Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Over Sized Tires: whos running them?
| Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96930] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 14:46  |
|
|
As I'm getting close to buying tires, I was thinking of going to 245 tires. It seems like they would be a good choice for more grab on the road. I wanna hear from guys who have tried one size larger tires and how did it work out? Any clearance issues? I have a 73 CL so it looks like the extra inch of tire shouldn't be a problem. I know it will mean a slightly taller FD ratio, but I was planning a shorter FD when I get my caddy motor in eventually.
Basically I wanna hear about ride and handeling with the larger tire, also any adverse effects like drop in mpg or increase in heat....
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96931 is a reply to message #96930] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 14:51  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Shan,
73 coaches can drop so low as to damage the wheel well liner -- 245's would make this even worse -- so if you go to them make some provisions.
Dennis S
73 PD 230
Germantown, TN
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Shan Rose <defconfx@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 2:46 pm
Subject: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them?
As I'm getting close to buying tires, I was thinking of going to 245 tires. It
eems like they would be a good choice for more grab on the road. I wanna hear
rom guys who have tried one size larger tires and how did it work out? Any
learance issues? I have a 73 CL so it looks like the extra inch of tire
houldn't be a problem. I know it will mean a slightly taller FD ratio, but I
as planning a shorter FD when I get my caddy motor in eventually.
Basically I wanna hear about ride and handeling with the larger tire, also any
dverse effects like drop in mpg or increase in heat....
______________________________________________
MCnet mailing list
ist Information and Subscription Options:
ttp://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96932 is a reply to message #96930] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 14:55 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
When I purchased my coach in 06, it had 245 tires on it. When I replaced the
tires in 07 and 08 I kept the 245's and have been very pleased with them. To my
knowledge there are no problems or clearance issues. We have a 3:46 final drive
and we tow a cargo trailer with a Harley in it and often travel full of water as
we dry camp a lot. I've always considered the coaches overall performance to be
very good.
Down the road when I purchase new tires, they will again be the 245's.
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Shan Rose <defconfx@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, August 23, 2010 2:46:03 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them?
As I'm getting close to buying tires, I was thinking of going to 245 tires. It
seems like they would be a good choice for more grab on the road. I wanna hear
from guys who have tried one size larger tires and how did it work out? Any
clearance issues? I have a 73 CL so it looks like the extra inch of tire
shouldn't be a problem. I know it will mean a slightly taller FD ratio, but I
was planning a shorter FD when I get my caddy motor in eventually.
Basically I wanna hear about ride and handeling with the larger tire, also any
adverse effects like drop in mpg or increase in heat....
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96960 is a reply to message #96940] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 18:40 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
When I got my coach - and I really don't understand tire sizes - I had some tires that are oversized as far as diameter. I drove it with the rear end too low - my fault - and I scraped a fender skirt (flare) and rubbed and destroyed an airbag. You damn right you can mess up with too big tires on your coach...especially if you are a novice. This was my fault, but Ken Henderson and his son, who furnished a good used airbag, bailed me out of a bad situation. Suffice it to say, I am VERY aware of leveling the coach correctly AND I now have Shrader (sp) valves on the offending bag as well as under the twin in the back. I can pump her up if need be.
My tires are good, but beginning to get a little "long in the tooth". I really wanted to replace 2 per year, but may reconsider if my ship comes in.
Be careful of the wrong sized tire, especially if you "know not what you do".
Hopefully, Ken will jump in here with details.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96972 is a reply to message #96960] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 20:32 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Quote: |
..... I was thinking of going to 245 tires......
|
What's the rest of the story? 245 What? 60,65,70,75,80,85? Different brands and different models of the same brand can have significantly different physical dimensions.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96974 is a reply to message #96960] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 20:33 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Here's a useful chart for selecting tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=53
<http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=53>In Stick's
case, five of the six tires on the coach were 215-85R16's, with a nominal
diameter of 31". The more common 225-75R16's nominal diameter is 29.5", the
same as the OEM 8.75R16.5 and the 245-70R16's.
That 3/4" difference in radius doesn't sound like much, but with the
suspension bottomed, with the air bag pressure possibly almost nil, the air
bag bulged over the end cone enough for the tire to rub a hole in the bag.
Also, at normal ride height, the tires cleared the fender skirts pretty
well -- but when all the way down, the tires rubbed on the fiberglass, to
the detriment of the glass.
In the case of a '73, with the known fact that the OEM tire size will allow
contact with the wheel well, using tires that 1-1/2" larger could cause
really severe interference.
So, Shan, if you do go to 245 tires, be sure they're 245-70R16 NOT
245-75R16, which are 31" in diameter!
I haven't checked, but I DON'T think 245-70R16 is available in LRD or LRE
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 7:40 PM, Stick Miller <stickmiller@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> When I got my coach - and I really don't understand tire sizes - I had some
> tires that are oversized as far as diameter. I drove it with the rear end
> too low - my fault - and I scraped a fender skirt (flare) and rubbed and
> destroyed an airbag. You damn right you can mess up with too big tires on
> your coach...especially if you are a novice. This was my fault, but Ken
> Henderson and his son, who furnished a good used airbag, bailed me out of a
> bad situation. Suffice it to say, I am VERY aware of leveling the coach
> correctly AND I now have Shrader (sp) valves on the offending bag as well as
> under the twin in the back. I can pump her up if need be.
>
> My tires are good, but beginning to get a little "long in the tooth". I
> really wanted to replace 2 per year, but may reconsider if my ship comes in.
>
> Be careful of the wrong sized tire, especially if you "know not what you
> do".
>
> Hopefully, Ken will jump in here with details.
> --
> Stick (I used to be skinny) Miller
> '78 Royale
> Americus, Georgia
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=35133
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #96989 is a reply to message #96930] |
Mon, 23 August 2010 22:02 |
|
|
Duce, I bought new Alcoas and BFG TA 245-75R16 in order to move my "new coach" from San Diego to Carson City. I bought them at Costco, at that time about $105 ea, IIRC (in '03). I did have Costco mount the tires on the wheels and then took them to Phil Swanson's home where the coach was parked. I now have about 3K miles on them and they still look new and the coach steers very well, no rut-running, etc. I just finished a 1600 mile journey to the FMCA rally in Redmond OR. I talked to Dan and he said he runs the same thing and has no problems. I guess the problem of the space above the tire could become difficult if it bottomed out, so I run 65# all around and am careful with the air bags, which are the same age. I am pleased.
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97015 is a reply to message #96974] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 12:15 |
|
|
Ken,
I dont think anyone makes a 245/70/16 LRE tire, that would be my obvious first choice if it were made! it looks like some others here have had good luck with BFG 245s but I think the cheapest I can find those here are gonna be close to $150 each! ouch.
Will probably wind up going with 225 tires to avoi any problems unless I can be sure I can sling 245s under the coach with no issues. I never drive with the bags empty, but someone mentioned equipment to raise the centerline of the bags? just curious as to my options before I sink extra scratch on tires, wanna get it right the first time for obvious reasons!
| Ken Henderson wrote on Mon, 23 August 2010 20:33 |
Here's a useful chart for selecting tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=53
<http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=53>In Stick's
case, five of the six tires on the coach were 215-85R16's, with a nominal
diameter of 31". The more common 225-75R16's nominal diameter is 29.5", the
same as the OEM 8.75R16.5 and the 245-70R16's.
That 3/4" difference in radius doesn't sound like much, but with the
suspension bottomed, with the air bag pressure possibly almost nil, the air
bag bulged over the end cone enough for the tire to rub a hole in the bag.
Also, at normal ride height, the tires cleared the fender skirts pretty
well -- but when all the way down, the tires rubbed on the fiberglass, to
the detriment of the glass.
In the case of a '73, with the known fact that the OEM tire size will allow
contact with the wheel well, using tires that 1-1/2" larger could cause
really severe interference.
So, Shan, if you do go to 245 tires, be sure they're 245-70R16 NOT
245-75R16, which are 31" in diameter!
I haven't checked, but I DON'T think 245-70R16 is available in LRD or LRE
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 7:40 PM, Stick Miller <stickmiller@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> When I got my coach - and I really don't understand tire sizes - I had some
> tires that are oversized as far as diameter. I drove it with the rear end
> too low - my fault - and I scraped a fender skirt (flare) and rubbed and
> destroyed an airbag. You damn right you can mess up with too big tires on
> your coach...especially if you are a novice. This was my fault, but Ken
> Henderson and his son, who furnished a good used airbag, bailed me out of a
> bad situation. Suffice it to say, I am VERY aware of leveling the coach
> correctly AND I now have Shrader (sp) valves on the offending bag as well as
> under the twin in the back. I can pump her up if need be.
>
> My tires are good, but beginning to get a little "long in the tooth". I
> really wanted to replace 2 per year, but may reconsider if my ship comes in.
>
> Be careful of the wrong sized tire, especially if you "know not what you
> do".
>
> Hopefully, Ken will jump in here with details.
> --
> Stick (I used to be skinny) Miller
> '78 Royale
> Americus, Georgia
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=35133
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
[Updated on: Tue, 24 August 2010 12:18] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97017 is a reply to message #97015] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 12:23 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Shan,
There are "bag lifters" available. They're just steel plates which attach
to each end of the bags and to the suspension arms to raise the bags about
2". The effect is to reduce the amount of air pressure required to maintain
a given ride height and to soften the ride. Raising the bags probably also
gives more tire clearance. The down side is that, as I understand it, the
suspension travel is slightly reduced.
I'm sure JimK probably carries them.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 1:15 PM, Shan Rose <defconfx@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I dont think anyone makes a 245/70/16 LRE tire, that would be my obvious
> first choice if it were made!...
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97046 is a reply to message #97045] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 18:02 |
 |
ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
What's the benefit of larger tires? Are you going off-road?
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Henderson" <hend4800@bellsouth.net>
To: "gmclist" <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 3:45:09 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them?
Hal,
After seeing the problems Stick has with LT215/85R16's I SURE wouldn't go
to 235's!
Ken H.
On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 5:51 PM, Hal Kading <halkading@fastwave.biz> wrote:
>
>
> An alternative to the LT245/75/R16 is the LT235/85/R16. Seems to be little
> difference between them.
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97047 is a reply to message #97046] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 18:30 |
|
|
Wet traction, I had a little fun in the rain going up a hill last winter when the tire woldnt grab and just smoked in the wet road. finally I had to raise the rear to max and have all my friends pile into the front to get it to stick. so a wider tire then the stock 8.75 woulda helped...
| ljdavick wrote on Tue, 24 August 2010 18:02 |
What's the benefit of larger tires? Are you going off-road?
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Henderson" <hend4800@bellsouth.net>
To: "gmclist" <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 3:45:09 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them?
Hal,
After seeing the problems Stick has with LT215/85R16's I SURE wouldn't go
to 235's!
Ken H.
On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 5:51 PM, Hal Kading <halkading@fastwave.biz> wrote:
>
>
> An alternative to the LT245/75/R16 is the LT235/85/R16. Seems to be little
> difference between them.
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97055 is a reply to message #97047] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 18:48 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Bigger tires will still not help you with the tire spin in wet weather
or wet grass. Nature of the beast! Going up a hill is even worst.
JR Wright
On Aug 24, 2010, at 7:30 PM, Shan Rose wrote:
>
>
> Wet traction, I had a little fun in the rain going up a hill last
> winter when the tire wouldn't grab and just smoked in the wet road.
> finally I had to raise the rear to max and have all my friends pile
> into the front to get it to stick. so a wider tire then the stock
> 8.75 woulda helped...
>
> ljdavick wrote on Tue, 24 August 2010 18:02
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Over Sized Tires: whos running them? [message #97070 is a reply to message #97053] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 19:30 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| emerystora wrote on Tue, 24 August 2010 17:46 |
On Aug 24, 2010, at 5:30 PM, Shan Rose wrote:
>
>
> Wet traction, I had a little fun in the rain going up a hill last winter when the tire woldnt grab and just smoked in the wet road. finally I had to raise the rear to max and have all my friends pile into the front to get it to stick. so a wider tire then the stock 8.75 woulda helped...
>
Not necessarily!
A wider tread would have more surface area but the same amount of weight on the tire. So you would have less pounds per square inch bearing down on the wet road. That might give less traction.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
I'd say it even a bit more strongly--there's a very good chance that you will have less traction.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Mon Sep 30 10:26:02 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.03433 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
