Community Forums

Ham_Hog · 06-26-2012, 10:24 AM

Was looking through some of the forums and even did a search a couple of times looking for misc. info but came across a discussion on front tires.
The discussion was about changing tire size from/to but darn it, I should have
written down the info or done a print screen and now I can't find it.
The discussion was about handling and how going to a different front tire size it made a world of difference.
I have a Winne Elandan '86 so any info on front tire size to help handling
would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bruce

Senior Chief · 06-26-2012, 09:51 PM

I would be extremely cautious about changing tire sizes to improve handling.

Common issues: bad bell cranks, alignment (this has to be done by a capable truck alignment shop) overloading or uneven weight issues, bad shocks, bad air bags, bad steering stabilizers.

We installed Air Tabs last year- made a big difference for our rig.

Dadzscorp · 06-27-2012, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Chief

We installed Air Tabs last year- made a big difference for our rig.

Do you have any pictures of the air tabs installed?

Senior Chief · 06-27-2012, 07:35 AM

Air tabs- its hard to see, but they extend along the edge of the roof as well.

StarfireGuy · 06-28-2012, 10:42 PM

Prior to my trip to Hot Springs, AR from Pittsburgh, PA recently, I had a pair of 245/70/19.5 installed on the front, and I purchased 225/70/19.5's (supposed to in essence change gear ratio for improved hill climbing) for the dual rears on my 85 Elandan.

Anyway, they got the front tires installed and then there tire machine broke, parts had to be ordered, so I didn't get the rears installed.

Since the rear tires were in great shape anyway, I just left them as-is, and honestly, not sure I am in any hurry to install the 225's, as hill climbing wasn't an issue at all. If I was towing my boat or car & car hauler, it might be necessary, as I HATE having to be in the right lane with the Semi's and my flashers on going 40-45 up a steep grade.

Anyway, the handling was noticeably better with the 245's. My suspension was inspected, and is in top shape, but I will keep an eye on it to see if there is any unusual or premature wear as time goes on.

Still heed the warnings of others about this of course, if your front suspension has an existing weak-link adding the extra width tires could cause you to make a repair etc.

grafxman · 06-29-2012, 09:15 AM

This morning I finished installing Steer Safe on my front wheels. The '93 22' Winnie Warrior now handles like it should. In other words the wheels stay straight and return to straight if they're not straight. I don't know how it will handle in a cross wind yet but I'm sure it will be better than it was before. Steer Safe cost me $350 plus tax at Camping World. They had to order it for me.

TombstoneJim · 06-29-2012, 09:21 AM

On units that came with 8r19.5's it did improve the handling to put 245/70 19.5's on the front. The wider tire and lower profile seemed to stop some of the wandering.

StarfireGuy · 06-29-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TombstoneJim

On units that came with 8r19.5's it did improve the handling to put 245/70 19.5's on the front. The wider tire and lower profile seemed to stop some of the wandering.

Yes, the wandering was THE issue for me, and it REALLY helped that issue.