Can't find RV tires!

That SimpleTire listed above has TransForce in 8.75 and I'm not sure but they dropped the 8.00 size when they went radial. IIRC the 8.75r16.5 is about the same size and rating as the 225R16 used on newer Class C's.

TireRack.com has TF's (called TransForce HT) in 8.75 but not 8.00 so I'm thinking the 8.00 is really getting rare. Firestone's own website was useless. A "Dealer" (???) who doesn't know about a tire of their manufacture and can't look it up probably doesn't want to deal with the hassle of a motorhome when you probably won't be buying a brake job, alignment, etc.

See if there's a Discount Tire in your 'hood. Most of us have found them very helpful.

You DO want a radial. We replaced 8.00/16.5 bias tires with 8.75R16.5 on a van years ago. Van wasn't dually so no spacing issue. With bias tires, it felt like the wheels were square the first few miles. I couldn't push it out of the garage with my butt against the bumper shoving with my legs. With radials, I could stand behind it and it'd roll when I pushed with one hand. It weighed 4500 so it wasn't an easy push, but you can see what I mean.

J-D, I called Firestone, and they said they did not have anything to replace them. I even mentioned TransForce. Do you have any idea which transforce tires would work. I have the 8.00 and I would really like a radial.

Where have you already looked?

We owned a 72 Dodge Maxi Van Camper conversion years ago. Finally had problems finding 8 ply-rated 8:00 X 16.5 bias-belted tires. Had some 8.75 bias belted tires installed, they rubbed inside front wheel wells when turning sharply. I was told that mounting modern steel belted radial tires onto the vintage wheels could result in wheels coming apart. Search recent threads on this subject regarding proper/safe replacement wheels and tires.

Inquire at a dealer who handles Firestone about TRANSFORCE. Which size 16.5 tire to you now have, the 8.00 or 8.75? The 8.75 is a little more common, and TransForce is a radial from a known company. What you'd have to check is the dual rear wheel "Offset" to be sure the 8.75's have adequate clearance between the sidewalls.
Getting 16" wheels offers a wider choice in tires, and offset is always an issue with duals.

simple tires $129 each may be able to help you.

I would find a shop that deals with light and medium duty trucks. They should be able to find you the tires you need or find a proper substitute. It looks like you might be missing part of the tire code. But since basically you are looking for a tire for a "30 year old vehicle". That tire or size may be obsolete. You might take a photo of the tire (showing all codes) and contact someone like Goodyear support for options. You also might check to owners manual or newer vehicles have a sticker with tire codes to verify the original specs for the tires.

In Fort Wayne I'd talk to the guys at

McMahon's Best-One Tire & Fleet Services
(260) 483-8473
2828 West Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat: 7:00 AM - Noon

I see RVs in there all the time.

Good luck.

16.5s are nearly impossible to find any more. But any competent tire dealer should be able to find you a set. You might also check wrecking yards for 16 inch wheels from a later model GM truck.

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