Where Do I Get My Tires?

[1970s Titans]

Hi Everyone! So I'm looking to get new tires on my 1973 Dodge Titan Motorhome. The rims on this thing are 17.5s. Now, I talked to somebody at Les Schwab and he said that they could get me tires, but they would cost $450 each! If you include all six tires plus the spare and labor then that's over $3,000 for the tire change, and as it sits right now, that's A LOT more then the motorhome itself is even worth. So I'm hoping that some of you who have more experience dealing with this sort of thing might be able to tell me where I can get cheaper tires. I've thought about also going to a commercial truck tire shop and seeing what they have. I can't go to smaller rims either due to the size of the disc brake calipers on the front. I did put a 16" wheel on it to drive it up the street to where it sits now, but there was about 1/3 of a centimeter between the brake caliper and the rim, which I'm really not comfortable with. Anyways, thanks in advance for any help.

[JRS950]

You might try Tire Rack.com. They seem to be the go to place for many local dealers. Other than that I don't have any more suggestions. Good luck on your search.

[grindstone01]

Search the Web for your best deal delivered to you. Then take the tires to Walmart (or any tire shop, just shop around for the best mounting price) to get them mounted.

[crb478]

See if you can get 19.5 tires and wheels to fit your MH. If so upgrade to them. 17.5's are not common so will always be more expensive.

[Mojim]

checked e-bay for you ..$140. and up free shipping

[grindstone01]

As far as buying a new spare tire, just use the best of the old tires you have removed for a spare. Chances are you will not need it and if you do, then buy a new replacement at the next tire shop.

[Brob]

I have found good deals at simpletire.com.

That being said, the 19.5 rims may be the way to go. They're plentiful to find used and tons of options for tire purchase.

[SK1Retired]

Amazon sells tires with shipment to sears for installation at $14.50 each. Way cheaper than les Schwabs ripoff pricing on everything.

[Mojim]

Originally Posted by 1970s Titans

Hi Everyone! So I'm looking to get new tires on my 1973 Dodge Titan Motorhome. The rims on this thing are 17.5s. Now, I talked to somebody at Les Schwab and he said that they could get me tires, but they would cost $450 each! If you include all six tires plus the spare and labor then that's over $3,000 for the tire change, and as it sits right now, that's A LOT more then the motorhome itself is even worth. So I'm hoping that some of you who have more experience dealing with this sort of thing might be able to tell me where I can get cheaper tires. I've thought about also going to a commercial truck tire shop and seeing what they have. I can't go to smaller rims either due to the size of the disc brake calipers on the front. I did put a 16" wheel on it to drive it up the street to where it sits now, but there was about 1/3 of a centimeter between the brake caliper and the rim, which I'm really not comfortable with. Anyways, thanks in advance for any help.Attachment 255498Attachment 255499Attachment 255500

I wonder if we helped? will we ever know?

[Grog]

I would suggest going to an rv salvage yard and try to find a set of 16" rims .
A second choice would be to go to a local junk yard that has some box trucks. When I needed to buy a rim for my spare tire , I found one local and they wanted $50 a rim.
So changing rims now may push the price up a bit but in the long run it will be cheaper to buy the 16" tires.

[JollyCamper]

I have been using simpletire.com for my 16.5’s. Would definitely recommend them..

[1970s Titans]

Hello again everybody. Sorry for being so unresponsive but I've been pretty busy lately. I really appreciate all your ideas and suggestions though! I haven't made any decisions quite yet but I'll let you know what I end up doing. It will be about a week or two before I can even buy any tires anyways though.

[JollyCamper]

Just had a thought...do you know what bolt pattern the wheels are? If they are a standard dusky pickup pattern, you could go to something like a late model Dodge 17” wheel and tire combo. That would get you a modern and available tire, as well as possibly getting the brake clearance you need.

[tinchariot]

Originally Posted by 1970s Titans

Hi Everyone! So I'm looking to get new tires on my 1973 Dodge Titan Motorhome. The rims on this thing are 17.5s. Now, I talked to somebody at Les Schwab and he said that they could get me tires, but they would cost $450 each! If you include all six tires plus the spare and labor then that's over $3,000 for the tire change, and as it sits right now, that's A LOT more then the motorhome itself is even worth. So I'm hoping that some of you who have more experience dealing with this sort of thing might be able to tell me where I can get cheaper tires. I've thought about also going to a commercial truck tire shop and seeing what they have. I can't go to smaller rims either due to the size of the disc brake calipers on the front. I did put a 16" wheel on it to drive it up the street to where it sits now, but there was about 1/3 of a centimeter between the brake caliper and the rim, which I'm really not comfortable with. Anyways, thanks in advance for any help.Attachment 255498Attachment 255499Attachment 255500

Finding late model rims to replace the older 16.5 & 17.5 is a big plus. Rims are usually wider and tires will be cheaper and more tire size options. If you have Costco install them they will inflate the tires with nitrogen and that alone is worth it!