G or H ?

[eagle19952]

Ok I am sure there is a simple answer, I just don't know it....

Why would you buy a G load rated tire, especially if the price difference between a G and an H is $15.00....? regardless of what your bus weighs.
PS this would be on the steer axle...

[luvrbus]

I always ran H on the steer for me the few dollars difference for a 1000 # more rating on the front was worth it, G on the drive and bogie worked 

[TomC]

If you don't need the extra load carrying capacity, all the H tire will do is give you a stiffer ride. You'll be more pleased with the ride of the G tire. Make sure you weigh you bus by axle then run the air pressure in the load inflation table-this is the number one way to get the best ride possible. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

Hum I always found the the H rode better than a G because the H required less air pressure to achieve the full load capacity of a G rated needed on a Eagle front axle  wrong again  

[eagle19952]

I"ll just make believe that my bus is overweight  and run the H's.
I lost a bogey tire and ran my ragged spare from Pikeville AL. and I can get a pretty good deal on some new steers (Firestone 591Plus) so the old Michelins are moving towards the rear soon...
When your 50 miles west of Tuscaloosa (Pickens County/ Palmetto, Alabama http://alabama.hometownlocator.com/al/pickens/palmetto.cfm...) you do what you gotta do, there are a ton of log trucks around here, makes tire buying a little cheaper due to the volume they do, works out for me too 

[TomC]

The load carrying capacity is the same on a G and H through the lower pressures. The only place that an H tire will carry more is above the G's pressure rating. For instance, a G rated tire may go to 105lb/in. The H will go up to 120lb/in. The H will ride stiffer since the tire is built stiffer at the lower pressures compared to a G tire. Good luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

I never ran anything but Toyo 12Rx22.5 tires and with the taller side walls I never saw the difference in the ride myself

[TomC]

The most important aspect to getting the best ride is tire inflation.

[eagle19952]

So..if a tire is not branded G or H, then (if) the max inflation listed on the tire is 105 psi and 6610 load it is a G ?

[luvrbus]

Depends on the manufacture I was at Yucca at the old Ford proving grounds Toyo was testing truck and bus tires they are not agreeing with TomC with the air pressure deal as a low inflated tire like 80 lbs builds heat up more and faster where one inflated at 105-120 psi builds up very little heat and wears better according to their test on their tires, now with Michelin TomC's favorite tire it could be different   

[TomC]

Toyo conveniently didn't say how much weight was on that axle. I run 11R-24.5 H (16ply rated) tires on the front. With only 10,500lb on the front, I could go as low as 80psi, but run 90psi for a margin. If I ran the 130psi on the side, my bus would ride like a fork lift.

Eagle19952-if you have 11R-24.5's, then yes, the 6610lb @ 105psi is an G rated tire. H rated are 7160lbs @ 120psi. Good luck, TomC

[HB of CJ]

So ideally should a tire rating be determined by what your ACTUAL curb wright axle end weights are vs what your axle end CAPACITY is?

Say you have a nominal 12K front axle, but your full load Bus Conversion only weighs about 10,500 on the front, with each end being the same.

Would you run a tire rating to handle the rated weight or the actual weight?  And ... are the steer only position tires all that much better regarding ride?

What would run smoother on the front ... a big strong tire at lower pressure, or a suitable smaller tire running higher pressure?  Or does it even matter?

Thanks.  HB of CJ (old coot)

[Brian Diehl]

I did exactly this about 5 years ago.  I went from the 12r22.5 toyo to the 11r22.5 toyo steer tires.  I have just over 10,000  lbs on the front axle.  I ran the 12r tires at 90 psi and have to run the 11r tires at 105 psi.  I was unable to tell any difference in the ride quality of the bus.  The 11r tires were much cheaper then the 12r tires when I bought them.  So, if the axle weights allow - get an actual scale weight - the smaller tire should work just as well as the larger tire.

[TomC]

The main thing here is getting away from the 12R-22.5 tires-which are very hard to find on the road. A 11R-22.5, even the 11R-24.5 are easy to find and are cheaper then the 12R. For instance, my front is rated at 13,000lb and rear at 23,000lb. The 11R-24.5 H (16ply rated) are 13,220lb front, 24,020lb rear. Since I weigh 31,000lb total, I'm 5,000lb below rating. Try to find that kind of carrying capacity on a sticks and staples motorhome!. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

Finding a 12rx22.5 on the road is not a problem never has been for me I think that a internet tale I bought 12R x22.5 in Mcall Id before MCI the most popular bus on the road has never used 24.5 tires neither has Prevost you don't see weeds growing around those waiting on a 12R x22.5 face it like Brian they cost to much people don't want to pay the price.I like the 1 inch wider tire my self so I will keep buying the 12R or 315 JMO