1996 Fleetwood Bounder tire/wheel upgrade

[wb2ivu]

A friend insists that if I were to upgrade from the stock 16 inch tire and wheel combination presently on our Bounder (F53 - 460 ci) to 19 inch tire and wheels, we would experience better ride, handling and increased fuel mileage.

His argument makes sense,but I thought I would post the question here before I outlaid lots of cash for something that may not be that much of an improvement.

Comments / suggestions welcome!

[MustangGT]

add air bags to carry and adjust for the load if you don't already have them. Maybe a rear trac-bar to fight the constant side winds on those prairie trips and the bow waves from zooming semi's!

[okgc]

Save that cash until you upgrade to V10 power someday. That will make more of a gas mileage improvement.

[RLS7201]

As previously stated. The only gain you will see is improved load carrying capacity of the 19.5 tires. Your chassis limitations will stay the same. Your 235/85R16 tires will actually ride better than 225/70R19.5 tires, due to the taller side walls of the 16" tires. They are both 32" (+/- 0.20") in diameter and will not affect your speedometer. The wheels you need are 3/4 ton, 10 hole, Chevy PU wheels, with the center hole opened up to match your hubs. Rickson Truck Wheels has those wheels.
I own a 1995 F53 Bounder that drives good and rides good for an older gas chassis. Make sure you have 5/32" toe in, make sure all steering components are in good shape, keep the king pins greased well, unload the front axle when greasing the king pins, or they will bind and not drive well. Add a front pan hard bar and your F53 chassis should work well for you.

Richard
TDY: Grande Prairie, AB. Next stop, Fairbanks, AK

[FuzzyKnight]

The main reason to upgrade to 19.5s is the extra safety factor for load carrying. The main concern going from 16s to 19.5s is the load rating.I seriously doubt you would get any increase in mileage.

[wb2ivu]

Again, your thoughts and comments have been exactly what I have been thinking.

[bsinmich]

Making that much of a change you may find there is inadequate clearance for the new wheels or tires. The 10 studs to 8 holes is another problem. Stick with what you have and learn to be happy.

[Nick-B]

I have '95 Coachman on the Ford F53 chassis with 16" rims/tires and while it is no sports car it rides and handles just fine for what it is (overloaded bread truck). IMHO, spending the money to use 19" rims is a bad investment. Your 16" rims are 10 lug. The 19" rims are ( I believe) 8 lug. Good luck making that work. You might see a slight handling improvement with the 19's but that's it.

[wb2ivu]

Thank you for your comments, they are appreciated and in line with what I was thinking.

[steelpony5555]

I would spend money on the front suspension first since those old Bounders don't have any. My 95 was a beast to drive at highway speeds, main reason I sold it.

[topflite51]

wb2ivu wrote:
before I outlaid lots of cash for something that may not be that much of an improvement.

You answered your own question.

[robatthelake]

Sounds like Your friend likes to help .....spend Your money!
Your rig was engineered to deliver the best combination of power and fuel economy at the time it was built.
You could spend thousands of $ re-engineering it and still end up with zero or marginal gains.
Leave it alone,maintain the mechanicals and enjoy the ride. Or! Sell it to someone else and buy a newer Rig that meets your criteria.