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Old 07-16-2014, 09:24 PM   #1
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2008 Berkshire 39QS Tire Replacement

Has anyone upgraded the 255/80 R22.5 OEM tires on the 2008 Berkshire 39QS with 275/80 R22.5? Freightliner will not give me an answer other than I should not change OEM size. The newer Berkshires have the larger size.
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Jim
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Old 07-16-2014, 09:35 PM   #2
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Have thought about the same thing, FL would not give me an answer either.
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Old 07-16-2014, 10:06 PM   #3
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Jim, As others will probably relate, when Freightliner did the weight retrofit on my 2011 390BH, they put the 275 tires on, but they also changed out the airbags (bigger bags) on the front axle. The clearance for the 275's is really small when you level the rig. Besides the increase in how much I can now carry (up to the max weight), I went from putting 110 lbs of pressure in each tire (which was the max allowed for the 255's), to putting 90 in the front tires and 85 in the rear tires (The max pressure for the 275's is also 110 lbs). Hope that helps. Craig


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Old 07-16-2014, 10:46 PM   #4
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Aren't the larger size tires 275/70R22.5. Instead of 80 ?
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Old 07-17-2014, 03:50 AM   #5
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Dan that my be what they put on stock now but the upgrade was a 285/80/22.5.
As to upgrading to a larger tire I would weigh your MH. If you are having a weight issue then look into it. Most of the MH's have not had an issue. I would think that your 08 is fine. Have you ever weighted it?


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Old 07-17-2014, 07:33 AM   #6
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I don't have a weight problem I am thinking the larger tires will give me a better ride. Also, there are limited suppliers for the 255/75 tires.
Front 9940
Rear 17140
My main worry for the larger is the clearance between the duals.
Jim
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Old 07-17-2014, 08:04 AM   #7
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Jim you won't have a issue with the duels. I have the upgrade on mine and it is doable if you want. You will I believe as Craig said need to also upgrade the front air bag to give you proper clearance although I'm not sure about that. Any FL oasis dealer should have that info as the upgrade was somewhat wide spread. Approach it as a front axel upgrade with FR and they should find the info they need buoy can always call Gaffney and they can send the info to your local FL dealer.
This upgrade made a huge difference in how my 2011 390RB handled. Remember I was very over weight. Some that had it done that weren't over weight say no difference. It is not a big deal if you are getting new tires as your only extra expense is the air bags and labor. Also be aware that it also changes shift patterns and performance. I think for the better but it does change it. The computer will need to be "flashed" to correct the speed and OD if you call Gaffney you will get better results talking to the repair shop than someone in the factory. I think Miss Pat runs the show their. LOL. She will get you to the correct person to talk about this. There is pages oh info on this subject so you might want to do a search and see what everyone else said about it. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions and I will give you my cell number. Good luck.


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Old 07-17-2014, 08:07 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hsvjim View Post
I don't have a weight problem I am thinking the larger tires will give me a better ride. Also, there are limited suppliers for the 255/75 tires.
Front 9940
Rear 17140
My main worry for the larger is the clearance between the duals.
Jim

You are close in weight. Your front axel is 10400 lbs. is the weight you posted a recent weight and us it with passengers and full fuel? 460lbs is not a lot of extra. The front axel is really 10500 but the tires are 10400.


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Old 07-17-2014, 06:00 PM   #9
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hsvjim,

Have you spoken to Randy Houser (rhouser@forestriver,com) at the factory yet? I had my 2011BH done there last month (275/80 R22.5's & airbags) & the ride is fantastic. The price was right also (free).
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Old 07-17-2014, 06:09 PM   #10
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Not going to happen on a 08 under weight. The free thing I mean.


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Old 07-17-2014, 08:00 PM   #11
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I have talked to Randy and they are using the XC's as FL builds them. My RV is really too old to ask Randy to change the tires. I am changing them because they are 7 years old. Thanks for the reply. I would like everyone to know that Randy, Matt now Mitch, and especially Andy in parts are some of the finest people I have ever dealt with on the RV business.
Thanks,
Jim
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Old 07-19-2014, 10:16 AM   #12
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Jim, There is a 2008 Berkshire at the NE FMCA Rally in Vermont with a new set of Michelin 275/80 R 22.5 tires on. I spoke with him briefly and he said he had no issues putting the tires on and has had no issues. He did not upgrade his airbags. He however does have a 360 engine and believes he might have a larger airbags on the front axle. Craig



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Old 07-19-2014, 04:37 PM   #13
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Thanks Craig,
That is good to hear. Mine has a 350HP Cummins which was the largest available when I bought it. I think they play games with the numbers.
Jim
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