"I need 6 new tires for '04 Dutch Star 38' on a Spartan chassis. Michelin tire models and sizing has me totally confused. Current Michelin size is 275/80R22.5. Dealers claim this Michelin size is interchangeable to 295/75R22.5 from brands that don't offer the original size. They tell me there will be no ill effects on the drive line or instrumentation."
I was concerned with this possibly incorrect information. In this case the two sizes have the same load capacities so that was not my concern.
Some folks replied to the original question by suggesting he use THIS or similar web sites to learn about tire sizes. I did have a little problem of using such a "tire size" site as the information is aimed at car application and does not include special information regarding dual tire application. Also the resulting numbers may or may not match published industry standards.
I pointed out my concern about the Minimum Dual Spacing which is a published dimension in industry standards and has been covered previously in this blog.
Some folks reported that they have changes tire sizes and had no problems and implying that any change might be OK.
I provided this graphic to help people understand what this dimension is.
As you can see the wheel offset and even wheel thickness can have an affect on this spacing. I also pointed out this example. 275's have a MDS of 12.24 and 295's have a MDS of 13.19.
Let's assume that with your wheels and with the 275's you have a physical 1.00" clearance down at the bulge in the sidewall near the road. So if you don't change wheels and put wider 295's on the new clearance will be 1.00 - ( 13.19 - 12.24) or 1.00-0.95 or a final clearance of 0.05"which is clearly too small.
I hope that those considering changing tire size consider not only the load capacity, which is very important but also the dimensions.
I don't an RV nor do I subscribe to this website. I am however a diesel technician and can tell you that the Michelin tire size of 275/80R22.5 is the same size as the typical 295/75R22.5. The only difference in these tires is tread depth upon initial purchase. But as far as the casing of the tire they are identical.
ReplyDeleteWhen your car breaks down and there is no mechanic onsite you should get someone to tow the car. For your car to be safely towed you need to consider a number of tips. These tips include: LINK
ReplyDeleteThis is an RV blog and the question was about changing tire size.
Delete