tires.

[geezerb]

The other day I was talking to a friend about tires. He has a 1992 Diesel Pusher that came with 19.5 rims. He said that shortly after he bought the rig (used) he blew a front tire in a remote area. When he contacted the only tire dealer in the area he was told that 19.5's were very difficult to find but they can be replaced with 20" tires. Long story short, he bought all six 20" tires and has never had another problem. Is this possible or was he feeding me a load? I might add that he is an RV tech with nearly 40 years on the job.

geezerb:

[UFO Pilot]

Seems to be plenty of 19.5 tires available in my area.

[Alan_Hepburn]

All the 20" tires I'm familiar with are P-rated tires - hardly suitable for use on a motorhome. The 19 1'2" tire is an LT-rated tire, and should be available pretty much wherever tires are sold. And I don't see how a 20" tire will seal on a 19 1/2" wheel...

[dieselclacker]

There is no shortage of 19.5 tires of the proper load range required for motorhomes. I have never heard of using 20 inch tires on 19.5 rims.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by geezerb

Is this possible or was he feeding me a load? I might add that he is an RV tech with nearly 40 years on the job.

geezerb:

I have to vote for load....RV tech or not. 20s are passenger car tires.

Tires and wheels that have a rim diameter expressed in "half" inches (8.00R16.5LT, as well as, 14.5, 15.5, 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5) are used on some heavy-duty trailers, heavy-duty light trucks, (Class Cs) box vans, ect. The last two are are of course for heavier truck use and are the primary tires used on Class A's.

19.5's are not hard to find or get. Any tire shop can get them in a day or two. Larger shops that work on trucks will have them. They certainly aren't going extinct any time soon.

[geezerb]

Thanks all for your replies. I had a hunch that he was full of crap. He had no reason to lie to me but, he also had no reason to tell me the truth

geezerb

[RetiredFPD]

Long time tire guy here. TOTAL BS! 20" tires will not work on a 19.5 wheel. Even it you could get the bead to seal, as soon as it began to air to any substantial pressure it the bead would blow off the rim of the wheel and injure the person who was airing it up if they were standing close. I've seen this happen with my own eyes. Same with 16" and 16.5" LT tires. Also, I've not seen or heard-of any shortages of 19.5's. That's a popular size and there's plenty of hoops around. Steer clear of this knot-head because he doesn't know what he's talking about. Next he'll probably want to work on your transmission with a pipe wrench and a ballpeen hammer.