Forum Discussion

TRP88's avatar
TRP88
Explorer
Feb 13, 2017

tire size

I purchased a 1988 fleetwood jamboree searcher on a chevy G30 chassis. The tires on it are 8.00r16.5, they are old and cracked. After finding out it is impossible to find a radial tire in this same size I found some used 16X6 rims off an old chevy motor home. I'm trying to decide what tires I should mount on these wheels 215/85r16 or 225/75r16. The original tires according to the I.D plate were 8.00-16.5. I am trying to avoid rubbing issues due to using the wrong size. Any help with this would be very appreciated.
Class C
  • TRP88's avatar
    TRP88
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Thanks everyone for all the good info. I have contacted a tire shop in my area they are willing to test fit the 225/75r16 and check for rubbing issues. If that doesn't work then they will try the 215/85r16. Thanks again for the good info. Also if anyone has tried 225/75r16 on a 1988 Chevy G30 please let me know how it turned out.
  • Bordercollie's avatar
    Bordercollie
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Just be aware that replacement tires, if wider than original 800X16.5 tires may rub inside front wheel wells when turning sharply.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Feb 14, 2017
    A member here, CapriRacer, publishes a site called Barry's Tire Tech and he specifically addresses 16.5" wheels. You'll find it on his home page, just scroll down and click it.

    What's already said above is true and Barry's site bears it out. You've done the hard part finding the wheels. Just pick a size and go. Just be sure you have verified the Dual Wheel Offset of your replacement wheels.

    As an added bonus, the 215/85R16 and the 225/75R16 have the same load ratings. The 225 is more of a "standard Class C tire" but some prefer the 215 for a little more height and a little more space between sidewalls. When mounted on wheels with the same offset, that is.
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2017
    We old coach people have these problems. What I do know is that a 225/75R16 is almost identical to a 8.75/78-16.5.

    What I also know is that if you call Tire Rack, they have people there that know more than is on the website.

    Matt
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2017
    Looking at a size chart your 8.00x16.5s new measure 28.3"
    The 215/85R/16 are 30.4 inches tall.

    The 225/75R/16 are 29.3 inches tall.

    So these would be closest to the original size.

    But as been said I would take a old one to a tire shop and let a professional tire guy give you the final word.

    This Chart will help
  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2017
    Measure the diameter of your existing tires (do this horizontally to get an accurate number) and then go to this chart and select 16 inch rim and find what tires are the same height or diameter that are either 75 or 80 or 85 aspect ratio tires.

    https://tiresize.com/chart/

    Take an old tire and go to a tire shop and they probably can match something up. make sure you have a load range suitable for the weight of the vehicle and axle loadings you have.

    Charles

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