After 15 years with a MH, crossed over to a fiver. Really like it some ways, but don't like pulling it, so we're ready to go back to a gasser and all the conveniences of a MH.Our previous 2000 Damon Intruder had a Ford V10 and 16.5 wheels (I think) pulling a Jeep Wrangler or HHR with satisfactory performance and MPG. In researching newer vehicles, I see that some of the higher-end lines have 22" wheels on a Ford F53 chassis.Besides the increased weight capacity, what are the advantages of the larger wheels, and are they sufficient to offset the obvious difference in cost of replacement tires?Thanks in advance for any experience or other insight you may care to share.

Beside the weight capacity, bigger wheels also tend to require lower air pressure, what improves stability and comfort. Some of those 22.5 tires come with 600,000 miles threads, what I don't think you have a chance to wear.

Larger tires give a better ride

Fewer revolutions = better ride.

Newer gas MHs have gotten too heavy for 16.5 tires without going to max pressure... poor ride. Yes a 22.5 is going to cost more but the better braking... more rubber on the road and the softer ride... less air pressure are worth the extra cost. Some use 19.5 tires when height, space, or gearing is an issue as they have a smaller diameter and only slightly less load carrying capacity.

It looks a hell of alot better too. 16.5's on a motor home looks like go cart tires

Benefits of 22" inch wheels on a gasser? | Good Sam Community

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2017
Beside the weight capacity, bigger wheels also tend to require lower air pressure, what improves stability and comfort.
Some of those 22.5 tires come with 600,000 miles threads, what I don't think you have a chance to wear.
chuckftboy
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
Larger tires give a better ride
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2017
Fewer revolutions = better ride.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jan 03, 2017
Newer gas MHs have gotten too heavy for 16.5 tires without going to max pressure... poor ride. Yes a 22.5 is going to cost more but the better braking... more rubber on the road and the softer ride... less air pressure are worth the extra cost. Some use 19.5 tires when height, space, or gearing is an issue as they have a smaller diameter and only slightly less load carrying capacity.
hanko
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
It looks a hell of alot better too. 16.5's on a motor home
looks like go cart tires
roam1
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
larger basement, no floor transition between living room and cockpit, some have pass thru badement
crasster
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2017
My Toyota has a better ride than the bounder. Yota has 14" tires. LOL. :) I would say the main advantage is the life of the tire should be longer for tread wearout. Whether or not you'll hit that in 7 years (my max on tire age) is another story.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 03, 2017
Better ride, Fewer Revolutions per mile, I suspect this affects MPG (improves) Greater ground clearance (I rather like that I can crawl around under all of my RV save the axles themseves without jacks of any kind.. And I can reach all of it, even over/under the axles, Just can't get my 300+ Pounds under them)

You won't wear out 22.5" tires.. they will age out first.
timmac
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
If you like having a spare and changing the flat yourself than go with 19.5 tires, most motorhomes with 19.5 will have a spare in the compartments but no 22.5 spares will be found in motorhomes.
John___Angela
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
Lots of good points. Interesting point though. You use to be able to buy a workhorse chassis with 19.5 wheels or 22 inch wheels. It was the same chassis and they had the same GVWR. However, the chassis with the 22 inch wheels had lower carrying capacity because the 22 inch tires and wheels weighed more than the 19.5's. Interesting.