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Taxman · 01-06-2007, 08:25 AM

Need some information and advice here, please.

I need new tires for my MH, and am interested in replacing the skinny 6" front wheels with wider (preferrably 7.5") wheels to take advantage of the low profile tires now available.

So far, I have been unable to locate 7.5" x 19.5 wheels which will fit a P30 chassis. Any of you more experienced motorhomers know where I might be able to purchase a pair of them at a reasonable price?

I'll leave the drive and tag axles wheels and tires as they are, and replace those tires with "stock" 8R 19.5s.

While we are talking wheels/tires, what brand tires would you recommend?

Also, I am interested in increasing my LY front track a couple of inches. Anyone know of a safe, effective way to do that?

Thanks in advance for your help. I have been an Airstreamer only a short while, but the information and advice I have received on this Forum has been invaluable to me in both selecting and modifying my "new" 1990 33' LY.

buckwheat · 01-06-2007, 08:43 AM

A lot of good press has been given to the Goodyear G670RV tires that are 225/70R19.5, a close match to your stock 8R19.5. Another bonus for these tires are that Goodyear has modified their chemical compound to make them more resistant to UV degradation, giving them an advertised lifetime of 7 years rather than the industry average of 5 years before replacement is recommended. See this site for a good comparison of all RV tires in general... Welcome to Bob Dickman Tire Center - “The RV &SmarTire Experts” - Tire Size:225/70R19.5

cooperhawk · 01-06-2007, 12:49 PM

Hear, hear. I have changed my rig over to Goodyears from Michelons in the last year. The really good part was that the Goodyears were cheaper.

Taxman · 01-06-2007, 03:58 PM

Thank you, gentlemen! I like Goodyear tires, and probably will purchase them.

HST, I'm still interested in some 7.5" wheels for the front, though. I'd like some more tire in the front than the 225 or the 8R.

Chaplain Kent · 01-06-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taxman

I need new tires for my MH, and am interested in replacing the skinny 6" front wheels with wider (preferrably 7.5") wheels to take advantage of the low profile tires now available.

Just curious what the advantage would be. I often look at Chummy and think how out of balance the front wheels look but wonder what would happen if the tires were wider?

Taxman · 01-06-2007, 08:07 PM

I have noted that my cars ride and handle better with oversize tires, and am hypothesizing that the same phenomenon will occur with the MH.

Therefore, I'm supposing that a wider track and larger footprint tires would make the coach more stable. Also, I am led to believe that low profile front tires will give a better quality ride.

Besides, I want to fill up the front wheel wells with wheels and tires!

ranchmink · 01-06-2007, 09:36 PM

I have done some research and ran into a company in Texas who either give you 19.5 or 22 rims to fit the P30. I have only found 2 companies in USA that have this the other company is so far behind delivery is 6 months. The companies name is Brentz Wheels in Texas, do an internet seach. Web site address is Brentz Wheel Designs they are a little pricey.

ranchmink

Taxman · 01-06-2007, 10:19 PM

Thanks, Chris. I sent them an email enquiry.

overlander63 · 01-07-2007, 06:35 AM

I tried a pair of wheels from a Navistar tow truck. Wheels were 8"x 19.5", and we put 225/70R19.5 tires on them. You will need to let the person you get them from know if your current wheels are lug-centric, or hub-centric.

GlenCoombe · 01-07-2007, 06:42 AM

So the question that comes to mind about increasing the footprint of the rubber on the road, will it affect fuel economy and or handling?
Have any of you considered a wider stance? I know the later model P chassis has a wider track up front than the old P30 chassis and "fills out" the wheel wells at the front corners.

Warbs · 01-07-2007, 01:57 PM

Okay, Overlander63, I'll Bite. What the heck do lug-centric and hub-centric mean? I know the wheels on my argo are cream colored but thats about it.

BTW I put on a set of michelins two years ago and they seem to be fine.

cooperhawk · 01-07-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbs

BTW I put on a set of michelins two years ago and they seem to be fine.

Nothing wrong with Michelins. I had all Michelins on my rig, but a year and a half ago we were returning from Door County Wisconsin and twenty miles East of Wausau I blew both drivers on my right side. It was columbus Day and very few tire outfits were open, but we did locate by cell phone, one who did road service. He came out and replaced my blown tires right on the shoulder of the highway, but all he had were Goodyear. I have since replaced all my tires with Goodyear and was pleased to find they were a lot less money. they ride just as good and since RV tires usually blow out before they wear out, I think I will stick with Goodyear.

Didn't mean to imply any defect in the Michelins.

overlander63 · 01-07-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbs

Okay, Overlander63, I'll Bite. What the heck do lug-centric and hub-centric mean? I know the wheels on my argo are cream colored but thats about it.

Lug centric means the lug nuts are wedge- shped, and the wheel is centered on the hub by the wedges on the lug nuts.
Hub centric means there is a lip on the inner part of the hub that holds the wheel centered, and all the lug nuts do is hold the wheel on.

Robfike · 01-07-2007, 02:46 PM

Our 345 needed new tires last year. I live in Indy, and after the stunt Michelin pulled at the US Grand Prix, they would be the last ones I give that much money to.

I put Goodyear G670's on and I am very happy with them. Plus I like the idea of my money staying here in America!
Rob

Taxman · 01-07-2007, 08:57 PM

All, thank you for posting to this thread -- I appreciate the information you have provided.

Ponder: Since several tire manufacturers sell 245 and 265 R 70 19.5 tires, and since said tires require rims wider than 6 inches, it seems to me that out there somewhere is a company that makes a wider 19.5 inch rim.

How would one go about finding that company?

BTW, I already found Alcoa -- but $500.00 per rim is out of my price range.

Taxman · 01-07-2007, 08:58 PM

Thanks, Terry. Are P30 chassis front wheels lug centric or hub centric?

overlander63 · 01-08-2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taxman

All, thank you for posting to this thread -- I appreciate the information you have provided.

Ponder: Since several tire manufacturers sell 245 and 265 R 70 19.5 tires, and since said tires require rims wider than 6 inches, it seems to me that out there somewhere is a company that makes a wider 19.5 inch rim.

How would one go about finding that company?

BTW, I already found Alcoa -- but $500.00 per rim is out of my price range.

The 19.5" qwheels I told you about are steel, and $75 each. At the Navistar dealer.
I think they are lug-centric, pull off a single lug nut. If it is flat, or has a washer at the base, it is hub-centric, if the nut is beveled on the base, like a wedge, it is lug-centric.