So that the Class A RV owners don’t feel left out, here is a post that focuses on tires with 17.5, 19.5, or 22.5 size wheels. I will assume you have reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of this series. This 3rd part builds on that knowledge.
Let’s start with a video on how “Truck Tires” are made (see below). There really is no substantive difference between tires sold for truck use and tires used on RVs. The market for tires in the 17.5 to 24.5 size focuses on expected usage, such as highway or off-road. Then within those two groups, there are more segments, such as city bus, interstate highway, off-road, etc. These sub-groups have changes in tread design or tread rubber, as well as Max Load capacity. The 17.5 size is a relatively new development, as seen on some large 5th wheel trailers. These are still considered “truck” tires for this series.
I will focus on tires that will most likely go on Class A RVs with 22.5 tires, as used on public highways. If you need tires for a cement mixer truck or for off-road use in the logging industry, etc., you will need to work closely with your “commercial truck tire dealer,” as they will have people with the specialized knowledge needed to identify your unique needs.
No matter your special needs, you will still follow the basics of having a tire capable of supporting the load and following the special speed restrictions (75 mph maximum for RV use) and traction needs for your application.
How Class A tires are made
Please note the similarities between the tire construction in Part 1 and 2 of this series and the construction in this video. At 4:30, note the information shown on the tire sidewall for the various reinforcement materials used. While the number and specific material used will change, the basic configuration of beads, the body, belt and tread are similar.
Side note: At 13:13 in the video, you will see an example of Bar Code identification. I used this type of tire identification while inspecting a suspect tire. Based on that information and the “traceability” it afforded, I was able to identify a production mistake and a relatively small 8,000-tire recall was initiated based on that work.
Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to drop me an email at the address below.
A reminder: Please capture a picture of the Certification label on your RV and when shopping for tires, please consult that tire information. I know of no reason to go smaller in size or lower in Load Range from what was originally provided by the RV company.
Roger Marble
RELATED
- Tire terminology: Basic tire construction, Part 2
- Tire terminology: Basic tire construction, Part 1
- Back to basics: “What tires do I need for my RV?”
- Some miscellaneous but very important tire info for RV owners
- How and why to photograph your tire sidewall info
- When to replace tires? Find out here
- Learn the basics of setting tire pressure and testing TPMS
- If I upsize my RV’s tires, can I lower their inflation?
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Did I miss the post about tire construction for trailers and 5th wheels?
Hi, Perry. I think those are covered in Parts 1 and 2 of this series from Roger. Those are linked in Part 3. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com