RV Tires

[Rambler]

Wanting to pick a few brains.
I am about to buy tires for my motorhome again.
2001 Pace Arrow Vision 36 foot, have been running Michelin XRV 245/70/19.5 load range F (12ply)
Tire dealer is suggesting the Michelin XZE 245/70/19.5 load range H (16ply).
Question is:
Is this load range an overkill for my motorhome?
Will it make it ride stiff?
Your thoughts please

Thanks to all in advance

[Rambler]

Thanks for all the feedback on this topic.
Have to think this thru now.
I am an FMCA member but never used there Michelin program
Is the savings worth going with the program?

Thanks Again
Rambler

[J-Rooster]

Rambler, there are only 2 true tires made for RV applications : Michelin XRV and Goodyear 670. These tires are made of soft rubber due to all the sitting that a RV does. The rubber on these tires are treated to withstand UV Rays from the sun, which destroys tire life. You will want to get the strongest sidewall rating possible. Michelin XZE are hard rubber truck tires! I ran XZE's on my Semi for 25 years before I retired. If your tire budget is price sensitive you may opt to go with a cheaper tire. As others suggestive you can join FMCA and they offer a Michelin Fleet Tire Program where you can buy Michelin Tires at a discount. Good Luck in your tire search.

[liborko]

I have same tires & same load range on my motorhome. They are excellent, much better than GY G670 that were on the motorhome before.

[WILDEBILL308]

The first thing is to weigh your coach before you make any decision. Yes look at the FMCA tire program.
Bill

[sdianel_-acct_c]

We have Michelin load range H on our 34' Class A. Ride great. Are you going through the FMCA Michelin discount program?

[timmac]

I have the 19.5 tires on my RV and I also installed the G rated Hankook so I can tow an heavy trailer with a higher tonged weight, if I was to replace the tires I would stay with the F rated in front and G rated in back, the G rated is harder and can be a harder ride but the safety factor is so much better,

[MudChucker]

tatest wrote:
It is not overkill if the LR-H tire can be safely run at the inflation pressure appropriate to the load on the tire. If the minimum inflation pressure is higher, then you might find the ride harsher and you will likely have a smaller contact patch at the higher pressure.

I'm pretty sure it has a minimum inflation pressure, probably in the 70-80 PSI range. Steel body tires need a certain inflation level to prevent metal fatigue. Inflated to 100 PSI, it will carry same load as maximum for LR-F, inflated to 120 maximum load pressure for LR-H, it will have another 1300 pounds margin for heavier loads.

Almost any truck tire will give you a harsher ride than the XRV, which was a special "soft" tire for RV applications only. This premium truck tire will also be a lot tougher than the XRV, with respect to dealing with road hazards, because of different rubber compounds and construction features.

This is your answer..

[rk911]

darsben1 wrote:
Have you ever weighed your motor home?

precisely. preferably you want a weight at each corner as the MH is loaded and packed for travel. 4-corner weights can be difficult to get so at a minimum get individual axle weights and go from there.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Hankook makes good commercial truck tires that are not too expensive.

[Dale_Traveling]

Compare the load range of the dealer recommended tire to the front and rear axle maximum weight rating. You want to match the tires to the axles. Would load range G be a better option? Also is the dealer up selling a more expensive tire which you don't necessarily need?

[tatest]

It is not overkill if the LR-H tire can be safely run at the inflation pressure appropriate to the load on the tire. If the minimum inflation pressure is higher, then you might find the ride harsher and you will likely have a smaller contact patch at the higher pressure.

I'm pretty sure it has a minimum inflation pressure, probably in the 70-80 PSI range. Steel body tires need a certain inflation level to prevent metal fatigue. Inflated to 100 PSI, it will carry same load as maximum for LR-F, inflated to 120 maximum load pressure for LR-H, it will have another 1300 pounds margin for heavier loads.

Almost any truck tire will give you a harsher ride than the XRV, which was a special "soft" tire for RV applications only. This premium truck tire will also be a lot tougher than the XRV, with respect to dealing with road hazards, because of different rubber compounds and construction features.

[midnightsadie]

if they,ve done a good job? why change, and ask the dealer why he says go up, I think you,d get a stiffer ride. p.s. I have michlin and love them second set.

[darsben1]

Have you ever weighed your motor home?