19.5" tires

[tony6373]

Apparently Michelin X tires (8R19.5 XZA LR-F) are not to be found. Has anyone tried the Bridgestone R187? They do seem to be available in limited quantity. Do they hold up in RV service? Are there any other tires I should consider?

I'm planning on removing the old beat up Airstream wheel covers and just painting the wheels. Has anyone else done this and if so how did it turn out? And what color would work best? Black? Silver aluminum? I am thinking black hubs with silver gray wheels and chrome lug nut covers.

[Isuzusweet]

Hello

As far as tires are concerned it seems there's two schools of thought on the issue.

1) If travelling extensively buy a good tire such as the Sumitomo 718 (I see listed but not sure if they still sell 8R19.5), Bridgestone, Goodyear and Toyo make great tires.

2) If only used for short travel or limited times of the year then use Samson, Hercules or other Chinese branded tire as you will have to replaced them long before they wear out.

Number one rule with tires for our rigs is DOT number…….you want the number to be the newest production number you can get, as it's illegal to run tires older than 5 years in the US on motorhomes. We are 0314 right now- third week of production in the year 2014.

I also repainted my rims. I sandblasted, then coated twice with a two parted epoxy, very light sand, bought some Carquest pewter car rim paint then applied two coats of clear coat. They really turned out great. At this point no one is going to give you grief that you don't have the "Airstream" logo in the middle of them.

I did however find a great wheel simulator manufacturer that is USA made (at least I think they are US made). They make great simulators and valve extenders for airing up the inside dually.

http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...g961/overview/

http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...1/media/images

Cheers
Tony

[Kota]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Number one rule with tires for our rigs is DOT number…….you want the number to be the newest production number you can get, as it's illegal to run tires older than 5 years in the US on motorhomes. We are 0314 right now- third week of production in the year 2014.


Cheers
Tony

First time I've heard of that law. Is that state or federal? Do you have a reference to it?

[polarlyse]

On our Dodge RAM 3500 I had the wheels sandblasted and powdercoated. It was very reasonable at about $60/wheel. Powdercoating is supposed to be more durable than paint. Something to think about.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Dakota

First time I've heard of that law. Is that state or federal? Do you have a reference to it?

Dakota I think I may have put my proverbial foot in my big maw. For some reason I could have sworn I had heard that legislation was or had been introduced to require mandatory replacement or possible inspection on motorhome tires after DOT 5 years. This was in response to blow outs and loss of control of rigs, predominately in the lower hot states .

If I have erred in giving false or misleading info, I stand corrected and apologize.

Cheers
Tony

[Kota]

No problem! That would be a huge added expense. I'd only have 3 years left on my new Goodyears!


I did discover what they do with all our old bulged cracked motorhome tires. They send them down to Central America to use on the tour busses. Just rode on one through the narrow winding mountain roads. Also had a couple wheel studs busted off.

Anyone going to Costa Rica should definitely visit the tabacon Hot Springs.

http://www.tabacon.com/

[3 Dog Nite]

I have the Bridgestone R187's on my MH. I 'm happy with them. Although I don't think they have the right tread for running in the snow.

[crazeevw]

Try to find Argent colored wheel paint. That's the color that is used on most alloy wheels.
Good Luck, Derek

[tony6373]

Thanks for the replies. all. I have ordered the Bridgestone R187s. I don't expect much snow here in Texas but they are described as warm weather tires.

Spent the afternoon scraping oily grit off the wheels. Of the four I can see three are painted dark gray (like the bottom section of the motorhome) and one is off white.

[travco72]

Just wondering if you purchased and install the Bridgestone R187 and if you are happy?

Thanks

[tony6373]

Okay I have about 4,000 miles on the B-stones with no issues. I'm currently in WY to attend the WBCCI International.

Painted the rims with some pewter that I had on hand. Added some Crome nut covers from Camping World. Looks respectable if not great.

Thanks again for all the info and safe travels,