F or G

[chili's trip]

I am buying tires for my 32W, 245-70-19.5. The tag specifies F rated tires but I can buy G rated for +$15/tire. Would there be any noticeable difference in ride or handling? Thanks.

[max49]

I'd go with the G if the extra $90 didn't bother you. The G will give u more carrying capacity if u go the max. PSI which will be 110 PSI versus the F's 95 PSI.
I had 2 G rated tires for awhile but I still only put 95 PSI in them.
If u put 110 in, it will give a harsher ride, undoubtedly.

[wa8yxm]

Note F or G rating the pressure should be set according to the load on the tire (Weigh the rig) for best tire life and for best ride/handling.

[TXiceman]

Also check to see if your rims are rated fro the pressure of a fully loaded G series.

Ken

[Alan_Hepburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Also check to see if your rims are rated fro the pressure of a fully loaded G series. Ken

Exactly - doesn't mean you can't run the G rating; just means you can't pump them up to their max rating - you have to keep them at the max rating for your wheels. But then the tires will be running at less than their max rating so you have an extra safety factor there...

[alvinc]

Check the ply rating.... Often the higher rated tire will have an additional belt or stiffer sidewalls. One level of load rating will not affect the ride or drivability.

One way to look at it; would you rather ride on a tire that is just good enough for your weight rating, or on a tire that is over-specified for your application.

[chili's trip]

Thanks for all your feedback! I am replacing 7 yr old 245-70-19.5 F rated Goodyear's with G rated Firestone FS560's tomorrow.

Jack
2005 Bounder 32W
2009 Honda Fit Sport

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chili's trip Thanks for all your feedback! I am replacing 7 yr old 245-70-19.5 F rated Goodyear's with G rated Firestone FS560's tomorrow.

Jack, That's great BUT please don't assume that you can carry G Loads when your axle may only be rated for F Loads.

I don't see a problem with wearing Gs.

[chili's trip]

Thanks Driver. I have had the rig 4 corner weighted and am under gvwr fully loaded. I will set the air pressure at 85 as stated on the tag inside which is higher than shown on weight tables for my actual weight. I was wondering if the G's might improve handling or stiffen the ride or if the change is worth while. The G's ended up being only $8/tire more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Jack, That's great BUT please don't assume that you can carry G Loads when your axle may only be rated for F Loads. I don't see a problem with wearing Gs.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chili's trip Thanks Driver. I have had the rig 4 corner weighted and am under GVWR fully loaded. I will set the air pressure at 85 as stated on the tag inside which is higher than shown on weight tables for my actual weight. I was wondering if the G's might improve handling or stiffen the ride or if the change is worth while. The G's ended up being only $8/tire more.

chili's trip, Go and get the weigh ticket that you have and inflate your G rated tires to the weight that is on the ticket and not on the door of the vehicle. The loading plaque on the door was written for F series tires. The rules have changed so go with the tire manufacturer recommendations for the weight that is on the axles. Inflate to meet the greater of the Left & Right weights on the same axle.

The sidewall may be more stiff on a G rated 19.5" or 22.5" tire but I don't expect that you will feel much if any difference.