New Tires - Need some questions answered please

[seanbrown427]

We are replacing the tires on my 2013 Itasca Ellipse 42d.
 Currently it has;

Michelin XZA2 295/80 R 22.5 Steer Tires

Michelin XZA3 275/80 R 22.5 (4 Drive + 2 Tag Axle)

My question is this.  Can I run the new Michelin X Line Energy Z 275/80 22.5 on all wheels.  Or is the extra width really important on the drive tire?  And is it ok to run the Z (I think it's a steer tire) on the drive and tag axles?  I would GREATLY appreciate any input from some of the folks that have more experience on this topic.  Thank you!

[jleamont]

Did it come this way from the factory?

I am pretty sure the reason for the 295/80 on the steer axle is to handle the weight capacity. What is the steer axle GAWR on the label?

[seanbrown427]

 This is what it shows on the GAWR label.  Thank you

GAWR / PNBE

Front 6622 / 14600

First Intmd 4536 /10000

Rear 9072 / 20000

Looks like the H rated tires work at those weights.

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by seanbrown427

[richard5933]

Lots of coaches run steer tires on all positions. Not sure about the sizing - can't you find out what it came with from the factory?

[jleamont]

15 hours ago, seanbrown427 said:

Looks like the H rated tires work at those weights.

Correct, the GAWR on the steer axle is the reason for the 295/80R22.5. This tire is capable of carrying 6940 on each to meet the axle requirements. Personally I would leave it as designed and continue with those sizes. 

[manholt]

Ditto! 

Welcome to the Forum! 

[seanbrown427]

Thanks everyone!  Whelp I kinda got stuck with the 275's all the way around.  We  triple checked the weight specifications and the tires were well within specifications.  And there were no 295's to be had so  I decided to just go with these.  Wish me luck!!  Thank you all for the responses.
 

[wildebill308]

seanbrown427, welcome to the forum

I would run it over some scales just to check what it does weigh ready for the road. Then you might be able to adjust your air preshure.

Bill

[jleamont]

3 hours ago, seanbrown427 said:

Thanks everyone!  Whelp I kinda got stuck with the 275's all the way around.

You could go to a 12R22.5 or 315/80R22.5. I certainly would not go lighter with the 275/80R22.5. Our coach came with the incorrect steer tires on the front that were overloaded and wow did it handle bad! I was glad I caught it and made the dealer replace them before we became a statistic. 

[richard5933]

18 hours ago, seanbrown427 said:

Thanks everyone!  Whelp I kinda got stuck with the 275's all the way around.  We  triple checked the weight specifications and the tires were well within specifications.  And there were no 295's to be had so  I decided to just go with these.  Wish me luck!!  Thank you all for the responses.
 

How did you get stuck with tires that weren't the correct size? The dealer couldn't order the correct ones?

[manholt]

You would think the Dealer carried BFG's or would at least look for the 295's!

[wildebill308]

I think he needs to talk to a different dealer.

Bill

 

[hermanmullins]

Sounds like the dealer want to get rid of old inventory. I would check the MFG. DATES on the tires he is trying to push off on the customer.

Herman 

[seanbrown427]

The tires are 4020 dated.  They were not trying to screen me over.  I had to get tires ASAP due to the circumstances (long story)...  But Ive driven it and it feels better than before.  Given the tires can handle the weight and there is very little difference in size I'm comfortable.  The dealer said I'd there were any issue to call and they would help me exchange them.  

[manholt]

Herman, you guessed correctly! 

seanbrown427...You need more than a 100#  on each tire in front for safety!

[seanbrown427]

Isn't a 4020 DOT stamp mean they were made on Sept 30 of 2020?  I thought that was pretty good.  We're taking a short trip and I'll take watch how it rides and brakes.  If I feel anything I'm switching them out.

[rossboyer]

40th week of 2020. There can be 53 weeks because a part week at start of year or end is counted. So should be September 28 to October 2nd if you don’t count Sunday and Saturday. 

[five]

Plug the tire numbers for the OEM and replacement tires in this formula.  It will give you the change in size, as well as RPM, revs per mile, speedometer difference, etc:

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

[manholt]

Good info.

[kaypsmith]

5 hours ago, five said:

Plug the tire numbers for the OEM and replacement tires in this formula.  It will give you the change in size, as well as RPM, revs per mile, speedometer difference, etc:

He went with 275's all the way around including steer tires. No need to look for any difference for speed purposes since the the originals were 275's on the drive axel. The 275 versus 295 on steer tires may affect the handling characteristics some.