Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Tires
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90521 is a reply to message #90520] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 10:32   |
pete lyons
Messages: 81
Registered: June 2010
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I think I put firestones on 5 years ago for $100 each. i did go with an "E"
rated tire as opposed to a "D" rated.
Love them! Just getting ready for their first rotation.
On Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 11:30 AM, James Hupy <jamesh1296@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know about consensus but in my limited exposure in the NW it is
> about a toss up between Michelins and B.F. Goodrich T/A's, with Kumho in
> there too. FWIW.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 Royale 403
>
> On Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 8:07 AM, Jose' Silva <jhsilva19@verizon.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Is there any consensus with regard to tires in general ..
> Recommendations
> > . (with apologies to all for this annoying question)
> >
> > J. Silva
> > 73 Sequoia
> > _______________________________________________
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--
Pete Lyons
New Albany, IN
76 Eleganza II "Optimus Prime"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90523 is a reply to message #90518] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 10:42 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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| jhsilva19 wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:07 |
Is there any consensus with regard to tires in general .. Recommendations
. (with apologies to all for this annoying question)
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The question is not annoying, but the answers can be.
There is no real consensus across those who give advice about GMCs for many aspects of the tire discussion, but there is an emerging consensus among GMCnet regulars.
Most of us recommend ragwall tires inflated according to the manufacturer's load/inflation tables. Therefore, avoid tires that say "all-steel" or that say they have steel fabric in the sidewalls. The tires to get will have polyester fabric in the sidewalls, and the only steel fabric will be the belts. So, "steel-belted" is okay, "all-steel" is not.
Inflation pressure has been the subject of battle and war on GMCnet back in the deeps of time. Most now recommend using what the tire manufacturers recommend. For my lightweight coach, I use 60 or 65 in the front in 45 in the back, and the back is still probably over-inflated a bit. Few here will still recommend using the 80-psi inflation in all-steel Load Range E tires as recommended by Cinnabar. Thinking about that recommendation, I think someone mistook the GMC for a train car. The manufacturers all post inflation tables for their light-truck tires, with a given inflation pressure handling up to an indicated load.
There is less consensus on the Load Range D/E thing. Most are probably using E-rated tires, but few have coaches heavy enough on any wheel to need more than 65 psi, according to the manufacturer's inflation tables, so there is no compelling need to use E-rated tires. (D-rated tires accept up to 65 psi cold inflation pressure; E tires up to 80). Some think the extra scrub associated with the front-pointed forward bogie suggests a more rugged tire such as one with an E rating. Up to you. I've had D tires on my (lightweight) coach with no issue. The current tires have an E rating, mostly because that's what my tire guy found for cheap.
Regarding brand, there is no consensus. I have bought whatever was cheap, but some defend spending far more on premium brands. Of those, the brand choices seem to be more based on tradition than objective fact. With one exception: Nobody is a big fan of Firestone tires, me included. BF Goodrich Commercial T/A Radials have always been popular here. The tires I'm using are Heritage something-or-other, made in China reportedly in the same plant as are Goodyears.
Everyone generally agrees that tires only live about six years, especially when used on motorhomes that are only driven occasionally. When the tires get that old, they are ready for replacement, even if the tread is still good.
Then, there is size. If you change to 16" wheels (or if your coach already has them), tires that have the same rolling diameter as the factory tires will be LT225/75R16 in size. Some have used tires up to 245's, but with some coaches there may be clearance issues. If you still have the original steel wheels, there is another problem, and a big one. GMC switched to radial tires in '75. The steel wheels used on '73 and '74 coaches are not rated for radial tires, and it is possible that the wheels will fail under the different load patterns imposed by radial tires. If you have the original steel wheels on your '73, you have three alternatives:
1. Take this opportunity to replace the wheels with 16" wheels. There are some steel wheels from later dually trucks that will fit and clear the brake calipers. Most will buy either Alcoa or Eagle replacement wheels to enjoy the benefits of lower weight and also because they look better. Eagles are cheaper than Alcoas, and they all work. They are all available from Applied GMC (Jim Kanomata). If you buy Eagles and use the supplied hub caps, make sure you get the stainless steel caps--the chromed caps rust in about 15 minutes.
2. Find someone with a later coach who just did No. 1 and obtain the original wheels they removed. You'll still be stuck finding 16.5" tires, but the wheels will at least have a radial rating.
3. Install the originally specified bias-ply tires. That is, if you can find them. This is the least desirable of your choices, in my view.
Rick "who did No. 2 initially, followed by No. 1 when those tires aged out" Denney
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90537 is a reply to message #90523] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 12:39 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Rick Denney wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:42 |
| jhsilva19 wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:07 |
Is there any consensus with regard to tires in general .. Recommendations
. (with apologies to all for this annoying question)
|
The question is not annoying, but the answers can be.
<snip>
Regarding brand, there is no consensus.<snip>
With one exception: Nobody is a big fan of Firestone tires, me included.
Then, there is size. If you change to 16" wheels (or if your coach already has them), tires that have the same rolling diameter as the factory tires will be LT225/75R16 in size.
<snip>
If you have the original steel wheels on your '73, you have three alternatives:
1. Take this opportunity to replace the wheels with 16" wheels. There are some steel wheels from later dually trucks that will fit and clear the brake calipers. Most will buy either Alcoa or Eagle replacement wheels to enjoy the benefits of lower weight and also because they look better. Eagles are cheaper than Alcoas, and they all work. They are all available from Applied GMC (Jim Kanomata). If you buy Eagles and use the supplied hub caps, make sure you get the stainless steel caps--the chromed caps rust in about 15 minutes.
2. Find someone with a later coach who just did No. 1 and obtain the original wheels they removed. You'll still be stuck finding 16.5" tires, but the wheels will at least have a radial rating.
3. Install the originally specified bias-ply tires. That is, if you can find them. This is the least desirable of your choices, in my view.
Rick "who did No. 2 initially, followed by No. 1 when those tires aged out" Denney
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Rick provided a good summary, but left out the fact that if you still have 16.5 wheels, your choices are very limited and the supply is poor (meaning you are likely to get stuck paying full price for old tires).
I decided that I liked Firestone tires because they were the only supplier that would cooperate enough to get me 7 new tires. I personally find the ride and handling both acceptable and I am not easy to please. If I had a choice, I am not sure what it would be. Buying for quality and wear is not all that applicable as there is little chance you will wear them out and ALL tires have a life of five to eight years at best. (This is why you have to check the date codes on any tires you are offered.)
I have been trying to locate GMC 3500 rims of the correct age for a while, I have been offered some that do not fit and they were 80$us Used and not in great condition. This makes new rims from JimK look like a good option (if you can afford them).
Good Luck
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90539 is a reply to message #90518] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 12:45 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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I have 16.5's. The tires suck. The choices suck. My tires are 6 yrs old with less than 300 mi on them. I am getting 16" alum and Commercial TA's... soon.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90542 is a reply to message #90537] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 12:52 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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| mcolie wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 13:39 |
I decided that I liked Firestone tires because they were the only supplier that would cooperate enough to get me 7 new tires. I personally find the ride and handling both acceptable and I am not easy to please.
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I don't recall hearing of issues with the ride and handling, but they do seem to have a higher-than-usual incidence of tread separation.
Rick "not interested in tread separations on a GMC" Denney
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90543 is a reply to message #90539] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 12:56 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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I have access to 16" Steel wheels that are new truck takeoffs. I have
available 21 wheels. They are radial rated, safe for inflation pressure to
80 psi and are load rated for 2440 pounds. The only drawback to using these
wheels is that if you are running disc brakes, then there will be caliper
clearance issues because of the backspacing. I have posted photos on the
gmcmhphotos site that shows a workaround for the front end. Feel free to
contact me and I'l explain further.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 Royale 403
On Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 10:45 AM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com>wrote:
>
>
> I have 16.5's. The tires suck. The choices suck. My tires are 6 yrs old
> with less than 300 mi on them. I am getting 16" alum and Commercial TA's...
> soon.
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> 77 Ex-Kingsley 455, Power Drive, 3:21 FD, Quadra bag. The Engineer's
> Motorhome
> Scottsdale, AZ
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90544 is a reply to message #90527] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 13:00 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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| Duce Apocalypse wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:22 |
Anyone here have used Hercules Terra trac radial rib or Ironman A/P tires? they are US made and sem like a good wheel. I saw them on a minibus while my bus for work was in the shop. They seem inexpensive, but good quality tires... http://www.herculestire.com/catalogHercules/herculesLT-SUV_Index.asp
Anyone?
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Duce,
I put 6 of the Ironman A/P tires on my coach last September. The tread pattern is almost identical to the Michelin MS, and nearly half the price. We drove them 6000 miles last winter. My only complaint is that they don't have a good dealer network established throughout the country yet. Had one tire that did not balance out right at first install. I used balancing beads for balance, and I could feel that the one tire was not balancing out. The dealer took the tire/rim off, broke the tire down, vacuumed out the beads and balance the tire with lead weights. I headed south. In Tennessee, while not as bad, the tire was still bouncing. Considering that our suspension (especially the shocks) are sensitive to breakage, I asked that the tire be replaced. I could not find a dealer along our route that handled the Ironman tire. It would have cost a lot of extra time and money in gas to take us our of our way to get to a dealer. I ended up running my 6yr old spare until I got home. The dealer then replaced the tire for free. If I had it to do again, I'd opt for a better known tire that has an established dealer network. JMHO
I also have Hercules tires on two of my other vehicles. Tires on the Honda Civic have given me excellent service. On my Buick, one of the tires did not balance out on initial install. The dealer rebalanced and it was OK. Then my wife hit a rock in the road and busted out the sidewall of that same tire. After replacement, I suddenly got a computer code "Check Tire Pressure". All four were the same pressure. After resetting the code several times and checking pressures, I reasoned that with 3 tires at 1/2 tread and 1 tire at 100% tread, the computer is counting tire revolutions, (a part of the anti-lock brake system) and concluding that one or more of the tires is low on pressure. So now I'm stuck with a "check tire pressure " code until I get the next set of tires... MAN!! Sometimes ya just can't win...
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90556 is a reply to message #90518] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 15:39 |
rscortezzo
Messages: 49
Registered: January 2007
Location: Green Valley Arizona/ Flo...
Karma: 0
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Member |
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I bought Kumho Road Venture AT's from Tire
Rack for $100.00 a tire. They ship to an approved
installer, and are mounted for about 17.00 per tire.
Very happy with the tires and Tire Rack for there Customer
Service, and the installer.
Rich Cortezzo
Green Valley AZ
1978 Eleganza II
F389018
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90557 is a reply to message #90544] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 15:44 |
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Well sounds like as long as a dealer is near by then no problem since I'm in LA I've seen their trucks and there is a distribution center near me so getting a replacement shouldn't be a big deal. My old 16.5 tires are getting "tired" are the ironman tires also us made?
| Larry wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 13:00 |
| Duce Apocalypse wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:22 |
Anyone
here have used Hercules Terra trac radial rib or Ironman A/P tires? they are US made and sem like a good wheel. I saw them on a minibus while my bus for work was in the shop. They seem inexpensive, but good quality tires... http://www.herculestire.com/catalogHercules/herculesLT-SUV_Index.asp
Anyone?
|
Duce,
I put 6 of the Ironman A/P tires on my coach last September. The tread pattern is almost identical to the Michelin MS, and nearly half the price. We drove them 6000 miles last winter. My only complaint is that they don't have a good dealer network established throughout the country yet. Had one tire that did not balance out right at first install. I used balancing beads for balance, and I could feel that the one tire was not balancing out. The dealer took the tire/rim off, broke the tire down, vacuumed out the beads and balance the tire with lead weights. I headed south. In Tennessee, while not as bad, the tire was still bouncing. Considering that our suspension (especially the shocks) are sensitive to breakage, I asked that the tire be replaced. I could not find a dealer along our route that handled the Ironman tire. It would have cost a lot of extra time and money in gas to take us our of our way to get to a dealer. I ended up running my 6yr old spare until I got home. The dealer then replaced the tire for free. If I had it to do again, I'd opt for a better known tire that has an established dealer network. JMHO
I also have Hercules tires on two of my other vehicles. Tires on the Honda Civic have given me excellent service. On my Buick, one of the tires did not balance out on initial install. The dealer rebalanced and it was OK. Then my wife hit a rock in the road and busted out the sidewall of that same tire. After replacement, I suddenly got a computer code "Check Tire Pressure". All four were the same pressure. After resetting the code several times and checking pressures, I reasoned that with 3 tires at 1/2 tread and 1 tire at 100% tread, the computer is counting tire revolutions, (a part of the anti-lock brake system) and concluding that one or more of the tires is low on pressure. So now I'm stuck with a "check tire pressure " code until I get the next set of tires... MAN!! Sometimes ya just can't win...
|
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90558 is a reply to message #90539] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 16:52 |
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1977Production#0001
Messages: 197
Registered: January 2010
Location: Vallejo, California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Chr$ wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 10:45 |
I have 16.5's. The tires suck. The choices suck. My tires are 6 yrs old with less than 300 mi on them. I am getting 16" alum and Commercial TA's... soon.
|
As much as the 16.5 Tires and the Tire choices suck, the 16.5 wheels REALLY SUCK. You will be amazed at how quiet and smooth the Alcoa's are with the BFG's Comm TA. Now that I have the air presure correct, I am with Dan and Terri -Handles like a newer Caddilac and rides like an airplane. MUCH quieter overall too- before the 16.5's were my governor at 65, now it will quietly creep to 80 mph without a wobble or a bobble . Even though I only needed 4 tires, I opted to upgrade to 16's meaning the purchase the 6 wheels and 6 tires and on the 6 month anniversary of Carbon Footprint's purchase- I still don't regret now being $10,000 over budget instead of $7,000. (I had thought the 3K coach could be ready for summer with an additional $2,000) Yea Right!
Giovanni(Carlo) 1977 GMC Kingsley 26ft
"Carbon Footprint"
Rear Twin, Dry Bath, Original Headliner
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| [GMCnet] Tires [message #90562 is a reply to message #90544] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 17:11 |
storm'n
Messages: 492
Registered: April 2007
Location: Ont. Can
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Duce
I put a set of Hercules MRX on my Buick a few months ago & I'm not happy. Out of balance right out of the shop. The dealer broke down 1 tire & remounted & said try that. Had vibration all the way to Florida. Found a Hercules dealer in Leesburg who said he dropped them because of complaints. All he could do was shave the tire & it took 1/4 oz. to balance. Was better but is vibrating again. The tire is out of round again but my local dealer won't warranty it bcause I had it shaved. These tires were balanced on a Road Force balancer. Also they are noisy, Sound like knobby snow tires. I'm not finished with him yet.
Norm
Bowmanville On.
Ex GMCer
Duce Apocalypse wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 11:22
> Anyone here have used Hercules Terra trac radial rib or Ironman A/P tires? they are US made and sem like a good wheel. I saw them on a minibus while my bus for work was in the shop. They seem inexpensive, but good quality tires... http://www.herculestire.com/catalogHercules/herculesLT-SUV_Index.asp
>
> Anyone?
Duce,
I put 6 of the Ironman A/P tires on my coach last September. The tread pattern is almost identical to the Michelin MS, and nearly half the price. We drove them 6000 miles last winter. My only complaint is that they don't have a good dealer network established throughout the country yet. Had one tire that did not balance out right at first install. I used balancing beads for balance, and I could feel that the one tire was not balancing out. The dealer took the tire/rim off, broke the tire down, vacuumed out the beads and balance the tire with lead weights. I headed south. In Tennessee, while not as bad, the tire was still bouncing. Considering that our suspension (especially the shocks) are sensitive to breakage, I asked that the tire be replaced. I could not find a dealer along our route that handled the Ironman tire. It would have cost a lot of extra time and money in gas to take us our of our way to get to a dealer. I ended up running
my 6yr old spare until I got h
ome. The dealer then replaced the tire for free. If I had it to do again, I'd opt for a better known tire that has an established dealer network. JMHO
I also have Hercules tires on two of my other vehicles. Tires on the Honda Civic have given me excellent service. On my Buick, one of the tires did not balance out on initial install. The dealer rebalanced and it was OK. Then my wife hit a rock in the road and busted out the sidewall of that same tire. After replacement, I suddenly got a computer code "Check Tire Pressure". All four were the same pressure. After resetting the code several times and checking pressures, I reasoned that with 3 tires at 1/2 tread and 1 tire at 100% tread, the computer is counting tire revolutions, (a part of the anti-lock brake system) and concluding that one or more of the tires is low on pressure. So now I'm stuck with a "check tire pressure " code until I get the next set of tires...:( MAN!! Sometimes ya just can't win...
--
Larry :)
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90567 is a reply to message #90542] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 17:46 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Rick Denney wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 13:52 |
| mcolie wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 13:39 |
I decided that I liked Firestone tires because they were the only supplier that would cooperate enough to get me 7 new tires. I personally find the ride and handling both acceptable and I am not easy to please.
|
I don't recall hearing of issues with the ride and handling, but they do seem to have a higher-than-usual incidence of tread separation.
Rick "not interested in tread separations on a GMC" Denney
|
Rick,
It may not have been your remark, but I have been trapping every remark that applies to 8.75*16.5 for a few years.
Now, tread separation, that does merit some concern.
I would prefer to have 16" wheels, but with no regular income except SS and my major investments gone (thank you BHO) that may not happen in this life.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90586 is a reply to message #90518] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 19:22 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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| jhsilva19 wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 08:07 |
Is there any consensus with regard to tires in general .. Recommendations
. (with apologies to all for this annoying question)
J. Silva
73 Sequoia
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Very happy with Toyo Open Country, E rating. 10K+ miles. Measuring tread depth I can discern no difference between front and back. (I rarely tow.) Rides like velvet.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
[Updated on: Wed, 30 June 2010 19:23] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tires [message #90595 is a reply to message #90574] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 21:18 |
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well isnt that what he spare is for? I just dont wanna use china tires on my rig...
| Larry wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 18:41 |
| Duce Apocalypse wrote on Wed, 30 June 2010 15:44 |
Well sounds like as long as a dealer is near by then no problem since I'm in LA I've seen their trucks and there is a distribution center near me so getting a replacement shouldn't be a big deal. My old 16.5 tires are getting "tired" are the ironman tires also us made?
|
Humm...well maybe...but what happens when you head across country. These things *never* break at home ya know...
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73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
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