Upgrade from 19.5 to 22.5 tires?

[KJB]

This may sound silly but it's not intended to. I have a 2011 Coachmen Mirada on a F53 22k chassis. It came with 19.5 tires and I'm wondering if there is any benefit to changing over to 22.5 tires. I have not begun to look at what this would cost or if it would be worth it. Any first hand experience out there?

[tncruiser]

im not sure if any benifits would be gained
but kind of reminds me of when i was a kid
buy a new car that has 100s of 1000s of dollar invested in engeneering
turn the air filter upside down raise the springs and expect better preformance
our chassis are designed for max results and any changes could affect their
characteristics
brianj

[Wizard]

The first big problem would be, will they fit inside the wheel well on the MH without rubbing. What would you do about the speedometer and engine computer as this would throw them out of whack.

Even if they fit while parked, what about when the chassis flexes.

What would be any advantage to changing?

[Topflite51]

Were they an option on your rig? With some manufacturers they are.

[tpm64]

I have looked into this for our 07 20,500 lb. chassis for a smoother ride and more rear clearance entering our driveway.

The rear clearance is fine, the front is iffy and will take some more measuring.

The big issue is that I have not found 22.5 wheels with the correct lug size/pattern. Adapters are available (and will actually help the front clearance issue) that are rated for the load, but I am not sure I want to use adapters. Wheels can be custom drilled, but then I would never be able to find a replacement if needed.

[loulong]

The difference in cost of tires alone, would discourage me from making the change.

[Chuck 1935]

The main problem will be the rear end gear ratio. You may not have enough torque to pull the taller gear. There are many ways to fix ground clearance, load capacity etc. without making such a drastic change in tire size.

[tderonne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935 The main problem will be the rear end gear ratio. You may not have enough torque to pull the taller gear. There are many ways to fix ground clearance, load capacity etc. without making such a drastic change in tire size.

Actually, Ford used the same axle ratio, 5.38, for both tires where 22.5" wheels were optional and 19.5" were standard.

[AZgl1500]

different vehicle, but I want to get larger tires on my 1 ton dually so that when I turn off the OD, that my straight through gear in the auto tranny will give me close to 62 mph.

Right now, turn off OD and my speed drops down to less than 48 mph for the same engine rpm.

I've got a diesel, so the torque is not an issue, I need to keep the rpms in the best torque range anyway. just would like to have a more agreeable road speed at max torque.

right now, I have 16 inch tires, changing to 19.5" would give me an almost dead on 62 mph at max torque.

But, buying 6 new wheels plus 6 new bigger tires is a very expensive proposition. I can buy an awful lot of fuel for a lot of years, for what that will cost just to increase the engine rpm for a short while....

Here is the costs for that little brain twister: 19.5X7.50 ALCOA = $2754.95 and that is just the wheels, not the tires.

Throw in $300/tire for another $2,000 w/tax included..... scares me.

[cj5 jeeper]

You can put airbags on the rear axle, which come with tubing and fill valves, or they sell a small compresser with a gauge and valve so you can change air pressure from the drivers seat. My Rexhall came with rear airbags, and I went on line and ordered a kit for the front axle, a small compresser, double gage and valve. If you were able to go to larger tires and wheels the cost would be WOW!
Have you looked at doing something to your driveway, or a set of blocks you could have your wife jump out and put in the low spot.

[loulong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZgl1500 different vehicle, but I want to get larger tires on my 1 ton dually so that when I turn off the OD, that my straight through gear in the auto tranny will give me close to 62 mph. Right now, turn off OD and my speed drops down to less than 48 mph for the same engine rpm.

Any chance that "Gear Vendor" makes a unit that would work for you?

[AZgl1500]

Quote:

Originally Posted by loulong Any chance that "Gear Vendor" makes a unit that would work for you?

yes they do, My son has one. It won't fit my truck. darn it

Even that though, is the cost of wheels. I'm resigned to just being an old codger white hair and poking along at safe speeds

IF a line piles up behind me, I pull over at the nearest place and let the traffic go on. Get a lot of "thank you" waves that way. I'm retired, today, or tomorrow, it is all the same to me.