Tires

[Stanimal]

So, my bus (1989 GMC Short Bus, dually) needs new tires.

It currently has M+S 8.00, R16.5 LT 105/101 Q tires on the bus. I have called around to local stores, even used tire shops and none have it. One told me the tire is either no longer made, or in limited production and made only once a year and sells out.

Has anyone run into issues with older buses?

One tire shop suggested replacing all 6 wheel, and then getting a modern tire that fits that wheel\rim. Estimated about $3,000 for that. My budget was not created with that in mind, and am just looking for some creative solutions or to see what anyone else in a similar situation may have done.

Stanimal

[rossvtaylor]

Hi Stanimal,

I recently encountered the same thing with an RV we purchased. It seems that the smaller size rims are all even-inch dimensions now. But I did find that Firestone has a 16 1/2-in tire still. When I went to Discount Tire they told me I was out of luck. But they don't carry Firestone and I found the Firestone option online. Military tires are also available in 16.5 but they're not really what we want.

If you search "Firestone 16.5-in tires" you should find them. I think they're called a transforce? I did not purchase those yet because I am considering switching to a more common rim. I just picked up this RV a month ago, so I'm making the same decision you are...

[o1marc]

https://simpletire.com/paid?v=1&tire...kaAqHCEALw_wcB


https://www.ebay.com/itm/30401090941...MaAgR_EALw_wcB

https://www.discounttirezone.com/Coo...ed_p_3883.html

https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/8.00r16.5lt

[peteg59]

I'm running 225/75-16LT on mine.
You'll likely have to get 16" rims. Junkyard, craigslist, etc. for used will save over buying new rims.

Here's a helpful guide to finding/comparing different sizes of tires so you don't run into speedometer issues: https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Good luck...

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

that price is quite high?
dont look for the specific tire thats on your bus.
all you need is tire size and load range.
like 265/75/16.5 load range E. and go from there.
post it here and we might be able to help.
i have a 2003 chevy 3500 shortie i am getting ready to look for tires for so me helping you will also give me a better idea but my local tire shop see's almost anything and everything come there on a weekly basis but i like to by tires and just have them do the hard part.
let us know what you need?

[rossvtaylor]

Some of those tires that 01marc posted are quite affordable. Those look like great options for both of us.

On my trip back from Sacramento to Arizona I lost two tires and used both spares. Trying to find 16.5 tires anywhere on my route was tough. But at least I can order some through these links and make sure I've got a good spare with me. Obviously the tires that were on this RV were pretty old...

There's definitely something to be said for having more commonly available tire sizes, but if my tires are new and I have a spare I'm pretty good with sticking with the 16.5s for now.

[o1marc]

I have a set of 6 mounted 22.5" wheels and tires as spares, or for sale to anyone that needs them. You guys are on the wrong side of the land.