2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 19.5 wheel and tire question???

[KBalzuweit]

I see all the good sides to this upgrade, but what are the bad sides other than cost?? My biggest concern is fuel mileage, I drive 4000 miles a week so that can be a big cost if it drops. Thanks

 

[hammersley]

Biggest problem is the lack of different tire

tread patterns and the tires themselves. Also not sure they will fit in the spare compartment... .

 

[dresslered]

Also not sure they will fit in the spare compartment... .

I have an overseas friend that claims not only will they fit in the spare compartment, but he's got the over-sized fuel tank as well.



I would sure like to get a set of the aluminum Rickson's, but since I can't seem to get more than 10k out of any tire (24 in the last 51,000 miles), I would sure hate to be replacing these 19. 5's on a regular basis! Besides, I would need seven of 'em.



Last time that I was in the tire store, the salesman rolled out a set of 16", 14-ply, load range H tires. I immediately lost enthusiasm when he told me that they were $255/each and I need six! Now I am thinking about them again as I can't remember the brand (Goodyear?). Doesn't this defeat the entire reason for getting Rickson's in the first place (other than looks of course)?

 

[y-knot]

Has anyone looked into seeing if the ford 450-550 19 inch wheels will fit?, They are suppose to be 8 on 6 1/2" bc just like ours. I would imagin those could be find used, and cheap. :--)

 

[MMiller]

I'm shootin from the hip here as I don't have these on my truck but I would like to think that they would last a heck of a lot longer since they are designed for the larger trucks that haul heavier loads. Our shop has service trucks and several 3500HD Chevies with the 19. 5s and they wear very well and the gvw of all the trucks is right around 20,000 all the time with tools, boom, air compressor, service body.



I would also think that milage would stay the same or gain a little. With the sidewall stiffer and stiffer carcass, there would prolly be less rolling resistance. I know they are prolly expensive but I know michelin has some really nice tread patterns from straight tread to and agressive pattern.



On over the road trucks anyways a michelin delivers better fuel mileage than other tires out there. Look at your large fleets that own many trucks and a majority run the michelins.



Just my opinion, maybe somebody can set us straigh though for sure. If I ever get another cummins for the wife I would like to get the 19. 5 and some michelins. I just like the 33x12. 5x16. 5 on my truck to go to the 19. 5's



Michael

 

[OTRPU]

KBal, If you're doing 4k a week partner. . . you're doin some truckin! I bow to you.



#ad




Tow Safe,

Steve J.

 

[KBalzuweit]

4000 is my goal!! I have not done less than 3800 in the last 4 weeks. Hey if the wheels are not turning its not making money!! Well I just put on a new set of 16in Mich tires so the 19. 5 will wait. I want to do the Roadmaster Conv first. Need the comfort!!



Karl

 

[OTRPU]

KBalz, (for short), you got the website, if not the link follows:



http://www.roadmastercabext.com/



He sold out and the new owner is in NC



Cheers,

Steve J.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by KBalzuweit
I see all the good sides to this upgrade, but what are the bad sides other than cost?? My biggest concern is fuel mileage, I drive 4000 miles a week so that can be a big cost if it drops. Thanks

If you are driving that much, spend the money and get 19. 5" tires. I assume you are usually hauling a good load.

I currently have 90K miles on my Yokohama TY303s, and there is still a little more than 1/8" of tread left. Granted, I'm almost always running empty. However, with a load and the tires properly aired, there's no reason you can't get 100K miles out of a set of tires. Dave Fritz used to wear out a brand new set of tires on a single Alaska trip. After switching to 19. 5" tires, he had plenty of tread left after the trip.

The *only* thing I dislike about the 19. 5s I have is that they are hard to keep smooth/balanced. But with a decent load, you'll never notice it. And the time not spent buying, mounting and balancing tires every couple months makes it more worthwhile.

 

[Loren]

Karl,



I have had the Ricksons on my 2000 truck for a couple of years now. In my case there was no noticeable change in mileage. In order to compare pre-installation mileage and post-installation mileage you will have to recalibrate your odometer, or at least make the mathematical correction.



If you keep the truck long enough to wear the tires out, and it looks like you will, you will break even by the time your 19. 5" tires are shot. The savings is from the 3 or 4 sets of 16" tires that you didn't have to buy. After the first set of 19. 5" tires, there is a slight savings over 16".



I didn't notice any significant change in ride characteristics either. My truck rode harshly before, and it still does. But it's a truck.



My truck has the factory installed trailer hitch. I bought four Toyo M-608Z 245/70R19. 5 tires for my wheels, and someone gave me two Michelin XZA 8R19. 5 tires. I'm using one of the Michelins for a spare. It will not fit entirely into the well for the spare tire, but it will ride a bit lopsided in the same location. It has been this way for about two years without any problem. Rickson says that other hitches, that mount to the frame differently allow more clearance, and the 19. 5" tires will fit with those hitches.



My Toyos, at 245/70R19. 5 are about the biggest tire you can install on a stock set-up without rubbing on something.



I think that the only downside is the cost.



I really like mine, and the service from Rickson is outstanding.



Loren

 

[Loren]

Having just shot my mouth off about great tire mileage (above), I went down and measured the tread remaining on my Toyo M608Z tires. They are about half worn, with only 35,500 miles on them.



I talked to Dan Richter at Rickson, and he said that they have not been getting the mileage out of the Toyos that they do with other tires. He didn't know this two years ago when he sold me the tires.



My original statement is still probably true for many of the 19. 5" tires Rickson sells, but not for the Toyo M608z.



Loren