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Apaulsalerno's avatar
Apaulsalerno
Visitor
Nov 15, 2025

Bias ply vs. radial tires

I have an older (1980) lazydaze on a 20' Chevy Van chassis with 8.00  16.5 inch tires, and the choices I have are either Powerking 8.00 x 16.5 bias ply tires or Firestone 8.75 r16.5 radials. Does anyone know if the 8.75 radial tires will be ok, or should I stick with the 8.00 inch bias ply's? Do the bias ply tires beat you up on an older RV? Or is it possible to run the 8.75 radials and is it worth the extra money and will they even fit without kissing in the rear? 

1 Reply

  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Nov 16, 2025

    I would go with the radials myself. 

    With that said, I am assuming these are single tires, rear is not a dual? If so, finding some 16" rims, you can go to a 225-75 or 235-75 or 245-75-16 and find ALL kinds of tire brands and options for your van. Of these, I would go with the 245's in a 10ply/LR-E option personally.

    Marty

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