Tires.....

[Sebulba]

Hello All,

I have read some threads on here about tires, but some of them are quite old, so I thought I would see what current thinking is?

Right now there a re B305/85R 22.5 Goodyear Metro Miler all the way around.  I found those exact same tires for about $820.

But are something like Toyo M647 12R22.5 150/147 L H or even Toyo M647 11R22.5 146/143 L H

I am looking at putting new steer tires on for starters.

I know weight is an issue and right now we are at about 36,000 pounds. I don't specifically know the weight on the front as apposed to the rear.

Any input you have would be grateful.

Thank you

Seb

 

[richard5933]

I've got Firestone FS561 all around on my bus and am quite happy with them. They are 12R22.5 and I suspect that the weight limit on them will comfortably handle your load.

[TomC]

Number one-weigh your bus by axle fully loaded. Then you'll know what size tires you really need. I switched from 12R-22.5 to 11R-24.5 and only have to run 90psi. Just keep with known tire manufacturers. NO CHINESE TIRES! Good Luck, TomC

[edvanland]

just put 11R.22.5 on drivers and tag axle, already had them on steers will handle the weight of our MCI7 with no problem. Yes I have weighed the axles plus total weight

[Sebulba]

Alright, all good input.

As far as finished weight? Don't know, still in process of build.

Thanks

Seb

[Dave5Cs]

I have Toyo's 11R/22.5 run very smooth and carry 90lbs in each and yes were made in China. No problems. Most now day are made there or India, Indonesia and some still in the USA but not many.

[Tedsoldbus]

Weighing all wheels is easy to get done, but I think you are converting? Remember when you fill your fuel and water tank and have full grey and black tanks it will probably be a good idea to weigh each wheel again. My water and waste tanks are centrally located but I put 200 gallons of fuel up front, mostly on those front tires. Every bus is different and yours will change when you finish changing it.
Best of luck Seb

[tr206]

Seb Here is a link to semi truck tire size and weight chart and load and inflation tables not pushing Kelly or Bridgestone tires but all tires pretty much run the same.

https://commercial.fountaintire.com/images/Kelly%20Commercial%20Truck%20Product%20Brochure.pdf

https://commercial.bridgestone.com/content/dam/commercial/bridgestone/pdfs/l-and-i-tables/Bridgestone-TBR-Load-And-Inflation-Tables.pdf

[RJ]

Seb -

Look on the Builder's Plaque (front stairwell?), as MCI lists the recommended tire sizes on that, along with the VIN of the coach.

Recognize that the air pressures recommended on the plaque are for a coach in commercial service, and may be over-inflated for your coach once your build is finished.

305/85R22.5 is the new metric equivalent of 12R22.5s.

Look around the rim of the outside dual. Somewhere, stamped on the inside of the wheel, you should find a stamping showing the wheel size and width (on my coach, it's stamped opposite the valve stem opening.) If it's stamped 8.25"x22.5, then 11R, 12R or 305/85 is as large as you can go on that rim.  If it's stamped 9"x22.5 or 9.5"x22.5, then you can utilize a 315/80R22.5 tire.

I got a good deal on 12R22.5 Toyo M170s for a complete set of eight a couple of years ago. I would have only been able to purchase five Michelins (which everybody and their brother seems to either swear by or swear at!) for what I paid for the Toyos. Once I adjusted the tire pressures accordingly after weighing the coach, I'm very happy with the ride, noise level and handling.

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ

[Sebulba]

I have Toyo's 11R/22.5 run very smooth and carry 90lbs in each and yes were made in China. No problems. Most now day are made there or India, Indonesia and some still in the USA but not many.

Thanks for that, I see them when looking.

Are those smaller in diameter than the 12r size?  I wonder, because my speedometer isn't accurate, and if those are smaller it will be worse.  Also mine is geared low,  so smaller tires would compound that too.

Thanks

Seb

[Sebulba]

Weighing all wheels is easy to get done, but I think you are converting? Remember when you fill your fuel and water tank and have full grey and black tanks it will probably be a good idea to weigh each wheel again. My water and waste tanks are centrally located but I put 200 gallons of fuel up front, mostly on those front tires. Every bus is different and yours will change when you finish changing it.
Best of luck Seb

Yup, that makes sense

Thanks

Seb

[Sebulba]

Seb -

Look on the Builder's Plaque (front stairwell?), as MCI lists the recommended tire sizes on that, along with the VIN of the coach.

Recognize that the air pressures recommended on the plaque are for a coach in commercial service, and may be over-inflated for your coach once your build is finished.

305/85R22.5 is the new metric equivalent of 12R22.5s.

Look around the rim of the outside dual. Somewhere, stamped on the inside of the wheel, you should find a stamping showing the wheel size and width (on my coach, it's stamped opposite the valve stem opening.) If it's stamped 8.25"x22.5, then 11R, 12R or 305/85 is as large as you can go on that rim.  If it's stamped 9"x22.5 or 9.5"x22.5, then you can utilize a 315/80R22.5 tire.

I got a good deal on 12R22.5 Toyo M170s for a complete set of eight a couple of years ago. I would have only been able to purchase five Michelins (which everybody and their brother seems to either swear by or swear at!) for what I paid for the Toyos. Once I adjusted the tire pressures accordingly after weighing the coach, I'm very happy with the ride, noise level and handling.

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ

Thanks, RJ for all of that.

That's what I was thinking, just the metric equal, so thanks for confirming that.

I have the 8.25 rims.

I will check it those Toyos you mentioned.

Seb

[Sebulba]

Seb Here is a link to semi truck tire size and weight chart and load and inflation tables not pushing Kelly or Bridgestone tires but all tires pretty much run the same.

https://commercial.fountaintire.com/images/Kelly%20Commercial%20Truck%20Product%20Brochure.pdf

https://commercial.bridgestone.com/content/dam/commercial/bridgestone/pdfs/l-and-i-tables/Bridgestone-TBR-Load-And-Inflation-Tables.pdf

Thanks for the reference

Seb

[chessie4905]

12:00R x 22.5 is the max diameter fairly available for your current rims. The others will cost lower cruising and top speed. I don't  know what tire companies were thinking, making the 305's smaller in diameter than the 12:00's they were to replace.

[richard5933]

12:00R x 22.5 is the max diameter fairly available for your current rims. The others will cost lower cruising and top speed. I don't  know what tire companies were thinking, making the 305's smaller in diameter than the 12:00's they were to replace.

Probably why 12R22.5 tires are still out there. They're not as common as some of the other sizes, but I didn't have trouble getting them. They're still used on some commercial vehicles and I don't see them disappearing soon.