Community Forums

reosw · 02-21-2020, 10:33 AM

My 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire DP 4106 has 295/80R22.5 tires that are in great physical shape but nearing 9 years old and I want to at least replace the steers as a precaution. A local commercial tire dealer told me that tire size is atypical and not likely to be carried by most roadside assistance providers. I have shopped 295/75s, which he claimed are far more common. Only issue appears to be the load capacity. Not all "H" tires are created the same obviously, and my current G670's are 7800 single and 6800 dual. I cannot locate a 295/75 H rated tire with any greater than 6600 lbs. The coach GAWRs are 14K lbs front and 19K rear which seems odd, given the engine, transmission and massive rear differential are all in the rear making the difference in front and rear is only 5K lbs. Also, given the dually setup in the rear, there is an 8000 lb margin between GAWR and tire load rating. The front margin is less than 2K lbs. I have not had the opportunity to weigh the coach, but the placarded F/R weight distribution seems unreasonable. What am I missing, and do I have to match the tire load rating to the GAWR. I can do 295/75's in the rear and still have a comfortable safety margin, but if I install on the front, Im under the 14K GAWR. Sorry to write a novel, but this is baffling me. Ive worked on cars, planes, boat, houses, etc most of my life but have little experience in this area.

lllkrob · 02-21-2020, 11:29 AM

Yes 295/80 tires are a bit hard to find and no tire dealer will stock them but they can be special ordered without a problem.

Here's an example:
https://simpletire.com/yokohama-295-...20174736-tires

LJowdy · 02-21-2020, 11:36 AM

After 9 years no matter how good your tires "look" you should replace all of them. Many companies offer your tire size including TOYO which has had favorable reviews
https://www.toyotires.com/commercial...-position-tire

Gary RVRoamer · 02-21-2020, 12:12 PM

It's true that 295/80's are harder to find than 295/75's. And both of those are harder to find than 10R22.5 or 11R22.5. The latter two sizes are very common on semi trucks and trailers and usually available wherever truck tires are sold. An 11R22.5 compares favorably with the 295/80 for size and capacity. The 10R22.5 is a bit closer in size but lower capacity. 10R's usually do fine on the rear axle (4 tires to share the load) but 11R is a better choice up front where size is less critical and loading may exceed the 10R.

Personally, I think the failure rates on these tires on a motorhome are so low it's not worth worrying much (it might cost you an overnight delay at worst). How often have you needed an emergency replace in the last 9 years experience with the 295/80's?

Cat320 · 02-21-2020, 02:29 PM

Any big tire store can get 295/80s in a couple of days....except maybe Michelin....they told me they didn't make them any more.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-21-2020, 03:39 PM

Any big tire store can get 295/80s in a couple of days....except maybe Michelin....they told me they didn't make them any more.

That's strange, did you perhaps ask for a specific model? Cause Michelin advertises (on their Michelin RV Tire website) the XZA2 Energy and the Multiway 3D XZE in the 295/80R22.5 size.

vito.a · 02-21-2020, 06:28 PM

We've been using 295/80R-22.5 tires for over 25 years and never had an issue finding them. The old 255/70R-22.5 were a little tougher to find.

I would recommend you find a new tire dealer. I would not install 295/75R-22.5 tires, even on the rear. They are smaller, 129 vs 121.6" circumference and the weight ratings are not compatible.
Like Gary said, you can use 11R-22.5 tires.
You should check out the FMCA tire program. Many times you can save much more on tires and that easily pays for membership.
https://www.fmca.com/rv-tires-discou...saAgw8EALw_wcB

Cat320 · 02-22-2020, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Any big tire store can get 295/80s in a couple of days....except maybe Michelin....they told me they didn't make them any more.

That's strange, did you perhaps ask for a specific model? Cause Michelin advertises (on their Michelin RV Tire website) the XZA2 Energy and the Multiway 3D XZE in the 295/80R22.5 size.

Nope just asked for 295/80R22.5 and wanted to use the FMCA discount program. I wound up better off....got six Toyos for less than the Michelins on sale....from a different dealer.

TXiceman · 02-22-2020, 07:37 PM

9 years....nope. Replace them all.

Ken

NHRA225 · 02-22-2020, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

9 years....nope. Replace them all.

Ken

I'm with You ! 9 Years -- Seriously ?

RELHUB · 02-23-2020, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHRA225

I'm with You ! 9 Years -- Seriously ?

I agree and I just replaced GY tires because they are now 8 year old.
Many people don't believe older tires are dangerous. So to them I say
I have (6) GY tires for SALE CHEAP @ 25 dollars each.