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Old 12-08-2021, 09:38 AM   #1
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Tire Sizes??

I currently have 11r 22.5 goodyear tires on our bus. We have a 2007 Bluebird All american RE. They will need to be replaced when finishing our conversion. My question is, can I put 315/80r 22.5
in place of them? I feel i have plenty of clearance in hight, but not sure about the fit for spacing on dullies. My parents have a fancy entegra bus and will be replacing there tires which are still like new, so i can get them for real cheap. Also the gear ratio on my bus is 6.83, so putting larger tires on should increase my speed availability while also lowering my RPM's while cruising 65-70mph. Also the steer tires are 365/70r22.5 these are some wide tires and im concerned about my rim being to narrow or my power steering not being able to support this size tire. Any advice would be greatful.

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Old 12-08-2021, 11:58 AM   #2
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The 315 will be 12.4" wide compared to the 11", it's also taller throwing off the accuracy of the speedo.
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Old 12-08-2021, 02:53 PM   #3
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my experience with wider tires is that it makes the vehicle wantto wander or "dog leg" or skate more..
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Old 12-08-2021, 06:39 PM   #4
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The idea of super singles on the rear sounds nice but when, not if, you have a blow out you are dead in the water. With dual rear tires you have the ability to slow down and get it off the road. Of course the front does not have dual's but you will generally feel problems before it goes boom. You were talking about used tires so how old are we talking about 5 years? After 5 years you are on borrowed time. Always think about the damage a blow out does to plumbing and wiring.
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Old 12-08-2021, 07:04 PM   #5
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There were still going to be dually tires on the back. My question was clearance between the tires. I have 8.25” rims.
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Old 12-08-2021, 08:10 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Urbannomads View Post
There were still going to be dually tires on the back. My question was clearance between the tires. I have 8.25” rims.
Recommended rim width for a 315 is 8.5"-10". Changing from an 11" to a 315 you will lose 1.4" of space between them. If you have a blow out on the front in BFE, you can always swap a rear onto the front to get you to help.
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Old 12-08-2021, 08:14 PM   #7
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315 needs to be on a 9.5 rim. I think that the overall width will be too wide.
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Old 12-08-2021, 08:16 PM   #8
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Are you just trying to get taller rubber?
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Old 12-08-2021, 09:18 PM   #9
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Are you just trying to get taller rubber?
Needs new, getting the family pricing. The 315's are available to him when his parents swap tires.
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Old 12-08-2021, 11:52 PM   #10
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Where is the best general place to buy 11r22.5 for those of us without hookups? I want to upsize from my low-pro and might be able to sell mine.
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Old 12-09-2021, 06:57 AM   #11
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Where is the best general place to buy 11r22.5 for those of us without hookups? I want to upsize from my low-pro and might be able to sell mine.

I went to my local Best-drive tire store and the guys there love my busses so they piggy-backed me onto one of their major purchasers to get their discounts.. I pay for the tires and service by credit card but the big purchaser gets more points / better discounts and I get tires at a good price..



ive taken all of ny busses there for any tire / alignment service.. best thing is they are walking distance from my house and one of my favorite coffee shops! win-win!
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Old 12-09-2021, 03:59 PM   #12
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The question here should instead be: What is the manufacturer's specified tire size that's detailed on the tire and weight placard inside the bus? I'm surprised that Blue Bird doesn't require 12R22.5 tires for an AARE. What is your bus's GVWR? If it's about 37000 lbs, do 11R22.5 have enough load capacity? FYI, my 37400 GVWR bus with Budd 8.25" wheels was specified by Crown with 12R22.5 H tires, and I would never fit anything narrower or with less load range than that size. If you operate a heavy vehicle with inadequate or incorrect tires, you may be in deep doodoo if your vehicle is ever in an accident. Also, too-wide tires on the front can interfere with tie rods and/or drag links during tight turns.

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Old 12-09-2021, 06:00 PM   #13
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The bus is approx 36000 GVWR I believe. I bought it with 11r tires on it. There is a difference of 435lb for load rating between an 11r and a 12r tire. What I found is that a 315/80R22.5 tire has an approved rim of 8.25, 9.00, 9.75. but I dont think I would want to put them on a rim smaller then a 9.00.
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Old 12-16-2021, 03:05 AM   #14
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My bus came with a 6.14 drive axle and 9R20s. Top speed, at 3,000 rpm was 54 mph.
Changing to 11R22.5 raised the top speed to 57 mph.
Replacing the 6.14 with a 4.11 raised the top speed to a theoretical 85 mph or so. I've had it up to 75.
I cruise between 55 and 60. Economy you know.
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Old 12-16-2021, 04:52 PM   #15
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the difference in those tire sizes will at best add 3 mph to your top end. if you need more than 4 or 5 mph you need to change gears. this info is what all newbes should consider when buying a bus as changing a rear end is costly
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Old 12-16-2021, 04:54 PM   #16
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Shouldn't be in such a rush anyway
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Old 12-17-2021, 07:58 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
my experience with wider tires is that it makes the vehicle wantto wander or "dog leg" or skate more..
yea i had them on a truck and it is a bit different i did not like them
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Old 12-17-2021, 08:05 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnthebusboy View Post
My bus came with a 6.14 drive axle and 9R20s. Top speed, at 3,000 rpm was 54 mph.
Changing to 11R22.5 raised the top speed to 57 mph.
Replacing the 6.14 with a 4.11 raised the top speed to a theoretical 85 mph or so. I've had it up to 75.
I cruise between 55 and 60. Economy you know.
your right it needs to be gears to get it faster but 3000 on a diesel.....wow i would not be comfortably unless its a rear engine ! when changing gears you must make sure you have enough torque to pull that load with that gearing. also note that it may affect your trailer towing ability if you plan on pulling a large heavy one. most diesels should be able to pull those taller gears but its up you to make sure your setup will
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Old 12-17-2021, 08:07 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Urbannomads View Post
The bus is approx 36000 GVWR I believe. I bought it with 11r tires on it. There is a difference of 435lb for load rating between an 11r and a 12r tire. What I found is that a 315/80R22.5 tire has an approved rim of 8.25, 9.00, 9.75. but I dont think I would want to put them on a rim smaller then a 9.00.
the difference is in the load range not the tire size. some bigger sizes do not come in a lower ply rating
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Old 12-17-2021, 08:09 AM   #20
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before trying to figure out tires spend some time with a tire guy that actually puts them on. buy him a big mac and he will unlock the mysteries of rubber to you
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