NEW TIRES for the Kodiak- 225/70/19.5's

[stvdman]

Tires always seems like a "hot topic".

Long story short...current tires manufactured in 2007 (goodyears). One blew this year, replaced it with a Michelin XRV.

Was going to match up 5 new ones (Michelin's), total cost was going to be about $2250 for 5.

Tire store manager suggested BFG ST230's in load range G vice the Michelin XRV in load range F.

6 BFG's came in at $2050. This would allow for the newer michelin on the rig to be used as a spare.

In short I am going to try to ST230's in the higher load range. I will probably run the rears at 100psi, fronts at 95 due the weight of the RV.

reason for the post? I will try to report back on the differences noted with the BFG 203's.... Will also be trying the liquid balancer.

New tires whould be on today, will try to report back soon.

[A_C_Inspector]

I would suggest "Counteract" balancing for the tires. I did that and am not sorry.
Denny

[A_C_Inspector]

My GS was delivered with Mitch's ZXZs 245/70R 19.5s. They were H rated with 120 psi max rating. I'm thinking that a G rated tire isn't enough tire for your GS. I run 95 psi with a tire monitor system and in moderate temps pressures increase to around 110 psi and 95 to 105 degrees F. I now have a full set of Toyos H rated same temps and pressures in moderate ambient temps. Summer driving will increase temps and pressures. With the assumed weights and the GS being pretty heavy out of box my opinion is that the Gs may not cut it.
Get the rig weighed and chart it to see what the tire pressures should be. You need full fuel, water and propane and all the equipment that you would normally travel with. That means clothes ,food and condiments. Don't forget the dog. Hit the scales. Keep in mind the published axel weight ratio. Ideally individual corner weights would be the way to go then you could inflate per the weights at each corner. Its pretty difficult to find a place that can do that unless a Dot inspector wants to practice.
Anyhow summer driving heat will be the test.
Just my opinion.
Denny

[stvdman]

Driven2it wrote:
I purchased a 2005 GS35 on a kodiak chassis two years ago. The first thing i did was replace the tires as a precaution. I went with the BF 245/19.5 ST230. Best investment I've made in the rig. They are a heavy duty truck tire and have a higher load rating than the original Michelin tires. I weighed the rig and went to the BF website to get the air recommendations. I have 20k miles on them now and there is no wear and they ride great. I also like the additional load capacity as i usually tow. No problem with rear spacing on the duallys either.

Well, I should have done a little more research, and I may have gone with the 245's vice the 225's.

If I still have her 7 years from now....thats just what Ill do. Thats a big "if" though, as i keep gravitating towards a Class-A DP.

[Driven2it]

I purchased a 2005 GS35 on a kodiak chassis two years ago. The first thing i did was replace the tires as a precaution. I went with the BF 245/19.5 ST230. Best investment I've made in the rig. They are a heavy duty truck tire and have a higher load rating than the original Michelin tires. I weighed the rig and went to the BF website to get the air recommendations. I have 20k miles on them now and there is no wear and they ride great. I also like the additional load capacity as i usually tow. No problem with rear spacing on the duallys either.

[stvdman]

pauldub wrote:
It's not sounding like you know how much weight is one each axle. You really should get it weighed to determine appropriate tire pressure.

You are correct, I have no idea how much weight is on each axle nor do I know how much weight there is from side to side either.

Its something I hope I can get taken care of very soon.

It would be nice if the manufacturers would provide that on their spec sheet with each coach.

Front and Rear ACTUAL weights.
Left and Right ACTUAL weights.
Each corner ACTUAL weights.

Would really help out the end user.

Its something they SHOULD know right from the get go.

[pauldub]

It's not sounding like you know how much weight is one each axle. You really should get it weighed to determine appropriate tire pressure.

[ronfisherman]

Goodyear and other manufactures give a center to center dimension in their specs for dually's. On the 245's it is 11". My center to center dimension is 11.5". GM only offered 2 sets of wheels. Aluminum or steel.

[stvdman]

ronfisherman wrote:
I put Goodyear G647 tires in the 245 size on my Kodiak. Seems to be easier to find 245 tires than 225. Got 10,000 miles on them now and still like the ride and handling.

Didnt think of changing sizes. There didnt seem like a lot of room between the rears with the 225's, would running 245's leave enough room between them? I would guess so if thats what you run.

I am most interested in going to the "G" rated tire with increased carrying capacity.

I really think my coach is rear weight biased. And slightly to the pax side also. Just visually she seems lower in the rear and when I look at her from the back, a slight "lean" to the pax side (where the generator is mounted). I never fill the water tank as that is over 800lbs added as far back as you can get....couple that with any tongue weight while towing and it really picks up the weight on the rear. I am not using the tires to be able to carry more, just as insurance to what is already being carried. Found a place in town that can give me good front/rear weights...hopefully side to side also.

Almost looks like I could use an extra leaf spring added into the back.

[stvdman]

UPDATE: A little late..

First drive was short, just 15 miles back from tire shop. Did hit highway speeds up to 70 mph.

Tires max psi rating is 105, ran them at 100.

Initial impression was the felt less "squirmy" and they seemed to have balanced out nicely using the liquid balancer.

Will update more after first camping trip next weekend.

Not regretting spending less $$$$ and getting 6 tires for less than the price of 5 Michelins.

[jubymae]

Am anxious to hear how you like these.

[ronfisherman]

I put Goodyear G647 tires in the 245 size on my Kodiak. Seems to be easier to find 245 tires than 225. Got 10,000 miles on them now and still like the ride and handling.