Forum Discussion

Michigander's avatar
Michigander
Explorer
Jun 12, 2018

22.5 vs 19.5 tires

Help me out here. Our three previous coaches have had the 19.5. We are thinking of trading out of our current 2016 Winne Sunstar. We loved our 08' Sightseer 35J and that had 19.5 tires. We are looking at a 11' Sightseer 35J and it has 22.5 tires. Aside from being substantially more expensive to replace is the ride really that much better?

Other choices for the next coach are 2004 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 37PCT or a 1999 Holiday Rambler Imperial. Oddly the Imperial looks to have 15" tires and the Vacationer has 19.5.

Our 2011 Yukon XL has bigger tires than our 2000 Yukon XL did and the ride of the 2000 was much better so I must be missing something.

Thanks!
Class A
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 13, 2018
    I didn’t notice a difference in ride between 19.5 and 22.5. Lots of other items where I’m more concerned. Seems trivial.
  • PastorCharlie's avatar
    PastorCharlie
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2018
    Totally different ride. Also less RPM equals less wear.

    https://www.ntwonline.com/revolutions-per-mile-chart
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Jun 13, 2018
    The Mfg of the MH wouldn't have gone to the expense to put them on if they weren't needed to carry the weight.

    Bill
  • chuckftboy's avatar
    chuckftboy
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2018
    Larger size = higher load range. The Sightseer must be heavier and carry more cargo.
  • Chum_lee's avatar
    Chum_lee
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2018
    Michigander wrote:
    They were an option. 19.5 was standard.


    Without modifying the suspension, (lowering it) as an option for a given chassis, the larger tire/wheel size will significantly raise the center of gravity versus the 19.5" tire/wheels.

    Chum lee
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2018
    Most motorhomes have room for a full 19.5 spare tire and rim, that helps with a flat issue without waiting all day for a tow service.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 13, 2018
    ride has more to do with suspension
    than it does tire size
    but those 22.5 will go many miles with less wear
    we went from a 95 Dp Safari with 22.5
    to 97 Bounder on F53 chassis with 16" wheels

    and i think the bounder rides better
  • AllegroD's avatar
    AllegroD
    Nomad
    Jun 13, 2018
    Larger chassis size will allow more gvwr and mandate large tires.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 13, 2018
    As stated 19.5 you get a spare. 22.5 you don't (Generally)
    Better ride, More ground clearance. HIGHER PRICE.

    But I'd not want 19 inchers on my RV. I'm very happy with mny 22.5's

    And as for the spare...

    I helped a friend change one once. I'm a big and fairly strong dude (6;2 cand lift 250 pounds) and loading that flat into his pickup.. That was right at my limit. I'd not want one pound heavier. In fact that was like 7-9 years ago and I'm not sure I'd want to attempt it today.

    So a Spare would not do me any good. Just be one more tire to replace.

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