Tire size?

[tomd]

I have a 2003 Montana 2955 that came with 225/75R/15 tires that Have given me problems over the years. My question is, can I replace them with 235/85R/16 and have sufficient clearance? Width is my main concern due to closeness to the shock absorbers. Thanks for any info.

[tonycamacho]

I have a 2005 RL2955 with 235/85R/16. Came stock that way and no issues with shocks. I will tell you that after my first season I did find a floor brace on the
passenger or door side of the Monty, just above the forward tire that showed signs of the tire rubbing against it on large bumps. I have a previous post on this which I found that some RL2955 didn't have that brace or it was more forward of mine, so I cut it out to clear the tire and haven't had anymore problems. After the purchase of my Monty I did have the Morryde suspension system installed but that should not be considered since the Monty came with 235/85R/16s originally. I really can't imagine having only 15 inch tires because of the ground clearance I need on some Mexico roads. I am sure you'll get more feedback on this from others on the MOC.

Tony

[scductman]

Tom its JMHO but I would ck on line or ask Lonnie on here but I think they would work. there is not that much difference between the two. I would guess that there would be maybe 1" to 1.5" bigger dia in the 85s over the 75s but you are going from 15" to 16". Like I said Lonnie can answer you with no problem he should be along shortly. The first thing is what is the space between the two tires now?
Bobby

[kingdaddy]

First thing is most obvious...you will need 16" wheels to go with the 235/85 16 tires. Assuming you knew that already, but not everyone does...
I agree that the width is that much difference (assuming the new 16" wheels are similar width and offset).
But the diameter will be more like 3" or so greater so take that into account. Will only raise the trailer 1/2 that additional amount tho (the radius) so you should be OK.
I am very happy with my 235/85 16 BFG T/A so far. Check them out at tirerack.com

[tomd]

quote:Originally posted by tonycamacho

I have a 2005 RL2955 with 235/85R/16. Came stock that way and no issues with shocks. I will tell you that after my first season I did find a floor brace on the
passenger or door side of the Monty, just above the forward tire that showed signs of the tire rubbing against it on large bumps. I have a previous post on this which I found that some RL2955 didn't have that brace or it was more forward of mine, so I cut it out to clear the tire and haven't had anymore problems. After the purchase of my Monty I did have the Morryde suspension system installed but that should not be considered since the Monty came with 235/85R/16s originally. I really can't imagine having only 15 inch tires because of the ground clearance I need on some Mexico roads. I am sure you'll get more feedback on this from others on the MOC.

Tony

[tomd]

quote:Originally posted by tonycamacho

I have a 2005 RL2955 with 235/85R/16. Came stock that way and no issues with shocks. I will tell you that after my first season I did find a floor brace on the
passenger or door side of the Monty, just above the forward tire that showed signs of the tire rubbing against it on large bumps. I have a previous post on this which I found that some RL2955 didn't have that brace or it was more forward of mine, so I cut it out to clear the tire and haven't had anymore problems. After the purchase of my Monty I did have the Morryde suspension system installed but that should not be considered since the Monty came with 235/85R/16s originally. I really can't imagine having only 15 inch tires because of the ground clearance I need on some Mexico roads. I am sure you'll get more feedback on this from others on the MOC.

Tony

Thanks Tony. I appreciate your input.

[LonnieB]

quote:By tomd

I have a 2003 Montana 2955 that came with 225/75R/15 tires that Have given me problems over the years. My question is, can I replace them with 235/85R/16 and have sufficient clearance? Width is my main concern due to closeness to the shock absorbers. Thanks for any info.

Tom, your current tires are 9.18 inches wide (225mm), and 28.78 inches in overall diameter. You didn't say what type or load range you are using so I can't determine the weight rating of your current tires. Here is a list of possible replacement sizes with the weight ratings and dimensions.

LT235/85R16 load range E
9.59 inches wide.
32.3 inches overall diameter.
Max load 3042 pounds at 80 psi.

LT245/75R16 load range E
10.0 inches wide.
31.0 inches overall diameter.
Max load 3042 pounds at 80 psi.

LT225/75R16 load range E
9.18 inches wide.
29.78 inches overall diameter.
Max load 2680 pounds at 80 psi.

As scductman stated, check the distance between the front and rear tires of your current setup. You need to keep at least 1 inch between the tires.

[tomd]

Thanks Lonnie. My tires are load range D. I would like to use 235/85R/16(E LR). I'm not where I can measure the distance now, but i'm sure it's five or six inches between front and rear tire. I will meas. and post the clearance between tires and the dist. from shock absorber soon.

[Joe in Texas]

My 2011 3580RL Monty came with ST235/80R16 E load "China Bombs"
I am replacing them today with LT235/85R16 E load Michelin XPS Ribs T/R ...
for peace of mind.
Thank You Lonnie for your response/ratings.

My bombs have less than 2000 miles on them - Discount Tires is giving me a good trade adjustment, besides matching the best price I could find on the internet for the Michelins.

[tomd]

Did some measuring today:
7.00" between tires, 1.75" between tires and shocks and 6.50" top clearance. I think 235/85R/16's will work great.
Now to find the correct wheels and decide on which brand of tires. The sad part is i have a set of 225/75R/15 D loads Marathons with less than 900 miles on them.

[kingdaddy]

Your local tire dealer may give you some kind of credit for the Marathons...just don't refer to them as "China bombs"!
Not sure of the weight of your rig, but IMO either the Michelin Ribs (more $$) or the BFG Commercial TA is a good choice.
I have always had excellent results with either America's Tire or tirerack.com