All terrain tires

[Wildland909]

So....I took the first step and bought a bus. Before I start the conversion, I want to make sure it is road worthy. Any thoughts on all terrain tires on the drive tires? They aren’t big tires by any means (225x75R16’s)

[o1marc]

Buses are loud enough by themselves. All terrain tires are going to be noisy.

[leadsled01]

Best thing I ever did was install light all terrains on my shuttle bus. I use to get stuck on wet grass but now make through fairly nasty mud. Of course my shuttle is a lot lighter than a skoolie.

[DawgBüs]

Sounds like a cutaway bus? I had the same size tires as yours on my cutaway Ford and went up to 285/75R16. I have a minor lift though. Whatever you buy, make sure you can fit them under without hitting anything and especially while fully turned to either side

[Wildland909]

The noise isn’t a concern for me. I currently live in Maine where traction is a concern in the winter. As well as mud where I plan on relocating to.

[EastCoastCB]

If traction is a concern get ya some M+S tires.

I'm running some meaty open shoulder tires on my shorty. They're great on the dirt but do make a good bit of noise on the pavement.

[Wildland909]

I was thinking of 6 of these plus a spare

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I wouldn't bother with aggressive tires on the steering axle, unless it's a 4x4.

[Native]

I sure wish my 11R22.5's were that cheap! They cost 5.5 times that!

[JDOnTheGo]

"Traction tires" are not normally bad for highway use. As noted, they are noisier, may not be as smooth of a ride (depends on tire), and probably won't get the same wear life (on asphalt).

The tires listed are retreads and I'm one of those that has had one come apart (here). I have no interest in ever repeating that so won't own another retread. Obviously, tires fail for various reasons and being a retread is not the ONLY reason.

[Dirtdoctor]

What ever you choose- get the highest rated sidewall and ply rating. Nothing worse than making a hard turn and feeling the sidewalks lean. Heavier rated tires are great!

[WIbluebird]

We run open shoulder all terrains on the work buses so that is what I will be doing on my skoolie. The extra traction is nice and the added noise doesn't bother me.

My company used to (and still do ocasionally) run steers on the rear. HORRIBLE traction like get stuck on dry grass bad. They are quiet though.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Buses are loud enough by themselves. All terrain tires are going to be noisy.

I agree with Marc.

I switched from highway tread to A/T tir s on one of my trucks when I moved back to snow country. I hated them. I was shocked at just how loud they were and my fuel mileage dropped 2mpg.


If you insist on taking your bus where A/T tires are needed then you will have to live with it.