Community Forums

Gary RVRoamer · 05-15-2016, 08:00 AM

I think this soft vs hard sidewall thing is largely an RV myth. While there are indeed some very hard & stiff sidewall tires manufacturer for specific road (or off-road) conditions, the actual differences among the general run of highway tires is going to be small, and I'll venture to say is indistinguishable from the driver seat.

But Michelin, and to some extent Goodyear, spend a lot of money convincing the RV public that they have special tires designed for RVs and that we all need them. Apparently that advertising money is well spent, cause it seems to have convinced a lot of people.

wb7auk · 05-15-2016, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I think this soft vs hard sidewall thing is largely an RV myth. While there are indeed some very hard & stiff sidewall tires manufacturer for specific road (or off-road) conditions, the actual differences among the general run of highway tires is going to be small, and I'll venture to say is indistinguishable from the driver seat.

But Michelin, and to some extent Goodyear, spend a lot of money convincing the RV public that they have special tires designed for RVs and that we all need them. Apparently that advertising money is well spent, cause it seems to have convinced a lot of people.

I totally agree Gary, the weight is supported by air pressure the tire just keeps the air confined.
A friend of mine with 30 years in the tire business said the biggest problem with complains of harsh ride is improper inflation.

Chinewalker · 05-15-2016, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb7auk

I totally agree Gary, the weight is supported by air pressure the tire just keeps the air confined.
A friend of mine with 30 years in the tire business said the biggest problem with complains of harsh ride is improper inflation.

A harsh ride is mainly due to the suspension, torsion bars, springs and or airbags and shocks.

Seems to me trying to under-inflate tires to get a softer ride is tackling the problem in the wrong way.

I have Toyo 154's at 100 psi which is right for my weight, and my only complaint with them is that the thread is too smooth. For driving in the snow. Trying to get out of Alberta late in the season. Like November. I would like some drive tires with a bit more profile/traction.

wb7auk · 05-15-2016, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinewalker

A harsh ride is mainly due to the suspension, torsion bars, springs and or airbags and shocks.

Seems to me trying to under-inflate tires to get a softer ride is tackling the problem in the wrong way.

I have Toyo 154's at 100 psi which is right for my weight, and my only complaint with them is that the thread is too smooth. For driving in the snow. Trying to get out of Alberta late in the season. Like November. I would like some drive tires with a bit more profile/traction.

No one is suggesting to under-inflate your tires, but proper inflation
with the knowledge of the actual weight the tire is carrying and the
temperature of the tire when it is stable with the ambient temperature
and a accurate gauge is used to measure the pressure.