New Michelin LTX M/S2 Dually clearance issue??

[Silverado_Kid]

Had my Bridestone tires for 7 years before one finally blew. I figured it was time to replace them all.:(
I have always liked Michelin tires. I order 6 new tires, LTX M/S2 for my 2003 Chevy 3500 Dually. This is the stock size,215/85R16 for the original steel rims.

When put on they look great.:) They also ride great.:)
BUT:?
When fully loaded with my 2003 Lance Camper they bulge leaving not more than 1/16 of an inch between the two tire. My trip to the Grand Canyon and back was a daily worry.

My question:
For Chevy Owners:
On a Chevy 3500 what is your gap size when fully loaded?
For All:
What tires do you feel have very little bulge and seem to be a stiffer tire?
Any other comments would also be appreciated?

Thanks in advance.

chuck

[2Gordons]

I have the BFG Commercial TA's (235/85 R16) on my dually. TC is an older Lance listed in my sig. You can check empty weights for comparison (I'll guess 3300# dry?). Fully-loaded with gear and water, pulling the horse-trailer (3' torque-lift extension) gives us approx. 1/2" space between interior sidewalls at 80 lbs.

It's a heavy setup, whatever the actual numbers are. I've been very happy with this tire... I've got 4+ years and 50,000+ miles on them. They will be replaced in the spring (if not sooner) with the same. TC is on the rig all summer, and the truck is used extensively for hunting in the fall, both with camper and without. Traction has been good, I think, given the conditions I use them in.

I had newer (2 yr. old) BFG's on the front that were just recalled with warranty issues. Since I was going to get 2 new tires of any brand of my choosing, the shop sold me Michelin LTX M&S/2's. I was thinking about putting them on the back, but figured why? For the difference in price as drive tires, the BFG's have been fine.

FWIW,

Don

[Silverado_Kid]

larry barnhart
Mine are E rated, NOT D
I talked to the tire shop and they are willing to allow me to fill my tanks and swap tires to see the gap width. The problem is I can only do the tires they have in stock. The Michelin XPS is a tire they do not stock. I really wanted to see this tire.

I do not want to start a tire war, but does anyone have any suggestions of tires that have stiff sidewalls. So far, I am going to try the BFG Commercial TA. I would like to try maybe one other.

[larry_barnhart]

mguay wrote:
GTO66 made an interesting statement....His 03 had D's not E's from the factory. SilveradoKid...are your M/S2's D's or E's?

That would make them "Kiss"!

I have been looking at tires for the silveradokid at our rv resort and I can tell you it is the brand difference not the load range.
chevman

[Silverado_Kid]

mguay-- Mine are E's

cyack555 The big question I have for you. Do you know how much space is between them when loaded? I would really be interested in know that. So far, I am almost sure the BFG will work, but I still do like the Michelin.(It is probably the fat guy with all the tires around him that does it for me.)

GT066 I will have an answer before that, I promise. I will PM you when I make the change.

[GTO66]

silveradokid,I'll keep checking back to see how your test goes.I won't be buying tires till next summer.The tires I was looking at are the BFG commercial.Like I said mine are ok with just the camper and I don't plan to take the trailer again till next summer.

[cyack555]

I have a 05 chevy 3500, just put on the michelin xps tractions on size 215/85/16 with no rubbing issues whatsoever when loaded, pricey tires, but am very happy with them. was gonna go with the MS/2, pop's has them on his 2500 HD setup, they do have more sidewall flex IMO.

[mguay]

GTO66 made an interesting statement....His 03 had D's not E's from the factory. SilveradoKid...are your M/S2's D's or E's?

That would make them "Kiss"!

[Silverado_Kid]

harvwong I do not have an explanation. You are a 2001, so my guess is we have the same rim offset. Seems that there are a few truck that have over 1/2 inch. Personally, I think when you start getting less than 1/2 that is to close. 1/16 is way to close for me. Thanks for the feedback.

[Silverado_Kid]

GTO66
I think it possible without spacer. There are a few on the site that do not have issues. I too, when i had my bridgestones did not have any issue and the spacing loaded was > 1/2. The LTX is a very soft tire concentrating more on the ride/comfort. Don't get me wrong in it can handle the towing, also. It just seem not be the right fit for some Duallys.

If you can wait a few weeks, I believe I will have some answers. I am planning on loading my tanks with water which should put me a little over weight and test a few tires. My 1st two tires to test are going to be the Michelin XPS and BFG Commercial. My gut is either is going to work. If you have an alternate let me know and I can try to have those tested, too.

[GTO66]

I have the same issue with the rear duels being to close.My truck is a 2003 gmc,it must be one of the few 3500 which came with good year tires with a D rating.One dealer said it was because it was two wheel drive.With just the camper on the truck I don't think they touch.My last trip I also towed a 20' enclosed trailer and I'm sure they touch on occasion.I posted a thread on spacers a while back and was steered to freds as being one of the best.I have not went that route yet as I was going to replace the tires with E rated in hopes the side walls would be stiffer.After reading this thread I'm having my doubts.

[harvwong]

I've got the exact same tires on my truck and with the camper on, I've got at least 1/2" between the tires. The tires are always at 80psi and the total weight is usually at or just above the GVWR.

[Silverado_Kid]

edm3rd
Ya, it would be an option. The positive side is my are steel, so I probably could get a matching rim pretty easy. Powder coated Grey. I could do it here at work if I had, too.
thanks for the suggestion

[The_Mad_Norsky]

Silverado Kid wrote:
Hey, do me a favor and PM--I notice you have a 2011 Ford now. Before long I need to get another truck. If my injectors go, I am SOL due to the fact they have to rip my engine apart. Anyway, having both a Chevy and a Ford-What do you like or dislike between the two?
Thanks

Will do, it may be later on this evening; just browsing on the forum now and got to do some running around first.

[edm3rd]

What I was trying to say was if you bought 2 wheels with same rim width, but different offset/backspacing from what you already have wouldn't that have the same effect as using spacers ? (I'm not a fan of spacers). Put one new wheel on each side of the truck, and it moves the rims farther apart.
What I don't know is whether to put the new one on the inside (moving the inside rim toward the diff), or get new rims with the opposite offset (which moves the outside rim toward the fender). Either approach should work by moving the 2 rims further apart, issue would be making sure you have clearance with fender on the outside and clearance with wheel well on the inside while getting enough space between the two wheels.

I think you bought great tires, I was trying to think of the least expensive way to make them work. Gut feeling is replace the 2 inside rims with proper offset - they don't show anyway and using your 2 of your existing wheels outside will match your front wheels. Am pretty sure some duallies come with steel wheels inside and fancier alloy wheels mounted outside.

A more-experienced wheel/tire man could probablly hook you up at the least cost.

[Silverado_Kid]

The Mad Norsky Thanks--Ok. Interesting. Ya, I have seen rims with smaller holes, but it looks like a lot of work to get thru the rim holes to air. The steel rims are heavy, but I figure if I get a blow out they may do a little better than the aluminum, plus it one less cost.

Hey, do me a favor and PM--I notice you have a 2011 Ford now. Before long I need to get another truck. If my injectors go, I am SOL due to the fact they have to rip my engine apart. Anyway, having both a Chevy and a Ford-What do you like or dislike between the two?
Thanks