Front steer tire replacement

[Jennifer Turner]

We have a 2002 Beaver Patriot Ticonderoga 37' and are in need of front steer replacement tires. We purchased it 3 years ago and have been slowly going through all the gremlins. What are the reccomendations from others that have done a tire replacement with history of success.After researching it has become a jumble of older posts. Our tire size right now is 275 70 r22.5
Any help would be much appreciated. Owners excited to make some much needed changes

[Steve Huber]

Hi Jennifer,
Following is based on my experience over 19 years of Beaver (3 coaches) experience. All were kept garaged when not in use. First avoid Goodyear tires. I had heard about sidewall failures with Goodyear truck tires but had no issues with the set that was on the coach when we purchased it. Our second coach had Michelins which performed flawlessly and gave us a very good ride. Our 3rd coach came with Goodyears. At just over 5 years the front right tire sidewall exploded and threw the coach into a guardrail. Luckily no one was injured except our ins co which was hit for $65K in repairs. I had a tire monitoring system that showed no issues at the time of the incident. We were on a smooth interstate driving at 65mph and with no obstructions in our path at that time.  We replaced them with Toyos and they provided excellent performance up to the time we sold the coach.
IMHO Michelins give excellent performance and ride quality but are pricy. Toyos provide excellent performance but are sidewalls are a bit stiffer resulting in a slightly harsher, but not objectional ride. Others here have also noted the Hankook provides good performance and ride. Regardless of which brand you choose, replace them at 5 years.
Hope this helps. Steve

[David T. Richelderfer]

Before you purchase new tires, now would be a great opportunity to measure the weight on each front tire and each set of rear duals.  Ideally, the coach should be at "travel weight", i.e., full of fuel, water, and tools, baggage, clothes, food, etc.  Now check each coach's tire position weight against the maximum recommended carrying weight at maximum air pressure for the tires you have and/or plan to purchase.

When I noticed the front tires on our coach were showing radial sidewall cracking, I went through the above process and ended up switching our front tires from 295-95R22.5s to 315-95R22.5s.  Our front end weighed just over 8,000 lbs. on each side.  The tires on the coach had been 295s with maximum recommended carrying weight of only 8,250 lbs. or so.  The 315s at full pressure will carry about 9,000 lbs.

Yes, I had to try on the 315s to make sure they would fit not only with the air bags deflated, but also fully inflated... and check clearance with full left and right turning with deflated and fully inflated air bags.

Our coach has one Bridgestone 295, five Toyo 295s, and two Pirelli 315s.  The Bridgestone was to replace a sidewall damaged Toyo.  The Pirellis were pricey but that's all I could get at that moment!

Today, we adjust the 315 front tires to 125 PSI cold, the 295 duals to 115 PSI cold, and the 295 tags to 110 PSI cold.  We watch the ambient temperatures and feet ASL while traveling, and are prepared to add pressure if the temperatures get cold.  We also have 12 Tire Pressure Monitoring System units for the coach-8 and toad-4 (or tow'd) reporting in series continuously to a Silverleaf System dash screen.

[Carl Boger]

I have been quite happy with my Continental HSR2 SA Tires in the 275/70R /22.5 tires.  I just put on my second set as the first aged out, but still looked new.  They are a load range J, so higher than most in that size, and they ride and wear good in my opinion but have a higher weight rating than any others that I have identified.