New Argosy MH, need tires

[projector]

Hello all. Tonight we are taking delivery of this fine machine.





We've been looking for a while, debating between a tow behind or driver and waiting for the right one to find us. This one is practically in our own back yard. The interior is mostly intact except for the carpet is pulled up and the head walls were removed due to damage. All the pieces are there so we are planning on putting it back together, do some mechanicals then go on some trips. Eventually we'll probably do some interior treatment upgrades.

One issue is the tires are badly dry rotted and need replaced. I called one local source that tells me he can't get 16 1/2" tires anymore and to get 16" wheels. Another source, a truck center, says he can get them and is looking. Can anyone here recomend a good tire and source?

Thanks. I'll post more pics when we get it home.

[overlander63]

16" wheels would be a direct swap-out. Go to your local salvage yard, and pick up a set from a P30 bread truck or GM duallie, and put on the easier-to-find and cheaper 16" tires. I have P245/75R16E tires on both our Suburban and Silverado. For now, and until you get the motor home ready to go on longer trips, some inexpensive tires should work fine. Tires do need to be replaced due to age as well as tread wear, and if the motor home is going to be sitting for an extended period until it's fully ready to roll, less expensive tires would be less of a waste.

[Silverhobby]

I have contacted my local truck tire (big rig) retailer that I have dealt with for years. He can get a Power King (Kelly Springfield) radial, in the 16.5 size for $129 each. Best of luck in your search.

[overlander63]

There also is the "rarity" thing to think about. If the 16.5's are hard to find, would you really want to be waiting in East Podunk for a replacement?

[345bill]

I agree with what's posted above on buying a tire size that's more readily available, especially if you'll be on the road alot and wont want to be waiting for a hard to find size.

If it runs as good as it looks you'll be enjoying many good times.

[projector]

I've gotten a few calls back on local suppliers. A set of Keystone bias ply tires are about $141 each plus mounting, disposal etc from one source. A set of Firestone radials are about $186 each mounted from another. I'd rather avoid bias ply if at all possible. Also I haven't had very good luck in the past with junk yard rims being straight.

Our timeline is to get it on the road for local trips, to get our confidence up, then a trip to Illinois (from florida) in a month to visit family.

thanks again

[bkahler]

Terry's advice is good and something to consider. I swapped out the 16.5" wheels on our Argosy for some 16" wheels off of a 1981 Chevy 1-ton dually. Makes finding tires a lot simpler and cheaper.

Shouldn't be to hard to find a set in a salvage yard somewhere.

Good luck!

Brad

[projector]

Yeah, I don't like being at the mercy local shops in an unfamiliar area. Up til this year we camped a VW Westfafia. My worst fear was having a problem somewhere remote and the local shop can't spell "VW".

There's a yard north of us that has 12 of them for $45 each. Any recomendations of tires?

We got it home last night and will start going through it this week. Pics coming soon.

[DanN]

Check out www.ricksontruckwheels for new wheels that will fit these rigs if you're leery of used wheels.

DanN.

[Dr.Theopolis]

My Argosy 24 calls for 8.75R16.5. You can get these tires, and it is not hard. You just have to keep looking until you find a shop that can get them. Always on the quest for the cheapest price, I have found at least four shops that can get the tires for me. I recently got three of them (for front two and spare).

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by projector

Any recomendations of tires?

I like the Firestone Transforce HT radials I put on my Silverado. They were about $125 each last year. They are available in load range E, which is what I got, and what your MoHo needs.