Forum Discussion

seedhay's avatar
seedhay
Explorer
Oct 28, 2019

Class A. Wheel size

I don’t know if this is the place for this question. I am a year away from upgrading from class C Ford 29 ft to 31 to 35 foot class A. The new Ford A chassis should be out by then with the bigger engine and 10 speed trans. My first question is the bigger engine going to be a V 10? Second is opinion from current owners that have had both 19.5 and 22.5 tires. I am excavating contractor and have always gone with biggest wheels possible. Problem I have is most 32 footers are 19.5 rubber ( but is my preferred size for coach. Or the 35’s with the 22.5

Thanks in advance for you opinions
Seedhay

25 Replies

  • Thanks Chum

    I did not realize that the 22.5 were an option on the shorter units Have not really got into investigation of choices yet We like our 29 foot C. As we don’t have a toad and was hoping not to use one. I travel a long way usually and dislike pulling the toad. With Uber and my ability to get into tight spots with my present configuration, that is why I’m hoping to just step up 3 feet to a 32 ft class A. But then as you mentioned the weight factor comes into play. All things that must be investigated.
    Thank you for your help
    Seedhay
  • "I am excavating contractor and have always gone with biggest wheels possible. Problem I have is most 32 footers are 19.5 rubber (but is my preferred size for coach. Or the 35’s with the 22.5"

    Of course the larger wheel/tire combinations are more money than the 19.5" but IMO, you'll never regret the increased load capacity and wider choice of serious truck tires available in the 22.5" range.

    Class A gassers in the 35' range with 19.5" wheels are always going to be close, if not above max GVWR with minimal cargo and full fluids, especially with multiple slides. Even with the shorter chassis Class A F53, the 22.5 aluminum wheels are a factory option, it's just a fairly expensive option that most buyers pass on.

    Chum lee
  • 22.5 wheels also ride a little nicer and track better than the smaller ones.
  • the tire on the larger rim 22.5 is a real truck tire and is built to carry a real load and last a bet longer IMO that's what I now have on my 35 ft Georgetown with triple slides I 2 went from a C Class with 16 in tire LT which they were called and had 2 many problems with them good rid-dens to them. I go everywhere with out any fear.
  • A year from now, the new gas class A chassis from Ford will be powered by the new 7.3 V-8. Likely a more torquey (is that a word) engine, along with a new 10 speed tranny.
    Word from Ford is a lower and wider torque curve, lower maintenance frequency and cost, and better economy. (end of commercial) To me, the first 2 to three years of a drivetrain are scary until they work out the bugs in the design.
    On your Tires/wheels question, If you are using this in part for work in excavating, I would agree to get/look for the bigger wheels to maximize the ground clearance, the longer overall length can open the door to tail or center dragging problems.
    If you are using on good roads at all times, I wouldn't worry about it.