Load Range G wheels and tires?

[charlesvalentin]

I just found out that I have a few rims with flat spots or are bent in some way. I am seriously considering replacing all 6 with Load Range G commercial 17.5" rim and tires. (details of the rims and tires) It just does not make sense to me to have light truck tires on a vehicle that is 12k lbs minimum, all the time, when there are commercial steel wall tires available that are designed to carry full load all the time.

Has anyone else done something like this?

[crawford]

I find because side walls not flexing much, more so when large truck passes much better handling all in all it's just better. I think most people won't believe there is that much improvement I did it 4+ years ago but not quite your way I just used the steel wheels which come on it and and found G's. Glade you like what you did happy safe camping maybe we will meet camping some day.

[charlesvalentin]

@crawford thanks for the "on topic" reply 😉 hehe

Quick update, I just took the wheels out for a 6hr drive, they are quiet. I measured 78db at 55mph with the new tires, the old tires measured 89db at 55mph. You can actually have a conversation in the cab now!

I also noticed that there is a lot less rocking with the new wheels and tires, when going over bumps at slow speeds. I had thought the rocking was the suspension, but now I realize it was the sidewalls of the old tires compressing.

[crawford]

I must say after reading all the reply's, It seems to me how many people go off topic here and many other forums.

[crawford]

Been running 235-85/16 load range G on stock ford rims for about 4 years. My coach is a 99 Fleetwood with a slide 29 foot. V10 with air bags in rear,between the tire being almost 2 inches taller and air bags set at 85 psi rear doesn't drag any more and it tracks very well. It has been a pleasure to drive with even with my saturn right behind me.

[John___Angela]

pnichols wrote:

rjstractor wrote:
That's really odd. No magic to changing inside duals on an E series, any reasonably strong and fit person with a standard lug wrench and a decent 6 ton bottle jack can do it. It's nothing like changing duals on a diesel pusher or other big rig. I do agree with you 100% on carrying a fully mounted and inflated spare at least on an E series sized rig.

I was told by an AAA dispatcher that their policy was not to change inside duals on vehicles. We had been with AAA over 30 years and for several years have been on their highest (premium) plan. We now have Coach-Net's premium ERS plan - less cost than AAA and far superior benefits (per what's written ... we'll see in real life situations).

Remember that changing a tire on a motorhome's rear dual set can entail lifting and supporting MUCH MORE weight than what's on one rear corner of a 1-ton dually pickup or a passenger vehicle. For example, I'd hate to have to mess with a motorhome's passenger rear corner with some of the soft shoulders on the two-lane highways we travel on!

We had a blow out on the inside dual. Luckily it was on the passengers side and Angela was the passenger. Our rule is who ever is on the side with the blown tire changes the tire. Took her almost an hour as the gravel was soft and she had to screw around with the Jack awhile but thanks to my supervisory skills we were on the road and in the crazy horse casino by 7. Point is, 16's are not hard to change. I actually tried calling good sam but realized it was going to be done before they got there. Kinda cool be married to an ex-soldier.

By the way, if you are thinking of changing the rims, go aluminum. Worth the 900 bucks for us.

[charlesvalentin]

My caps are on back order, but I hope they have a single
replacement in stock for you!

Thanks for all the tips, I really appreciate the support.

[cal47]

charlesvalentine
Hope you'll be happy with that setup,like I said I have no regrets.
Had to contactDan today, lost rear hubcap traveling I-81 thru PA yesterday. Hope I can purchase another.

[charlesvalentin]

My new wheels are 17.5" and the tires are load range F. The originals that they are replacing were 16" load range E.

[gmctoyman]

So, you stayed with the 16”, & went to a higher load rating ?

[charlesvalentin]

My wheels and tires arrived yesterday! Dan did me a favor and put them all on one pallet, it was tall! But it fit perfectly, laid down on its side, in my 5.5' bed on my Tacoma. The total weight was about 700lbs so a forklift was necessary, and the pallet had to be disassembled to get the wheels out at the RV shop.

They put them on the coach last night and are doing an alignment today. These wheels are much beefier looking than stock. I'll post pictures soon.

[triple602]

Anyone have any experience with Geico roadside assistance?

[pnichols]

The chart part way down this page says - or certainly implies - that AAA tows only to an AAA approved facility or only to an AAA contract station - not to places of the AAA member's choice:

http://calstate.aaa.com/membership/compare-our-membership-levels/membership-terms-and-conditions

Of course AAA policies and practices can vary state by state or region by region. I prefer Coach-Net's uniform policies throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition, this coverage may be an advantage if we are able to make a trip to Alaska within the next couple of years.

[carringb]

pnichols wrote:
However, AAA told me their tire service excluded changing of inner rear duals. AAA also only allows 4 max service calls a year. AAA premiums are also higher.

There must have been some sort of misunderstanding. AAA has no such exclusion against changing an inner dual tire. But yes, they do limit you to 4 services/year (at least they have the option to. They often waive that limit for long-term members).

[pnichols]

However, AAA told me their tire service excluded changing of inner rear duals. AAA also only allows 4 max service calls a year. AAA premiums are also higher.