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slate · 02-17-2016, 09:31 AM

I am hearing conflicting comments about ride quality to tire size. We are looking at Ford F53 chassis, some with 19.5 rubber and some with 22.5. Both spring ride. I have read that there is a huge difference in ride quality, and, that there is virtually no difference in ride quality. I'm talking same spec suspension here as well. Any thoughts? Which is true? Or somewhere in the middle?

Gordon Dewald · 02-17-2016, 09:36 AM

IMO the larger tire should give a better ride. You should be able to carry the same weight with a lower tire pressure in the larger tires.

Hikerdogs · 02-17-2016, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slate

I am hearing conflicting comments about ride quality to tire size. We are looking at Ford F53 chassis, some with 19.5 rubber and some with 22.5. Both spring ride. I have read that there is a huge difference in ride quality, and, that there is virtually no difference in ride quality. I'm talking same spec suspension here as well. Any thoughts? Which is true? Or somewhere in the middle?

We've had motorhomes with both size tires and our experience has been that the 22.5" tires give a much better ride.

To be fair both chassis were Ford F53's. However the 2001 chassis with 19.5" tires had a 20,500 lb. capacity and a 208" wheelbase. The 2013 with 22.5" tires has a 22,000 capacity and a 228" wheelbase. There may also be differences in suspension between the 2001 chassis and the 2013 chassis.

In any case the newer chassis has a much better ride than the older one.

slate · 02-17-2016, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs

We've had motorhomes with both size tires and our experience has been that the 22.5" tires give a much better ride.

To be fair both chassis were Ford F53's. However the 2001 chassis with 19.5" tires had a 20,500 lb. capacity and a 208" wheelbase. The 2013 with 22.5" tires has a 22,000 capacity and a 228" wheelbase. There may also be differences in suspension between the 2001 chassis and the 2013 chassis.

In any case the newer chassis has a much better ride than the older one.

A longer wheelbase should help too. I believe this one is a 242"wb.

Grey Ghost I · 02-17-2016, 11:47 AM

My 19.5" tires suit me fine. I am just curious as to ride quality on older rigs with 16" tires. Are they unsafe? Ride horrible? People who own them are most likely happy with them. If bigger is better, Do the multi-million dollar rigs have 30" wheels? I think not.

Mr_D · 02-17-2016, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Ghost I

If bigger is better, Do the multi-million dollar rigs have 30" wheels? I think not.

Nope, but the do get 315/80 22.5 or 365/70 22.5 tires. I was surprised to see a Prevost had the same tires as our rig. I always thought they had 24" tires.

96 Wideglide · 02-17-2016, 12:18 PM

The one I was beside last year had 365/ 22.5's on all axles.

vsheetz · 02-17-2016, 12:24 PM

Difficult to get definitive answer to this question. The larger diameter would typically be on higher capacity chassis so cannot make direct comparison.

Our PA is on 19.5" and rides/works fine.

If I were looking at used coaches whether it was on 19.5 vs 22.5 unto itself would not be a deciding factor either way.

Easyrider · 02-17-2016, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Difficult to get definitive answer to this question. The larger diameter would typically be on higher capacity chassis so cannot make direct comparison.

Our PA is on 19.5" and rides/works fine.

If I were looking at used coaches whether it was on 19.5 vs 22.5 unto itself would not be a deciding factor either way.

I agree, the floor plan or gas vs diesel would be more important to me than the wheel size. But if all else is equal, and I had to choose between 19.5 or 22.5 wheels I'd go for the 22.5 wheels. A couple advantages the 19.5s have is most RVs with that size carry a spare, though with over 10 years on our rig we've never needed the spare, most 22.5 RVs don't carry a spare. And when replacing tires the 19.5s cost less. We have 19.5s on our RV, but I'm sure the 22.5s ride better, but don't think it's a lot better. But the bigger weight capacity is nice and the rigs with 22.5s also have larger outside storage in the basement. So for me if given the choice, I'd go with 22.5s next time.

Gordon Dewald · 02-18-2016, 09:08 AM

Theoretically the larger tire should be smoother. Marginally so but the larger diameter means the tire is "flatter" on the road than a smaller diameter so will 'bridge' sharp dips slightly better.

One of the roughest deficiencies on the road is depressed transverse cracks. IMO the larger diameter tire will deal with those better than a small diameter tire.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-18-2016, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs

We've had motorhomes with both size tires and our experience has been that the 22.5" tires give a much better ride.

That is our experience as well.

slate · 02-18-2016, 10:20 AM

Well I see there is still varying opinions on this. I know that you will get a better ride with the 22.5's, especially with 365 or larger sidewalls. I was just wondering if it's a lot better. Probably has a lot to do with chassis, leaf spring capacity, weight distribution, etc. Gonna drive both across the same road and judge for myself. Thx for the input!

NC25T · 02-18-2016, 11:51 AM

Go to your local bicycle shop and take a few mountain bikes for a spin. Ride one with 26in, 27.5in and 29in wheels over trails and see what works better. Bigger wheels (to a point) will be better for cruising down a road, rolling over stuff etc.

In a RV a good chunk of the improvement with the 22.5 is the actual chassis.

Until the day comes that semi trucks use something larger then 22.5 it's unlikely that RV's will change. I would think it would also be difficult to design the chassis, storage areas and the interior around wheels if they get to much larger.