RSA. We just purchase the MH in December 08. The other day was at the Storage building just tinkering and had a light shining on the right front tire and saw cracks in the side wall. The front tires were Mfg. in 05, Rears in 08.

Have seen previous post were Forum members have upgraded to a larger Michelin tire in a larger size (275/80) on 04 DS's for a better ride and handling. When I discussed with the local Michelin Dealer he was concerned with the tire rubbing. Is there anything that has to be done to the MH to allow using the larger tire or is there enough clearance in the wheel wells to handle the 2" larger diameter tire.

In reviewing the Michelin current models there are several different models, (XZA1, XZA3 Ect.). Which Michelin is the best for the DS? Also is there a ply rating that works best (higher ply rating/less air pressure Ect.)

With regard to shocks the MH currently has Bilsteins with 28K miles, from my reading of previous post the Konis are the way to go now. Have one shock on the drivers side that has some minor damage to the upper sleeve on the shock, so replacement is needed.

Thanks to all the Forum members that contributes (Post) to the Forum and makes it the Greatest.

84 911 Carrera
2004 Newmar Dutch Star Model 4011
2009 Honda Fit Toad

["007"]

Jim, in the Quick Tips link there is both Goodyear & Michelin links to their web sites on my coach's when tire replacement was needed I always change to what they came with, if tire dealer said there was a improved tire would compare price and what I would be satisfied with for ride. The rear tires need to conform with what they are mounted on or you may be spending more to gain very little.
As for shocks alot of RVers a happy with the Konis for improved ride I would change to them myself when needed.

[tmitchell]

I answered your PM.
The tires I went with were the Michelin, 275/80R22.5 , XZA3, LRH (if you get this tire make sure they are LRH, load range H.
Do you know how much weight you carry on each of your front tires? My 2004 DSDP is a 3807 and I carry less then 6,000 lbs on each front tire, with a total fully loaded weight, on the front axle,of less then 12,000 bs.
My front axle is tagged for 13,700 lbs. Newmar rates it at 13,200 lbs. The 2 shocks, when combined, that come with this front axle are rated for at least 13,700lbs. Spartan told me that some of my problem for a harsh ride on bad road surfaces was that I don't have enough weight on the front axle, for the shocks. They gave me a number for a lower weight rated Bilstein shock. I was going to switch the front shocks to them, but the taller tires gave such a better ride that I put off doing it.
Your MH may carry a lot more weight on the front axle, so you wont be underloaded like mine.
The reason I bring this up is, if I had to change one or both front shocks, I would make sure they closer matched the weight I have on them.
Tom