Community Forums

nodine · 01-11-2014, 07:03 AM

I read the thread started by Rambling Man on up sizing 295's to 315's on the steering only with interest. I have considered gong to 295's on the steer allowing lower air pressure and a little better ride. I know the 315's are out of the question on our Diplomat but was wondering if anyone has experience going to the 295's on the front of a Diplomat 40PDQ. Of course my concern is clearance in the wheel well when making sharp turns. Any comments pro or con are welcome.

Bob

danes-on-tour · 01-11-2014, 07:59 AM

Bob - we had the original 275 Goodyears on as steer tires, and we changed them to 295 Bridgestones (model R280).

Very nice replacement in my view, but anything was better than the Goodyears with extended rivering.

We have now done 11,500 miles on the Bridgestones and the ride is still as smooth as can be. Also - there are absolutely no sign of uneven ware.

I will have no hesitation getting Bridgestones for the rear, but 295 tires may be to big here? I haven't checked this.

Steve Ownby · 01-11-2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

Bob - we had the original 275 Goodyears on as steer tires, and we changed them to 295 Bridgestones (model R280). Very nice replacement in my view, but anything was better than the Goodyears with extended rivering. We have now done 11,500 miles on the Bridgestones and the ride is still as smooth as can be. Also - there are absolutely no sign of uneven ware. I will have no hesitation getting Bridgestones for the rear, but 295 tires may be to big here? I haven't checked this.

I agree 100% on the Bridgestones but in 295 size I believe the Bridgestone model # is R250.

danes-on-tour · 01-11-2014, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

I agree 100% on the Bridgestones but in 295 size I believe the Bridgestone model # is R250.

My 295's definitely reads R280. I have just been outside to check this.

Old Scout · 01-11-2014, 10:20 AM

Think the tire spec charts will show this but IIRC, the 295 80R is a bit larger diameter than the 275 80r so you will have a light uphill stance. Agree that 295s are over kill for the duals on a 40ft coach. Right now I am in a "mixed tire" situation due to premature tire wear from form GY G670s [dont ask]. Anyway, I have new Michelin 11rs on the rear and slightly older Bridgestone 11rs on the front. I am considering changing out the 11rs on the front for 295 80Rs, in the near term. Reading this forum, you routinely hear of 45' owners going with 295 on the rear and tag axles an upgrading to 315s on the front.
PS-- I am sure it is "perfectly" ok and perhap even recommended but I am not a fan of increasing tire size so you can run lower air pressures. I perfer to keep the pressures near the top of the tire spec charts to cover variations in ambient temps, weight and wind load and road crown.

Steve Ownby · 01-11-2014, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

My 295's definitely reads R280. I have just been outside to check this.

We may be talking about 2 different sizes. I just checked the Bridgestone web site. The R280 is built in 295/75R22.5. The R250 is built in 295/80R22.5 and that is the size I was referring to. Sorry if this created any confusion.

CJScepter · 01-11-2014, 01:42 PM

I bought my coach used and it had 295/75's Toyo"s on the front and 275/75's Michelin's on the rear. I have 2003 HR 40 ft. DST. There has been no turning/rubbing problem. I did see in original owners maintainance records that the right front lower shock mount was moved because it was wearing the outside of the tire, (right at the shoulder/tread area there is a small cut,not deep but can see it. I would say it would have been when cranked steering to right as far as you could) I know when I dump air, wheels need to be straight and tire covers are much easier to put before dumping air. Can't speak to ride and handling difference before/after but front does ride alittle higher than rear with larger tires on the front. (air bag ride height is correct)
John G.

Old Scout · 01-11-2014, 03:06 PM

Keep hearing that 275 80R and 295 75R have approx the same diameter--so if you go with this match, you would have similar size tires front and back, diameter-wise....

nodine · 01-12-2014, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

Bob - we had the original 275 Goodyears on as steer tires, and we changed them to 295 Bridgestones (model R280).

Very nice replacement in my view, but anything was better than the Goodyears with extended rivering.

We have now done 11,500 miles on the Bridgestones and the ride is still as smooth as can be. Also - there are absolutely no sign of uneven ware.

I will have no hesitation getting Bridgestones for the rear, but 295 tires may be to big here? I haven't checked this.

Thanks Henrik. Since we have similar coaches it sounds like there is not a clearance problem with the 295's on the front.

Bob

danes-on-tour · 01-12-2014, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

Thanks Henrik. Since we have similar coaches it sounds like there is not a clearance problem with the 295's on the front.

Bob

Only thing I would say is that you probably couldn't leave the tires in a position where they pertrude from the wheel well and then take the air out of the airbag suspension. I think this would crush the bodywork surrounding the wheel as far as I can see. Not that I ever leave the wheels out of parallel with the driving direction when parked, but nevertheless.

nodine · 01-13-2014, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

Only thing I would say is that you probably couldn't leave the tires in a position where they pertrude from the wheel well and then take the air out of the airbag suspension. I think this would crush the bodywork surrounding the wheel as far as I can see. Not that I ever leave the wheels out of parallel with the driving direction when parked, but nevertheless.

I don't think I could do that on ours now even with the stock 275's.

Bob

Tomjhall · 01-13-2014, 03:00 PM

I don't mean to muddy the water but i upgraded from 275's to Bridgestone R280 295/75 Load Range H. If you are considering this be sure to get the H if you need the additional weight capacity. The same size is also available in a load range G. I needed the narrower tire on the rear to clear a bolt on the frame rail. I have over 5k on them and they are perfect and i can run 95 psi in the front, actually I run 95 all around on all 6...........

Papa_Jim · 01-13-2014, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Keep hearing that 275 80R and 295 75R have approx the same diameter--so if you go with this match, you would have similar size tires front and back, diameter-wise....

Yes, they are practically the same size tire.

Jim

Mr_D · 01-13-2014, 06:13 PM

Our Dutch Star came with 275/70's all the way around. With it being so heavy I went to 305/70's on the front. Didn't have room for the 295/80's but needed the capacity the 305's had over the 275's. I also went to wider Alcoa rims at the same time.
Seemed to lose a little steering accuracy but, with the DW being so sick I really haven't driven it much.