Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Tow Vehicles & Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-01-2011, 12:06 PM   #1
MAMalody
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
Tire Question

I am considering putting the same size tire on my tv as are on my monte. My tv runs 265/75R16 and my monte on 235/85R/16 both load range E. I can't usually afford to buy four tires at a time and would like to just push the front tv tires to the drivers and the drivers to the front 5er and those to the back 5er keeping the best for the spare. In that way I can buy only two tires a year, probably put more overall miles (currently about 20-24K on tv an 5-7k on 5er a year)on the four tires and have no tire older than four years or so. I don't understand this stuff very well, so I am wandering what the problems are with doing this? I have a single rear wheel 4X4 tv.

Also, could I start by just getting two tires (235/85R16) for my tv? Just thought, I have for years always put the newest tires on the front of my vehicle. If I can start with two tires, is this the best way to go, or should I continue to do it this way.

Sorry I don't know any better folks, I am much better at reading Greek than I am about any type of mechanical knowledge...and I don't read Greek very well, at that:>)
 
MAMalody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 12:20 PM   #2
lawrenceb42106
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Hartselle
Posts: 977
M.O.C. #45
A 4x4 has to have the same size tires all around. In 4 wheel drive all the wheels must turn the same revolutions or it can damage the drive train. If it were mine i wouldn't do it.
lawrenceb42106 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 01:47 PM   #3
Parts Ed
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Silverton
Posts: 489
M.O.C. #11144
You would have to have the speedometer recalibrated to compensate for the difference in the tire size.
Parts Ed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 01:48 PM   #4
Parts Ed
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Silverton
Posts: 489
M.O.C. #11144
And I agree with Larry you cannot just replace two tires, you would have to replace all 4 at the same time or you can have problems with the 4 wheel drive system.
Parts Ed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 03:29 PM   #5
Art-n-Marge
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
Send a message via MSN to Art-n-Marge Send a message via Yahoo to Art-n-Marge
On a 4x4 vehicle it's recommended to be rotating your tires every 5,000 or so. If you have been doing this all the tires would be wearing the same and that's one reason why all four would be replaced at the same time, because they're all wearing out at the same time and the same way. If the vehicle is only 4x2, then the rotation of tires provides that the rear tires with their large fluctuations of usage (carrying cargo or towing versus not doing so) ensures that all tires have a better chance of undergoing the same condition.

Replacing only two tires on a 4x4 means the brand new tires would be slightly large in diameter and I wouldn't want any of that difference on my truck. Maybe this isn't so bad on a 4x2 since the same size tires would be rotating per axle (fronts to the back and backs to the front and maybe a crossover for one pair but on the same axle.

Since the tires on a vehicle are treated better than the tires on a trailer I wouldn't try and mix them into rotation either - keep the trailer tires on the trailer and the truck tires on the truck. Tires on a trailer try to remain straight up and down since they are not turned in either direction, and a trailer has no differential which again means all trailer tires are dragged through a turn. Trailer tires also may have to carry more weight (3,000 to 3,500 lbs per axle) while truck might carry less. For me each rear truck tire carries up to 3,500 lbs or 2,000 lbs when not towing and each front about 2,400 lbs when towing and 2,200 lbs when not. These conditions are just too different to include across vehicle or trailer rotations in my opinion.

This is just my two cents. Someone with more knowledge might be able to provide 10 cents.
Art-n-Marge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 03:38 PM   #6
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
Hi

Unless my figures are wrong the difference in the height of the two tires is less than 1/8 inch. Do you think that would damage any of the running gear?

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 04:22 PM   #7
LonnieB
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Texico
Posts: 1,917
M.O.C. #6150
Send a message via MSN to LonnieB
Quote:
quote:Hi

Unless my figures are wrong the difference in the height of the two tires is less than 1/8 inch. Do you think that would damage any of the running gear?

Phil P
Phil, your calculations are right, the LT265/75R16 and LT235/85R16 are almost identical in height, the main difference is the width and load carrying capacity. With two different widths and slightly different heights, there is a chance of the handling characteristics being compromised and possible damage to the transfer case. I would start with 4 new tires on the truck. If you don't rotate them as recommended, it won't be too awful long before the rear 2 will need replaced , then you can start the 2 at a time replacement process.
LonnieB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 05:08 PM   #8
DonandJudy_12
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 729
M.O.C. #3206
I agree with Lonnie- Us old tire guys stick together!!! Besides that, he's right as usual- JHMO- Don
DonandJudy_12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 05:09 PM   #9
kingdaddy
Montana Master
 
kingdaddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
IMO, those two tires are close enough in diameter that I wouldn't worry about the issues related to different driveshaft speeds when in 4 wheel drive.
However, (again just IMO) the 235/85 16 tire is not optimal size for your truck. Also wouldn't want two different tire sizes on the truck either...just wouldn't look right to me. Seems a bit narrow for a truck of that size...personally I like more rubber on the road, not less. I would stay with the 265/75 for the TV; actually MY preference would be a 285/75 if there were no interference issues (i.e. rubbing etc.) About an inch taller O.D. and an inch or so wider. Speedo/odo might be off a bit unless you recalibrate. Also changes your effective gearing slightly.
But then I'm running 315/70 17s so my opinion is a bit "biased" (no pun intended).
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
kingdaddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 07:13 PM   #10
MAMalody
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
Okay, four tires of the same size on the truck. Will do. Probably better to stick with the current truck size and trailer size being different for different purposes.
MAMalody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2011, 12:20 AM   #11
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
Hi

I don’t see the weight range being a problem they are both E tires. The width is a little more than 1 inch less for the 235X85 tire. As you point out this could cause stability problem with the TV. As for the transfer case I don’t see the problem there unless the operator intends to drive 100% of the time in 4WD.

I did one time in the past on a 2X4 put radial tires on a one axel and bias tires on the other. That created real stability problems. I drove the truck less than 5 miles before correcting that problem.

Tire rotation is important. We rotated the tires on my wife’s heaver duty Chevy 3500 in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation and all 6 tires wore out at the same time.

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2011, 02:37 AM   #12
LonnieB
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Texico
Posts: 1,917
M.O.C. #6150
Send a message via MSN to LonnieB
Yes they are both loade range E but they do have different weight ratings. The LT235/85R16 is rated for 3042 pounds at 80 psi, and the LT265/75R16 is rated for 3415 pounds at 80 psi. All load range E tires are 10 ply rated, but the weight rating varys according to size, and intended application.
LonnieB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2011, 03:09 AM   #13
ARJ
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #6162
Here is a thought! If you have trouble buying 4 tires at a time due to finances, go to Discount Tire and take advantage of their no interest plans.

With 2 vehicles and the TT, I have used their plans often.
ARJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2011, 07:51 PM   #14
MAMalody
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
Thanks for the additional input. I am wondering, Lonnie. My trailer is a model RL3575, has 6000# axles and weighs in around 14000# as I live in it. What tires and size would you recommend for the trailer? My tv? don't mean to put you on the spot...but...
MAMalody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2011, 07:41 AM   #15
LonnieB
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Texico
Posts: 1,917
M.O.C. #6150
Send a message via MSN to LonnieB
Mike, is 14000 pounds what you have sitting on the axles, or is part of that weight on the hitch? If it's all on the axles, you are overloading them by 2000 pounds.

I don't mind being put on the spot, I just need accurate weights before I can make a recommendation.
LonnieB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2011, 08:18 AM   #16
Art-n-Marge
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
Send a message via MSN to Art-n-Marge Send a message via Yahoo to Art-n-Marge
His trailer has pretty much the same ratings as mine. The 14,000lbs is TOTAL GVWR. With 6,000lbs axles this assumes there's 3,000lbs allowed at each wheel, 6,000lbs at each axle and 12,000lbs max total for both axles. The other 2,000 (or in my case 2,040) is at the pin (on the truck) or the landing legs (when not on the truck). My trailer is underweight at all wheels and about 2,600 at the pin. Either tire will do. Personally, I prefer to give myself more margin and if the price difference is reasonable would go with the stronger tire.

Don't forget that if you change the tire size on a tow vehicle, you might need an appointment to a place that can recalibrate the speedometer and/or computers of your vehicle. I did this recently and it was from 17" wheels to 18" wheels and tires to go with it and the shifting and the ride was all messed up on the way to the prearranged appointment at the Ford dealer for recalibration (they didn't do this at the tire store I used). After recalibration everything was great!
Art-n-Marge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2011, 10:03 AM   #17
LonnieB
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Texico
Posts: 1,917
M.O.C. #6150
Send a message via MSN to LonnieB
Art, I know what the GVWR is. What I was asking is if he is over the GVWR. Maybe I should have worded it better.
LonnieB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2011, 06:50 PM   #18
MAMalody
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
Sorry, Last time over the scales I was at 20040. My hitch weight is a tad over 2000, with my trailer coming in at 12000 plus the hitch and truck to make the 20040.I don't know if I worded everything right or not. My wife and I are doing our spring getting rid of all we don't need so we may shed some weight. My guess would be less that 100# to be shed.
MAMalody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2011, 04:42 PM   #19
kingdaddy
Montana Master
 
kingdaddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
Hmmm...if I interpret your weights correctly, sounds like you have about a 12k lb trailer with a 8k lb truck. So with 2k lb hitch weight you would have 10k sitting on the axles. Does that sound right?
I know your truck has to weigh close to 8k (without the trailer weight of course) so if your whole rig weighs 20040 then the trailer total weight is around 12k. With 10k sitting on the axles, you might conclude that 2,500 lbs is on each of the four tires. But that may not be the case...depends on how the trailer load is distributed side to side and front to rear. For example, my trailer is very well balanced side to side, but carries a bit more weight on the rear axle due to the floorplan (rear bunkhouse with double rear slides) and the fact that my trailer sits a bit nose high.
Bottom line, sounds like you would be just fine with a set of BFG Commercial T/A in 235/85 16 rated at 3042 lbs capacity. Great tire for the price...lots of folks using them (myself included) and they get great reviews.
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
kingdaddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-14-2011, 07:45 PM   #20
MAMalody
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
Well, I ended up with 265/75R16 Michelin LTX M/S2 fro my TV. Thanks for the input. I appreciated it. Will be heading out from WA to TX on the 24. Taking a nice 18-20 day trip. Can hardly wait.
MAMalody is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tire Question rames14 TIRES, Montana Tires 7 07-31-2015 03:06 AM
A tire and a rim question boje TIRES, Montana Tires 3 03-11-2014 06:40 PM
Another tire-ing question! trustymopars General Discussions about our Montanas 14 07-06-2011 06:18 AM
Tire question cmawendy Tow Vehicles & Towing 6 04-27-2011 06:05 AM
Tire Question MAMalody Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 4 08-13-2008 07:36 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:41 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.