Tires and tires accessories...

[gus]

My 4107 also has a V730 plus Sheppard full time steering and it is a great combination.

There is no top speed problem with this bus , take my word for it. A lower gear is better for starting from a dead stop and steep hills. I've found myself wishing for a slightly lower first gear a few times. It is no speed demon at first moving but once it gets rolling you are gone. Sort of like a locomotive!!

[chessie4905]

   Yeah, I know...some people are happy with 50 to 55mph cruising too.

[Geom]

Lots of good info, thanks!

So it sounds like I'll stay with the 12R22.5 s. I don't want to buy new wheels for it, plus I would like to stay close to the recommended rpm

It also sounds like I can skip the steer assist thing as it appears the power steering is geared such that that is not much of a concern. In any case we're going to put new tread all around and monitor them closely for wear and appropriate pressure.

As far as the balancers, I'm leaning towards the balance masters. I've read up on them and some of the reviews. They're equivalent in price to the others and the way they're described, sounds like it should work better, have been in use for a long time, and by quite a few different applications.

Thanks again!
George

[lostagain]

I would mount the tires without balancing them. Chances are they will be smooth riding enough. If not, then take them to be balanced. I have driven lots of miles on lots of buses without balanced tires that rode just fine. The tires on my current bus are balanced, and sure it is nice and smooth, but it probably would be just as smooth without.

JC

[Lin]

We use the Centramatic balancers and have been happy with the results.  They sometimes can be found on Ebay and Craigslist reasonably priced.  The Balance Masters look to be the same but use mercury rather than steel balls.

[eddieboy]

Is there a different number for the 315/80r22.5 tires?  Its about time for me to start looking for new ones.  I have a 1962 Pd4106.
Ed

[Ace]

Seems Awful big for a 4106


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[gus]

That is a big tire, almost 13", must be crowded in the wheel well? Probably way overkill for a 4106.

[TomC]

Weigh your bus front axle, back axle. Then see what tire you should run. A 315/80R-22.5 is both a large tire and expensive tire that I doubt you need. Something more like the 11R-22.5 would work. If you're heavy on the front, the 11R-22.5 16ply will go to 13,200 lbs. I run 11R-24.5 for biggest diameter and raise the bus up maximum. Since I only have 10,500lb in the front and 20,500lbs in the rear, I only run 90psi all around. Rides great. With a GVW rating of 13,000lb front and 23,000lb rear, I'm 5,000lbs under the chassis rating!(and the 11R-24.5 tires can take that load if inflated more) One of the many reasons I run a bus. Good Luck, TomC

[RJ]

Is there a different number for the 315/80r22.5 tires? 

Ed -

The truck tire market is in the process of switching over to the metric sizing like the automotive market has now used for over 10 years.  Confusing for awhile, until you take a few minutes to figure it out.

I notice that your sig line says you still have the manual 4-spd in your coach.  Since that's the case, figuring out which tire to put on when you buy new becomes really easy:  Simply remember 495 revs per mile, as that's the size GMC used when designing the powertrain gearing.  With that number in mind:

Tires that turn MORE than 495 r/m are going to lower your top speed and increase your fuel consumption.

Tires that turn LESS than 495 r/m will have the opposite effect.

So it really doesn't matter if the size on the sidewall is "traditional" (12R22.5, 11R22.5) or "metric" (295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5), the number you're really interested in is the revs per mile.  The closer you get to that number, the closer your coach will perform to OEM specs.

Keep in mind, too, that the larger the tire, the more expensive and the greater the federal excise tax you'll have to pay.

Finally, after you coach gets it's new shoes, run it across some scales to get the weight on each axle so you can set your air pressure correctly for the weight being carried.  All the manufacturers have load inflation tables to help you.

Oh, and for heaven's sakes - pay to have them BALANCED by the tire shop before you mount them on the coach!  The few extra bucks, IMHO, is well worth the price.  I struggle with those who claim that Centramatics or Balance Masters work as well as individual balancing, but to each their own. . .

FWIW & HTH. . .

 

[luvrbus]

Most tires the balance is not the problem with the tires the drums are out of balance the balance masters and other brands of that type do help with correcting the problem IMO

[gus]

In general the wider the tire the greater the circumference and the greater the load capacity in the same series (sidewall height) and mfg.

I think the 4106 originally had 1200 (295mm) x 20 bias tires (22.5 equivalent) but I stand to be corrected on that, they may be 1100s. I also believe most were 80 series. It is not a really heavy bus.

For our converted, lighter weight buses it makes little sense to go to heavier, more expensive tires. It even makes sense to go to smaller sizes or load ranges if circumferences can be maintained.

[codretaw1]

hi tom I replaced my 12R22.5 's with 11r's went with Michelin love them . also installed the blu-ox true center stabilizer love it if you get caught in a bad cross wind you can steer head on and set instead of fitting it love it also insurance for blow out

[codretaw1]

my bus has 4 speed and 8V71 get 10 or better all day but we don't have many mountains up here

[eddieboy]

Well that really makes me think that the PO must have made some changes.  Actually one of the tires is a different size than the rest.  I just went thru the manual but can't find the specs for the original tire size.  If these are too big, I can maybe save some money by going to a different rim and tire. If anybody knows what I should have on the ole gal, please chime in.
Ed