Best national tire chain to buy 6 new tires?

Discount Tire.

Stay away from Goodyear, I put 6 new good year tires on my class c and after one 1200mile trip 5 of the 6 tires had knots on the side walls about the size of my thumb. I was pleased that discount tire replaced all 6 tires with mitchlen's have now put 10,000 miles with no problems.

Tires are on the back burner now. Thanks for all the information though.

Cheryl_B wrote:
I'm sorry, but y'all are overwhelming me. I don't know what I got myself into with this thread. I'm over my head. I just want new tires. How hard can this possibly be? The tire people do know how to do their job, right?

We had the same issue. We found 16.5 bias ply tires. Yes, first three-four miles, they rattle everything untill they true up. For us, that isn't a huge issue. Just keep it under 40 and in a few miles you're good as gold. The investment in changing out all the rims seemed exhorbitant. Message me if you have more questions.

We talked about Dually Valves for the rear tires, and I just got sent This Sale at CW, probably because I'd been searching for valves for Cheryl.

Cheryl_B wrote:
Just a smidge under 10". I did the best I could but the two tires don't line up exactly and there are 5 sections of swerving treads and I had to pick a spot and do my best.

Contrary to what I thought, looks like the manufacturer used the wider dual spacing. That's good fortunate for Cheryl. That means that there is at least ah .... let's say well known tire manufacturer where you can get tires.

But I'm going to bet these will have to be ordered no matter where you go.

And those 5 sections of "swerving tread" are likely the outline of a pattern we tire engineers call "pitch sequence", where the tread pattern varies slightly in size so as to not set up a vibration around the tire.

And a words to the wise for anyone who has 16.5" tires. I expect the availability of these tires to get worse and worse until the only place you will be able to get them is from a vintage tire outlet like Coker tire. My advice would be to change over to 16" - and do the planning and initial work (buying wheels) while you have the time. It will take a while to get it straight!

Cheryl, I am so sorry that you have been way overwhelmed by all of the back and forth and trying to cram a butt load of info into a forum like this. My suggestion would be to ask locally as to an experienced and trusted truck tire shop and then go see a couple of them. Explain your concerns from your readings here, or better yet let them read the thread. Just don't stand near the line of fire if they are eating or drinking anything as you may get sprayed. First off they can provide you with options from several different lines to choose from and secondly but more importantly, they know truck tires and can probably provide better explanation in person. They can also hook you up with a nationwide dealer network for service and repairs. They can provide the list (website) to locate them and it is also nice to have that listing if you have a roadside plan as if you have to call, one in the tire makers network will also probably by in the roadside network. Also, don't forget about the spare. If you don't have one or it is aged out then they will probably have a take off that will work fine.

I hope I have been able to help rather than to confuse.

We had a 1971 one ton Dodge Van. Came with 8.00-16.5 bias tires. The originals had a wider footprint than the 8.00 replacements I bought. I was not happy with the van after that, till I got Radials. 8.75R16.5, I doubt they were "10 Ply" the current Load Range E, but radials nonetheless. We had no issues. Loved the Radials!!!

It's unclear what tires Cheryl actually has now. If they're 8.00, they may well be bias tires. BUT!!! We're only working from the door jamb label. It's possible she already has 8.75 and that they're radial.

What I'd sooner expect, is a PRESSURE limit on those rims and I wouldn't air up beyond 60 or 65. No need to any way, with the axle limits she posted from the label.

But a four-wheel vehicle may have some side-and-top clearance issues with a different tire size. Just NO Dually Space issue.

Not to muddy the water, but I think some 16.5" rims were not rated for radial tires. I'm guessing that wouldn't be a problem by 1985. Maybe someone else on here will know for sure. IIRC, there should be a radial designation on the rim if they are rated for radials. I may be all mixed up on this.

Yes, I was in Brunswick from early December into May.

I didn't think to measure the gap between the tires. Sorry. I was laying on bare gravel and it was uncomfortable. Just didn't cross my mind.

That's good to hear about the tires!

That sounds like the 9.9" that CapriRacer thought you need. You should be good to go with good, radial tires, Firestone TransForce 8.75R16.5E. Let's see what he says. I am VERY thankful he weighed in on this.

Did you happen to notice the space between the tires that are on there now?

I read where you were in Brunswick. Wish I'd run up to see you.