Tires and the ride

[lockinload]

Okay, new member and new pusher owner. A couple of questions about tires.


Is there a noticeable difference in the ride between high end (expensive) tires and budget tires?



Do you all rotate and balance tires between changes?



I ask this because I don't think my ride is perfect, kind of feels like a tire is not balanced but that is at 65 to 70 otherwise its all good.



Thanks for your input

[Bigd9]

Can't answer the first part of your question about "budget tires". To me tires are very important safety items, so I only buy nationally known brands.

No you normally don't need to rotate tires from one position to another like in a car, but tire balance is very important. There are many ways to balance a tire from the old fashion lead weights (this is what I use) to ceramic beads, powders and rings that bolt to the inside of the wheels.

Also tire pressures are extremely important for safety and ride. Start by looking at the weight certificate that should be attached probably near the driver's area for recommended tire inflation pressures. Then when you get a chance, and your coach is normally loaded, get the coach axles weighed at a commercial scales. Using this weight you can easily calculate the proper inflation pressures.

[TexasTom]

On my previous gas coach the difference between Sumitomo & Toyo tires was substantial. Toyo was much better

[MSHappyCampers]

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

I use balancing beads in all tires. I do not rotate tires.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Mr_D]

Have never rotated tires on an RV and I have my tires spin balanced, or at least I paid to have it done.

[Crasher]

As has been said. Pick a good quality tire and have them balanced and get an alignment. Keep them inflated to the recommended psi for their load and run them for 6-7 years. Then do it all over again. No need to rotate. Keep them clean and covered when not rolling down the road. I would not go with a Chinese tire.

[TonyDi]

If you're dealing with quality tires the riding comfort is nearly equal. I've had Michelin, Bridgestone and now Yokohama tires and the only difference I see is so slight.
I have never rotated tires. First off the front and rear wheels are different and in some coaches the tire size is also different. You generally rotate tire so they wear evenly. You will not wear out RV tires. Unless it's some kind of a quest.

[Bzzy]

I had a combination of OEM Goodyear 275/70R22.5's and Sumitomo.....just made the plunge and got all 6 new Michelin's and IMMEDIATELY could tell a difference in ride quality and road noise just going back home from the Tire Dealer, can't wait to try them out on the road!

[Gary RVRoamer]

I don't see any difference among the major brands. The tire tread pattern may make a noise difference, but only if you get into some of the more aggressive treads or ultra-high mileage tires. Most any tire designed for regional delivery use will perfrom well on a motorhome.


In my opinion, those who change tire brands and find a major improvement probably got some other problem corrected along with the change, e.g. inflation or balancing. But I know the Michelin fans won't agree with me...



I've never found a need to rotate tires on a motorhome unless there was some alignment problem that damaged a tire and I wanted to move it elsewhere after fixing the problem. Preventive rotation on a motorhome is a waste of money and effort, in my opinion.

[gptexas]

I've been running Michelins for years and had them balanced upon installation. I keep them covered and they still get sidewall cracks after about 5/6 years. I also had the coach weighted and run the appropriate air pressure plus 5 lbs for safety. My next set will be Hankooks which are lots less expensive. I have used Hankooks on my Jeep and usually get 60k plus miles out of them with zero problems. They might sound a little louder when they wear down but I have hard time hearing anyway according to my wife. I believe any of the regional truck tires are good and ride well. I believe most ride comfort is attributed to the shocks anyway.
Drive safe and keep it between the ditches !!

[lockinload]

Thanks for all the replies. Pretty much what I expected but ya never know.

[ThePowells]

Welcome to the forum!