Ford F53 16" Tires (Tropi-cal)

[sunnysouth]

It's time for tires on my MH and for about 3 weeks I've been going around in circles trying to figure out what tires to use.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from folks to like me have the Ford chassis with 16" wheels.

To begin with, I don't think Ford did us any favors by putting these smaller wheels on a motorhome.
Having said that, my 36' (236L) Tropical does have a tag axle so that might help somewhat with the weight limits, but it would seem to me that by putting 16" wheels on these motorhomes, the limits are being pushed (even dry).

I would like to get the best "bang for my buck", pay a reasonable price for tires and yet still go down the road safe. To me, Michelins are probably good tires, but I don't feel they're that much better than some other tire makers to jusify the excessive price tag on them.
After all, they usually have to be replaced long before the tread is worn.

I have been considering the Nitto Dura Grappler which has received great reviews when used on trucks hauling 5th wheel trailers etc. but I can't seem to find any information regarding their use on motorhomes. They do make a 235/85 R16 which is what my motorhome calls for.

I have emailed Nitto Tires twice and have not received a reply

So, if anyone has had any experience with the Dura Grappler or for that matter any other make of tires that have given them good service, I'd really like to hear from you.

Thanks all.

[Richard S.]

Whatever you do, make sure you get the correct range load tire for your coach

[Nick-B]

All pre-1999 (or so I've read) Ford F53 chassis have the 16 inch wheels.
My F53 has 16" Toyo tires that were on it when I purchased it recently. The ride is good and handling is fine. I've always heard good things about Toyo, which I believe is a Japanese brand, but I was surprised when I looked closely at the sidewalls and saw the words "Made in China".
I guess that is what "cost cutting" is all leading to as manufacturers worldwide are having a wide spectrum of goods produced in China. Some good, some not so good - I think it depends much on the name of the company behind the product.

[LVJ58]

Personally, I'm a Bridgestone or Continental fan but don't know if they still make tires in your size.

[Lt46]

I'm using 16" Hankook Tires. Have 4k on them and no complaints. Take a look at them while shopping.

[trashman1995]

I was wondering if any body has knowledge of coverting the 16 inch 8 lug to big truck size rims and tires by using an adapter. Converting 8 to 10 and then being able to use big truck tires, which have a greater load cap. as well as long wear. Many of these tires and wheel can be had cheap from truck yards. You have the option of alum. wheels for the front's and outside duals. That would look sharp.

[Nick-B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trashman1995 I was wondering if any body has knowledge of coverting the 16 inch 8 lug to big truck size rims and tires by using an adapter. Converting 8 to 10 and then being able to use big truck tires, which have a greater load cap. as well as long wear. Many of these tires and wheel can be had cheap from truck yards. You have the option of alum. wheels for the front's and outside duals. That would look sharp.

Hmmm, not sure what you are tying to say. The Ford F53 motorhome chassis already uses "big truck" 10-lug wheels.
It is the design load of the tires that is important in this application. Standard on these motorhomes is Load Range E which is just over 3000 lbs per tire.
If you are wanting to put 10-lug wheels on pickup with 8-lug hubs, wellll - you're on your own there.
You are right that aluminum wheels would be sharp!