11R22.5 as replacement Steer tire?

[Brian Diehl]

I'm looking to move my steer tires to the tag axle and replace the steer tires.  In speaking with my local heavy duty truck tire shop a recommendation to change to 11r22.5 tires was made.  I was told these would be much more readily available as opposed to the 12r22.5 or the 11r24.5.  I'm currently at 10,000 lbs on my front axle and the Firestone FS560s the shop is recommending will handle 13,220 lbs @ 120 PSI.  However, the diameter of these tires is 41.3 versus the 42.7 inches of the 12r22.5  How will this affect handling of the bus?  I don't think it will affect handling, but I'm wondering if anyone has direct experience with this.  I do realize I'll need to reprogram my speedometer for the difference in tire revolutions.

Thanks in advance.

[busnut104]

I did this very same thing and notice no difference. Of course I do not really run the bus only for short exercise rides, Yes this is to exercise the bus not me. 

[Dreamscape]

We have 11r22.5 GoodYears on the steers on our Eagle. Can't compare to the other sizes because that is what was always on there. They are old and will  need to get new shoes and will replace with the same unless after I weigh it I'm told something different. They have worn good, no weather checks at all, just the age that scares me.

Paul

[Jerry32]

I  did have 11r's on the steer for a while but had trpuble with high centering so went to 12r's with 24.5 on the drive axle. Jerry

[luvrbus]

I don't think you will ever be happy with a smaller tire in width and height and running higher air pressure IMHO.  
The ride is going to be very noticeable and I suspect the handing will change in the wind dramatically like to white knuckles and then again we all do it different



good luck

[TomC]

First off, at only 10,000lbs on the front axle, you don't need a 16ply tire like your shop is suggesting.  The 14 ply FS560 11R-22.5 will go to 12,350lbs @ 110psi-more then enough lee way for anything you might add, or additional passengers. At 10,000lbs, Firestone recommends inflation at 85 psi that will support 10,440lbs.  I personally run 5 psi higher, so if you ran 90psi, it would be good-and you'll have a great ride.  The difference in bus height from the 12R to the 11R (look at loaded radius, not overall diameter) is a whopping 1/2".  Those FS560 are good regional tires with stronger sidewalls then highway steers.  I run Michelin XZE, which are the similar model.  You should get around 80,000 miles of driving out of the FS560 before they start to cup.  But usually, they will have needed replacement because of age well before that.  I would suggest you change to the 11's.  Good Luck, TomC
P.S.- all figures above were pulled straight from the Firestone commercial tire site.

[Brian Diehl]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I appreciate all of it.