Tires for a 2004 Beaver Santiam

[Jim Wasson]

Does anyone have experience with the new Continental/General tires for Class "A" coaches? More specifically 275/70R22.5  load range H would aspect ratio of 275/80R22.5 load range H create any issues?  This on a 2004 Beaver Santiam.  I am pretty sure any tire will sun rot in Arizona long before the tread indicates wear.  Your comments are appreciated.
Jim

[Gerald Farris]

Tread wear is usually not the reason for RV tire replacement. RV tires should be replaced at 6-7 years of age, and at that age the average RV tire is only half worn out. You can reduce the ozone damage (sun rot) on your tires by covering your tires when parked and by using tires that are compounded with ozone reistant sidewalls.

As for as the issues with changing from 275/70R22.5 to 275/80R22.5 tires, there is a size difference in that the 275/80 tires are about 2.2 inches larger in diameter. You will have to be certain that you have the clerance for the 1 inch plus radius increase throughout your full turning radius and suspension travel.

The different size tires will not have the same load rating. Since load capacity is critical on some coaches, you should weigh your coach and be certain that the tires will not be overloaded.

Gerald    

[Richard And Babs Ames]

When we went from 255/70 R 22.5 H to 275/70 R 22.5 H tires on our 1997 Patriot it involved repositioning the front axle foward so the front tires would not rub the suspension air bag when turning the wheel. Olin Mott tire company in Tampa mounted the larger tire and checked the clerance before I had the axle moved for no charge since I bought the new tires from them. Beaver (Magnum) provided a step by step procedure to relocate the axle. Ring Power in Tampa (CAT) reset the pulse rate so the speedo would read properly.

If you are not over loaded I would stay with the original tire size. http://www.goodyear.com/rv has some good tire information and reccomendations and a link to RVSEF. Weighing by wheel location ready for travel is the best way to tell if you are overloaded.

[Jim Wasson]

Richard;
What was the replacement brand you purchased?  

[Richard And Babs Ames]

We went with Goodyear G670 but be sure they are round. We would have stayed with Toyo as they were very fair in the adjustment of two front blow outs but no longer reccomend their tires for motorized RV use.

[Gerald Farris]

When I replaced my tires in the summer of 2007, I went with Bridgestone tires (295/80R22.5) which were only $10 per tire more than Goodyear because Les Schwab tires in Bend said that they had to replace nearly every Goodyear tire because of out-of-round construction. The Bridgestones have given excellent service and a smooth ride so far.

Gerald

[Jim Wasson]

Gerald;
Thank you that answered my question. I appreciate the help.
Best regards,
Jim