Sliding-into-ho
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Re: 19.5 Hankook DH35 vs XDS2
Bedlam wrote: Last Fall, my Toyo M655's were about $425/ea shipped to my door. I could find a matched manufacter date set when I looked locally. How you liking those? I had the same issue 4 months back and the guy at Les Schwab had so many hours of back and forth emails with me that I decided to pay more for my 2nd choice tires to compensate him for his efforts (I'm dumb like that). Hopefully you've had a chance to do some snow/ice driving on them?912Views0likes0CommentsRe: 19.5 Hankook DH35 vs XDS2
Considered it, but decided to stick with recommended positioning. In retrospect, it doesn't seem like it would have made much difference based on the shape of the HS3's, but I couldn't say for sure without trying both. The HS3s also have the snowflake symbol, but clearly aren't as winter oriented as XDS2s. I may get XDS2s for the front if I feel I need them, but I will regret not having been able to put a couple thousand miles on them in the summer to get them a bit more compliant. But hey! I guess I could put the rear tires on the front at that point!263Views0likes0CommentsRe: 19.5 Hankook DH35 vs XDS2
I was very interested in the DH35s with AH35s on the front, but couldn't get any. Ended up with the new conti steer tires (HS3 hybrid) and XDS2 on the rear axle. I have no previous experience with 19.5s, but no complaints so far. True test will be winter (main reason for XDS2).263Views0likes0CommentsRe: Might sell the F450 and go F550 with liquid springs
Did I understand the OP correctly in that we're worried solely about the weight of additional suspension components? Part of your problem could be that airbags are a terrible suspension upgrade for truck campers. After years of forums and friends saying great things about airbags, I finally bit the bullet. Dual path and remote adjustability. I've played with all manor of combinations of stableload settings, rancho 9000xl settings, Hellwig settings and air pressures ranging from 5-75lbs. The more I air up, the scarier things get. My experience may or may not be relevant to yours, but the 450 is plenty of truck for your camper. I might play with your suspension configuration before replacing it with a 550.631Views0likes0CommentsRe: Which 19.5" tire to choose
Grit dog wrote: Sliding-into-home wrote: Good info. Very curious if you log much snow/ice driving on them. Could be a good option for a steer tire at the very least. I just put my Nokian Hakka LTs back on for the 3rd season. Still not showing any signs of wear. Still like velcro. They've thrown a few studs though. Only problem is they're only rated for 3600-ish lbs. To my knowledge there isn't a 19.5" Nokian 3pmsf tire, but if anyone else knows otherwise, let me know! If you’re worried about the traction, the bigger question is why after 2 years of hauling the camper around on E tires, is it an issue? Are you creating a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist? Sorry I guess I missed this reply. I'm not worried about traction with my current set-up. Not at all. But I have a NL 9-6 right now with a family of 3, and my boy is closing in on 6ft tall. So it's time to upgrade to something with slides and more room. We're not the typical campers who can spend a decent amount of time outside the camper or who can avoid driving up snowy/icy mountains every week. We go regardless of the weather. Once we're in for the night (around 4pm), all 3 of us are in until the next morning. So we need space. And the tires need to get the job done with as little compromise as possible. The Load E tires have done that admirably with the Northern Lite, and now I'm looking for the Load H tires that do 80% as well (I don't imagine I'll be able to keep pace with the subarus and Audis anymore). As JimH says, a DRW is the best answer (it almost always is on this site, right?). That is also an option if I can find the right one at the right price. Anyway, homing in on Vision 81b (confirmed that's the model, finally, due to the deep hubs) with 245/70/19.5s in a TBD make/model. I guess Nokian does make those after all. On the short list they go along with the Toyos and Michelins.1.8KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Which 19.5" tire to choose
Good info. Very curious if you log much snow/ice driving on them. Could be a good option for a steer tire at the very least. I just put my Nokian Hakka LTs back on for the 3rd season. Still not showing any signs of wear. Still like velcro. They've thrown a few studs though. Only problem is they're only rated for 3600-ish lbs. To my knowledge there isn't a 19.5" Nokian 3pmsf tire, but if anyone else knows otherwise, let me know!743Views0likes0CommentsRe: Which 19.5" tire to choose
jimh425 wrote: there are 18s now that approach the load rating of 19.5s at 4080 lbs for the 18s. That might be worth a consideration. If you aren’t maxing out the pressure on the 19.5s, you could end up being equal with no ability to air down when the TC isn’t on the truck much past 70. You’ll pop the bead on a 19.5 if you air down. Also, the speed rating is much less on most 19.5s. Thanks Jim, Michelin's site suggests air ranges from 75 - 120. That said, the camper is always on the truck, and when it's not, it just a quick trip to the lumber yard. Also, Those XDEs are just under 5000 lbs with a snowflake rating. Not sure which 4000lb tire you're referencing. Wonder if it's snowflake. I have the Nokian LTs right now and they've been great. I'm just thinking of a heavier camper (or upgrading to a dually, but changing trucks seemed like an easier proposition before the pandemic).744Views0likes0CommentsRe: Which 19.5" tire to choose
Figure I'd bump this thread instead of creating a new one. Seems that rv.net is the only place to find any detailed discussion of 19.5" wheels/tires for TC applications. Go figure! I'll cut right to the chase. Is this what I want for my F-350 SRW? Vision 81A (or 81b, apparently?) 4.25 backspace, 8x170. There are a ton of other model options there, and if anyone has a quick comment on the relevant considerations, that would be much appreciated. https://www.visionwheel.com/wheel/867/VisionHDTruck/Trailer/81A%20Heavy%20Hauler?finishID=12 For drive tires: https://www.michelintruck.com/tires-and-retreads/selector/info/xds2-19.5 Pretty much decided there. For steering tires, I really want snowflakes (lots of mountain/winter driving). Doesn't look like Michelin does that. Anyone else?793Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anyone running the Baja Designs Amber S2 driving / combo ?
Got the squadrons because they fit where my stock fog lights are. And KD Fabworks makes a bracket for my truck that only accepts those or the Ridgid equivalent. Cheaper lights out there for sure, but the quality, weather sealing, and warranty is there.219Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anyone running the Baja Designs Amber S2 driving / combo ?
Squadron Sport SPOT + Squadron Sport WIDE DRIVING. I wanted individual control of each pattern, plus I think I may downgrade to the SAE WIDE lights so I don't have to turn them off for oncoming vehicles. Then I can just use the SPOTS for the super bad snow. The combo unit should work just fine, but it's not SAE (so you should treat it like you use your brights). https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/squadron-sport-pair-amber-led-driving-combo.asp219Views0likes0Comments
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