Newbie - Motorhome Questions

[tsolo]

Well, we just purchased a 2006 Fleetwood Provience 39L. It has 4 slides. Couldn't be more excited! However we've got a couple of questions.... Our last RV was a 40 ft 5th wheel with no slides, so this is a new experience for us.

1. What brand tires do you recommend?

2. Is it better to level the coach before slide outs are extended or before?

Thank you!

[Charlie and Martha]

I'll attempt to answer but you are going to get a lot of opinions other than mine.

Originally Posted by tsolo

Well, we just purchased a 2006 Fleetwood Provience 39L. It has 4 slides. Couldn't be more excited! However we've got a couple of questions.... Our last RV was a 40 ft 5th wheel with no slides, so this is a new experience for us.

1. What brand tires do you recommend? Not being a wise guy but that question will get you about 30 answers and none will match. I run Chinese (Compasal) tires on my rig and they are wearing very well. Before anyone beats me up for running them, they came that way from the dealer and they were put on new the day before I picked it up

2. Is it better to level the coach before slide outs are extended or before?Another one that will get you all kinds of opinions but,
I level side to side and then front to back before the slides move. When packing up the slides come in then the jacks go up.

Hope that helps a little bit.

Thank you!

[FIRE UP]

No comment on the tire part but, pertaining to leveling. All you have to do is think about it. Not only what most of the manufacturers recommend but, common sense is applied here. Think about it. If you're un level, and put a slide out, ANY SLIDE, gravity will cause the slide to bind on the low side. So, it just makes perfect sense to level the coach, make sure all wheels are TOUCHING THE GROUND and, the coach is stable, then extend your slides. Good luck on your new toy.
Scott

[Crasher]

Do a search on tires. There are dozens of them here and other forums. Most repeat themselves. Check the owner's manual on leveling. Different methods on different coaches. I level then extend. My sons Mountain Aire said to extend, then level.

[DWRichard]

Check the dates on your tires. You'll find the code on the inside after the letters D.O.T. If they're at, or near 6 years old you should replace them.

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

As stated you'll get 30 recommendations on tires. I don't feel that spending a lot of money on tires makes them that much better. I also don't believe in buying cheap tires. There are a lot of good tires in the middle area, Bridgestone, Toyos, Yokohamas, Continentals. There are a lot of threads in here concerning tires. Do a search and you'll have enough reading material for a month.
As far as leveling and deploying your slides. I level first then extend the slides. When leaving I bring the slide in first then the levelers. That said there are many MHs where the manufacturer says to extend the slide first the level. Contact Fleetwood and see what they want you t do.


Happy Trails!!!

[TonyDi]

This is from the Michelin site regarding tire replacement. 6 yrs is not a hard number.

Do I need new tires? | When to change tires | Michelin US

[jawgaboy]

Congratulations on your recent upgrade and I'm happy for your excitement. As far as the tires I think it comes down to personal choice how much you want to spend. If you don't have a Owners Manual's, you can download one off the internet for free and that should give you instructions on leveling your coach. I had to get my Owners Manual via internet, but darn if I can remember what site I got it from!

Happy Trails!

[Mudfrog]

Found the manual here.

http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/resources...PROVIDENCE.pdf

It states on page 06-4:

For operation of the slide-out room the following is required:
o Park the RV and level it for stationary use.
o Ignition on (engine running)
o Transmission in park
o Parking brake engaged
o Slide-out key or switch activated

As far as tires, there are quite a few choices. Most of them do fine. But if you do some research, you'll find many opinions on which do better than others. Myself, we had great service from the Michelins that came with our 03. Ran them too long, over 12 years, never had any problems. Went to replace and found that the same tires were too expensive for my wallet. Went with Bridgestones and after 1½ years, have had no issues.

[Mr_D]

Slides: follow the manufacturers written instructions.

Tires: I've had great service from Michelin, but my rigs have always taken tire sizes that only Michelin makes.

[vsheetz]

Many many many threads here in tires and tire brands. Especially note how to determine age from the DOT info on each tire. Suggest to use the search feature here, then post any remaining questions. Enjoy!

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by tsolo

Well, we just purchased a 2006 Fleetwood Provience 39L. It has 4 slides. Couldn't be more excited! However we've got a couple of questions.... Our last RV was a 40 ft 5th wheel with no slides, so this is a new experience for us.

1. What brand tires do you recommend?

2. Is it better to level the coach before slide outs are extended or before?

Thank you!

Better to be level and engine running or on shore power converter for max battery power.
Tire opinions have no end and for me, it's the best bang for the buck, since no one has been able to provide me with real engineering data, that makes one better than another. This has so far translated to HERCULES in my last two sizes and a long standing manufacturer, owned by Cooper Tire Co.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by tsolo

Well, we just purchased a 2006 Fleetwood Provience 39L. It has 4 slides. Couldn't be more excited! However we've got a couple of questions.... Our last RV was a 40 ft 5th wheel with no slides, so this is a new experience for us.

1. What brand tires do you recommend?

2. Is it better to level the coach before slide outs are extended or before?

Thank you!

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

As others have said, tire selection is kinda like beauty, it's in the eyes of the beholder! I like Michelin, but others have had good luck with less expensive tires.

As to the leveling there is only one good answer. Go by what the manufacturer recommends! Some advise one way, some another!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[tsolo]

Wow...everyone has been so helpful! Thank you for all the info and opinions and links! Much appreciated. Hope someday I can be of as much assurance to someone!