Forum Discussion

Denver9's avatar
Denver9
Explorer
Jan 30, 2015

Tire sizes

I recently purchased a 1993, 27 ft Class C motor-home on a Ford E-350 chassis.
The tires look almost new but the vehicle sat for several years un-protected from the sun and the tires are badly cracked.
I am in the process of having new tires installed.
My local garage contacted his source for the proper replacement tire and they came up with HT215-85R16 and the order was placed.
I stopped by the garage this afternoon and the tires had arrived but fortunately not installed yet. The supplier had sent the wrong size. he sent LT215-85R16 instead of the HT series.
I brought it to the attention of the mechanic and he agreed there had been a mistake.
The only problem is when I go on line to search for the correct tire I do find the HT series but when I select it, up pops the LT series.
When trying to find the correct tire for my RV I cannot find a listing for my motor-home,only the Econoline van series.
I was wondering if any of you can direct me to a web site that deals with RV tire sizes.
When I discovered the wrong tires had been delivered it was almost closing time but was assured the problem would be worked out in the morning.
I would like to be armed with the proper size, specs etc., if there is any flack from the supplier when I return to the garage.
Thank you all in advance.
-Denver
Class C
  • CapriRacer's avatar
    CapriRacer
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2015
    Denver9 wrote:
    ....... they came up with HT215-85R16 .........


    Sorry, but there is no such thing! I suspect they misread things and the letters are "LT".

    Denver9 wrote:
    ....... The supplier had sent the wrong size. he sent LT215-85R16 instead of the HT series......


    Nope, the supplier correctly identified the mistake being made at the shop end and corrected it.

    Denver9 wrote:
    ....... I brought it to the attention of the mechanic and he agreed there had been a mistake......


    I'm going to truncate the rest of your post, but I'll answer the questions posed.

    I'm not sure why your tire shop said there was a mistake - but perhaps they are taking the approach that the customer is always right and should not be contradicted - even if the customer is wrong.

    No, the LT's were the correct size for that type of vehicle.

    And, No!, there isn't a list of tire sizes by RV make and model. Normally, the base vehicle is what should be used to determine the proper tire size.

    But there ought to be a sticker on the vehicle - called the vehicle tire placard - that will list the originally tire size and the proper inflation pressure for that size. It is usually on the driver's door frame, but sometimes these things are found in the glovebox, on the fuel filler door, or in the case of an RV, on the side door. It is a goverment requirement and if the RV converter makes a change, he has to redo the vehicle tire placard accordingly.

    So I think the supplier was correct in what was supplied, so be prepared for that.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2015
    I'm not sure, but perhaps the LT series has replaced the HT series of tires, you need to talk to a manufacturer perhaps. Michelin used to have a website, might be worth a try. If I remember correctly, the LT series is what we had on our Pleasure-Way Class B, but we sold it last year so can't help you out.
  • Denver9's avatar
    Denver9
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2015
    I saw the HT series listed on line, but as I said, when I selected the Ht it corrected my search to be LT (That is an assumption) but thanks, that explains why I couldn't find the HT.
    Also, the tire brand is Hankook. anyone have experience with that brand? The price was great.
    -Denver9
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2015
    What Capri said... He's a tire man and great to have around here.
    Hankook seems to be working out very well. If they are "LT" and Load Range "D" they'll work on E350. Most tires in that size are Load Range "E" which is required for E450 (or the late 1990's "E-Super Duty", same vehicle). More common is the LT225/75R16. The LT125/85R16 is a little taller and a little narrow than the 225/75 but has the same pressure-to-load ratings.

    Learn to read Tire Date Codes. Refer to the top example. The rest are exceptions.

    As an example, "0215" would mean second week of January this year.
    "2614" would mean they were made middle of last year.

    Then go to a Truck Scale (like CAT Scales in this directory) and get at least front and rear axle weights, loaded and occupied as for a trip. Inflate the tires according to a chart like This one from Michelin. All that matters is that you get the right tire size and pick single or dual. It doesn't matter that your Hankooks are all season and the Michelins are ribs. Only the size and wheel position. There's no need to overinflate the rears. All it does is worsen the ride. BUT!!! Don't run the FRONT with any more pressure than the Load calls for! Coach will track much better with the correct pressure for the weight on the front axle.
  • pconroy328's avatar
    pconroy328
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2015
    Denver9 wrote:

    Also, the tire brand is Hankook. anyone have experience with that brand? The price was great.
    -Denver9


    I had Hankook auto tires on my Sonata. They were fine. A bit rougher and louder than my new set, but fine. They're a name brand (albeit Korean).
  • sandblast's avatar
    sandblast
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2015
    j-d wrote:
    What Capri said... He's a tire man and great to have around here.
    Hankook seems to be working out very well. If they are "LT" and Load Range "D" they'll work on E350. Most tires in that size are Load Range "E" which is required for E450 (or the late 1990's "E-Super Duty", same vehicle). More common is the LT225/75R16. The LT125/85R16 is a little taller and a little narrow than the 225/75 but has the same pressure-to-load ratings.

    Learn to read Tire Date Codes. Refer to the top example. The rest are exceptions.

    As an example, "0215" would mean second week of January this year.
    "2614" would mean they were made middle of last year.


    j_d



    great reply








    Then go to a Truck Scale (like CAT Scales in this directory) and get at least front and rear axle weights, loaded and occupied as for a trip. Inflate the tires according to a chart like This one from Michelin. All that matters is that you get the right tire size and pick single or dual. It doesn't matter that your Hankooks are all season and the Michelins are ribs. Only the size and wheel position. There's no need to overinflate the rears. All it does is worsen the ride. BUT!!! Don't run the FRONT with any more pressure than the Load calls for! Coach will track much better with the correct pressure for the weight on the front axle.
  • Denver9's avatar
    Denver9
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2015
    Mystery
    cleared up, I think:
    I looked at the actual tires and they are Hankook Dynapro HT. But they are of the LT series. I guess the HT is just part of the name
    Denver
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Feb 01, 2015
    Are they Listed on This Page?
    If the size includes "LT" as opposed to "P" they should be what you need for an RV. Another tip that they are, is TWO Service Descriptions. The LT types have two because they perform differently in Single and Dual Applications.
    I stress this because not all the Dynapro tires are "LT". Our sizes are available in "P" as well as "LT" and "P" won't carry our load.

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