Community Forums

brocja01 · 08-20-2014, 07:35 PM

Everyone, I've seen some threads (there were kinda old) about switching tire sizes on our RV's. I'm looking to pick up a used Fleetwood Fiesta that is going to need some new tires. It is a 2008 and still has the original Michelins on it. I'm having a hard time finding 235/80 R22.5 tires and I really don't want to pay the Michelin premium. I put a set of Cooper Roadmasters on my 1997 Pace Arrow that I've really liked this summer. Can I change sizes? Are there other tires I should be looking at? I don't mind going Chinese, I've run some on my cars for years and haven't had much issues.

Thoughts?
Thanks,
brocja01

UFO Pilot · 08-20-2014, 07:48 PM

I have read of some folks using Toyo's 245/75R225 for replacement. I switched to Toyo's in a different size 2 years ago.

Hooligan · 08-20-2014, 07:52 PM

235/80R22.5 is a Michelin tire size. You will find Toyo, Goodyear, and most other manufacturers use 245/75R22.5, almost an exact match.

My Mh had the 235/80 XRV tires, which were load range "G". I now use 275/70R22.5 tires which are load range "H". Higher load capacity and above 1 inch wider tread but the same diameter and revolutions per mile so the speedometer do not need correction. Wheel clearance and dual spacing was not a problem. (May be a problem on some chassis.) Also check the rim size needed for each tire.

If you want to compare tire sizes you can use this calculator: 245/75-R22.5 vs 235/80-R22.5 Tire Comparison - Tire Size Calculator

BFlinn181 · 08-20-2014, 07:57 PM

I'd go to a good truck tire shop and see what they say. You'll need to be sure of load rating and rim width, but there are other options available.

FleetMan · 08-20-2014, 08:49 PM

Search the tire specs of the different manufacturers and look for a tire with the number of revolutions per mile as close to your original tire, the 235/80R22.5. Then get into load ratings, etc. before making your decision. I went from the Michelin 255/80R22.5 to a Bridgestone 265/75R22.5 when I replaced tires on our rig. Tire rev per mile difference was 541 vs. 537 which had negligible impact on mileage and speedometer accuracy.

gruelens · 08-21-2014, 12:25 AM

Here is what I did to replace my aged out 235 Michelins. I am pleased with the results and money saved. See post number 1 in this link.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/chang...ze-181046.html

brocja01 · 08-21-2014, 05:19 AM

Gruelens, you stool liking your choice? I just don't see the need to spend the kind of money that Michelin is asking for.

brocja01 · 08-21-2014, 10:24 AM

So, just got off the phone with my RV dealership. Looks like they could convert them over to Sumitomo tires. Did a little research and it looks like that Japanese manufacturer has ties to GoodYear and Dunlop. Should be just fine I would assume.

Thoughts?

Price Per Tire Installed: $475

Gary RVRoamer · 08-23-2014, 10:34 AM

Sumitomo is a respected international brand. I would think you could get a better deal on tires from a tire dealer rather than an RV shop, though. They are just going to buy them from a tire dealer anyway, and then charge you extra for the privilege.

gruelens · 08-24-2014, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brocja01

Gruelens, you stool liking your choice? I just don't see the need to spend the kind of money that Michelin is asking for.

Yes, I switched to Firestone 560s ten months ago. To date I have been pleased with the six tires.

Don and Barb · 08-26-2014, 04:41 PM

All I can say is I'm glad that I bought a smaller class A with 16's on it, I paid $165.00 ea installed.

1ciderdog · 08-26-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don and Barb

All I can say is I'm glad that I bought a smaller class A with 16's on it, I paid $165.00 ea installed.

Yes, but I'd presume a somewhat smaller RV, less space, less cargo capacity, lower towing ability, etc. Something about more "creature comforts" in those RV's with the larger tires. My last set of tires earlier this year was over $3K but that's the price I pay because I chose a larger RV.

Is the Michelin program still available through FMCA. That's how I bought my last set of tires.

brocja01 - you might consider buying through the FMCA as many others have - Michelin tires only.

POPPASMURF · 09-02-2014, 12:00 PM

On the Chinese tire front. My son-in-law and his Dad are into Samson brand tires. They started by installing them on the tractor drive wheels- good results, traction, and after spring and fall field work little wear. Then onto front of school bus camper (22.5 size)-did not require weights, tires weighed about 20 lbs more than Michelin. Then steer tires of Kenworth- again no weights needed and very satisfied. Prominent on side wall was inscription in 3" high letters Made In China. I blew a 5th wheel tire and replaced it with a Samson-after 2500 km this summer still good.