Tires and Wheels

22.5 will only raise it by 1-1/2".

mhbfab15 wrote:
I have a 2014 Georgetown with 19.5 inch wheels and tires. I've installed air bags on the rear hoping it would help raise the backend. It doesn't help much. Is it possible to install 22.5 inch wheels and tires or do I need a different chassis that would be more heavy duty? We love our rig but my previous unit had 22.5 inch wheels and tires and I had no problem bottoming out.

Well Sir,
My first question would be, What are you trying to accomplish here? You are talking wheels and tires but, it sounds as if you're really concerned about suspension. Tires and wheels have nothing to do with "Bottoming out". Suspension does and, of course, the load you have on it. Most coaches, if not all, that tout the 22.5" wheels and tires, are a heavier duty chassis than the ones that come equipped with the lesser 19.5" wheels and tires.

And, in being a heavier duty chassis, can and do, support more weight. But also, many that come with those larger tires and wheels are also loaded from the factory with more weight. The margin between what the coach comes with from the factory and, what you, as an owner puts into it as equipment/supplies/tools etc., can be large or, in some cases, very small.

So, my point here is, if you're experiencing "bottoming out", then ask yourself why? What chassis do you have? What the GVWR, GAWR & GCWR, and finally, Cargo carrying capacity? What does your coach weigh now, in comparison to what the max it can weigh, fully loaded. You'll have to make a trip to the local scales to get the numbers to see what you're dealing with.

Just cruising on down to a local tire and wheel store to change to 22.5" wheels is not going to help your situation, based on what you're stating. Good luck.
Scott

Putting larger tires will really mess up the performance of the RV. Taller tires equals taller or higher gears. If you increase the tire size, you will have to change the gearing in the rear end (higher gear ratio). Ask anyone who has put large tires on a Jeep or SUV. Requires gear change, speedo gear change and who knows what else.

Not a good plan.

You may have clearance issues that require suspension modification.

mhbfab15 wrote:
I have a 2014 Georgetown with 19.5 inch wheels and tires. I've installed air bags on the rear hoping it would help raise the backend. It doesn't help much. Is it possible to install 22.5 inch wheels and tires or do I need a different chassis that would be more heavy duty? We love our rig but my previous unit had 22.5 inch wheels and tires and I had no problem bottoming out.

Don't know what this has to do with anything and the main reason for larger tires is for load capacity, so if your axle weight is within the specs. of your tires and it's load inflation chart, then that should be it. The last thing I would do is to put larger wheels on it and not only would it not change things much, but it would mess up your speed and odometer as well.
I think if I really felt the need to raise the rear, I'd be looking into adding another leaf and/or maybe just using some longer shackles might do it. Stiffer springs will prevent bottoming and longer shackles will raise it, as a general rule, but take a good look at it first. Also you might want to change out the shocks for Koni or Bilsteins to prevent the bouncing. The whole thing seems odd for a new coach and must assume it's a gasser and a Ford chassis.

Thanks to all of those who responded. I will take your advice and leave things as they are. No new wheels or tires for me. I had no idea of the problems I could have created for myself. I will make sure to stop by the weigh scales next time I head out and confirm that I am within the weight limits and to make sure I'm equally loaded - not everything in the rear which is where the large storage bins are located. Thanks again everyone for all your good advice and explanations.

mhbfab15 wrote:
Thanks to all of those who responded. I will take your advice and leave things as they are. No new wheels or tires for me. I had no idea of the problems I could have created for myself. I will make sure to stop by the weigh scales next time I head out and confirm that I am within the weight limits and to make sure I'm equally loaded - not everything in the rear which is where the large storage bins are located. Thanks again everyone for all your good advice and explanations.

As a side note, I always air up about 10 - 15psi over the tire inflation chart specs. so as to take care of all the variables. When weighing each axle, compare the weights with your listed GVWR weight limits posted in the coach somewhere.

"mhbfab15".....If it's really an issue with dragging and sagging in the rear, look for a local spring shop. They're usually very reasonable and can possibly recommend a solution. They can even add or re arc springs so that the coach sits level from side to side. We had some trucks built years ago for work. After loading them, they didn't sit level and needed the springs reworked. A local spring shop resolved the issue.