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ron_dittmer's avatar
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2018

Is Your Extra Heavy Class C Too Much For Your Tires?

While internet shopping for tires for my E350 small rig, I stumbled on THESE "E" RATED TIRES with a load rating that is 500+ pounds more than a typical "E" rated tire. If my rig was extra heavy and I dealt with an occasional blow-out, I would surely look into one of those 3 choices. An extra 2000 pounds of tire load capability on the rear axle, and 1000 pounds on the front would be surely be something I would consider. I am sure the ride will be rougher, but for an over-loaded rig, the ride would be my least concern.
Class C
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 20, 2018
    Hi,

    Nice find, Ron.

    I was under the maximum weight for the vehicle (E-450) but overweight for the tires. I went to taller wheels and a tire that was adequate. It was not cheap--but it IS safe.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2018
    BFL13 wrote:
    But what about the axle? Where is that wrt GAWR?



    The RAWR of the E450 is 9,500 pounds. The axle itself tolerates overloading, by a lot, without issue. But you'd certainly want to upgrade the rear springs to maintain ride height and bump-travel.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2018
    I checked my clicky link and it works for me. That 3195 weight rating are the three choices my "clicky" takes you to. For reference, in single application, a typical "E" rated tire is 2680 pounds. That is significantly more load capable per tire regardless of how you add it up.

    If your axles are also over-loaded, that is another topic. I was only sharing this information to address tire blow-outs.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Dec 20, 2018
    The link only went to the home page. I did a search for E350 tires and found what I believe are the 3 tires you referred to. They have a 3195 lb per tire rating but it doesn't say what they are rated for in a dual configuration. If they are have similar ratings (expecting that it will be slightly lower) in a dual configuration they may be worth looking into.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2018
    But what about the axle? Where is that wrt GAWR?

    I have been on the scales and know the Class C is over-weight at the back by GAWR. I have no idea if that is over the axle rating, but I can say the tires I have are just barely ok with that.

    The 5er we had before, you knew the axle rating and the tire rating. In that case it was the tires that were the "weak link" that set the GAWR.

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