Buying new tires

[Hobart Guy]

Hi all!

Ok, just got my new used 1991 31 ft. Dolphin National and want to replace the back tires first. They are 235 85 16. My question is do need to have the LT 10 ply rating. I was just wondering if some good 235 85 16 radial tires without the LT 10 ply will maybe give a better ride? Also can I go step down to 225 75 16? Thinking it maybe might help with gas mileage.

[Medico]

Welcome and glad to meet you!

[George Schweikle]

First, welcome Then, in response to your question, Ummm.... basically, no - at least not yet. It is unlikely the manufacturer of your coach installed tires with much more load capacity then needed.

You should really do some homework like weighing each corner of your motorhome to determine the load rating needed for the tires. Without this knowledge, you are just whistling in the dark.

Originally Posted by Hobart Guy

Hi all!

Ok, just got my new used 1991 31 ft. Dolphin National and want to replace the back tires first. They are 235 85 16. My question is do need to have the LT 10 ply rating. I was just wondering if some good 235 85 16 radial tires without the LT 10 ply will maybe give a better ride? Also can I go step down to 225 75 16? Thinking it maybe might help with gas mileage.

[RVNeophytes2]

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

First, welcome You should really do some homework like weighing each corner of your motorhome to determine the load rating needed for the tires.

The FMCA Michelin Advantage program is an awesome resource for tire buyers.

After you hit the scales and determine your load range*, follow their instructions to register your credit card, then make an appointment with the nearest dealer.

No money changes hands the day you have your tires replaced: you simply sign for them. Then, the next morning, FMCA sends you the invoice to indicate the amount charged your card.

*The Load Range E of the OEM probably doesn't come with much margin for extra weighting, if National is like other manufacturers. I'd say that moving down in load range is not an option; if anything, you'd want to move up.

(I assume you checked the sidewall dates on all tires, that the front ones are five years old or less. There are a bazillion articles on the topic of tires here at iRV2, and we have some real experts willing to help!)

[MSHappyCampers]

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

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Happy New Year!

[Grey Ghost I]

Hobartguy, please read a LOT of information on these forums to make a good decision on buying tires. I for one am convinced there are a lot of tires that give good service, are a lot cheaper moneywise than Michelin and do not have the sidewall cracking Michelin has. I would also suggest you go a step up in size for safety.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Hobart Guy

Hi all!

Ok, just got my new used 1991 31 ft. Dolphin National and want to replace the back tires first.

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

First, welcome Then, in response to your question, Ummm.... basically, no - at least not yet. It is unlikely the manufacturer of your coach installed tires with much more load capacity then needed.

You should really do some homework like weighing each corner of your motorhome to determine the load rating needed for the tires. Without this knowledge, you are just whistling in the dark.

George
I doubt that the tires on a 1991 Dolphin National are the tires that the manufacturer of the coach installed.
However I agree with you about the "homework", and about "whistling in the dark".
Mel
'96 Safari

[mel s]

Originally Posted by RVNeophytes2

The FMCA Michelin Advantage program is an awesome resource for tire buyers.

After you hit the scales and determine your load range*, follow their instructions to register your credit card, then make an appointment with the nearest dealer.

No money changes hands the day you have your tires replaced: you simply sign for them. Then, the next morning, FMCA sends you the invoice to indicate the amount charged your card.

*The Load Range E of the OEM probably doesn't come with much margin for extra weighting, if National is like other manufacturers. I'd say that moving down in load range is not an option; if anything, you'd want to move up.

(I assume you checked the sidewall dates on all tires, that the front ones are five years old or less. There are a bazillion articles on the topic of tires here at iRV2, and we have some real experts willing to help!)

RVNeophytes2
If you bought tires through that FMCA program you probably paid to much!
In 2011 I bought a set of 6 Michelin tires for $150 less than the FMCA "so called" Michelin Advantage price.

Tire Buyers Beware BE AWARE.. you can get better less expensive tires, (that won't crack in 3 1/2 years like my Michelins did)... from most any tire dealer.
Even "authorized Michelin dealers" sell other better tires than Michelins, (for less $$).
The original set of Goodyears on my coach lasted 7 years, (without one sidewall crack), the 2nd set 8.

Mel
'96 Safari

[Hobart Guy]

Thanks guys, I will stick w/ mfg recommended size.

[Ramets]

If I could jump in here. If front and rear tires are the same age, and I couldn't afford to replace all 6. I would definately change out the steer tires first. A lot of bad things can happen in a blow out front or rear, but front has the potential to be catastrophic.

[R1Kirby]

With the 235 85 16 load range E you can not move up to a tire with a higher load range. However I have been running the Firestone Trans Force with no problems. They ride nice and handle great.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by R1Kirby

With the 235 85 16 load range E you can not move up to a tire with a higher load range. However I have been running the Firestone Trans Force with no problems. They ride nice and handle great.

Yes he can. Sailun 235/85R16 load range G.

[R1Kirby]

I don't know how you found it I've been looking for a long time. Thanks for the information. I've been wanting to upgrade for a long time. Again thanks....

[hardball28]

I moved to a larger 16" tire on the front and picked up a few additional pounds of carrying capacity for safety. Read the sidewall of different sized 'C' or 'D' rated 16" tires and you will be surprised at the different capacities. The distance from the rim to the tread is where you pick up the improvement. Picture a super low profile tire as compared to a regular tire. The low profile carries much less weight. You do not want a wider tire, just a taller tire.
I have a larger (somebody please help me here with what that distance from rim to tread is called) 16" on the front and carry max allowed psi, and feel much safer with that additional capacity. If I'm going to have a tire failure I do not want it on the front...
Pity those having to pay for those big 22" tires http://www.irv2.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif