Isata 5 30FW mods

[mjbenedict]

Originally Posted by Sabu

When it comes time to replace tires, what is the largest 19.5 tire that will fit the I5, without causing spacing problems at the dual setup? Can a spacer be used to maintain duel spacing? How about up front?
With the 4:88 gearing, seems like a waste of RPMs/ fuel above 60MPH. Great for pulling a 10K# trailer uphill, but I don’t tow.

Some put the next size up without changing the rims which I will not do. That size requires a wider rim and I'm not comfortable putting tires on a rim they say is the wrong size. Basically you can get a larger rim and go up in size or stick with the tire size on it. Or, like others, risk the rim width as a "recommendation" and not a requirement.

[vlamgat]

Originally Posted by Sabu

When it comes time to replace tires, what is the largest 19.5 tire that will fit the I5, without causing spacing problems at the dual setup? Can a spacer be used to maintain duel spacing? How about up front?
With the 4:88 gearing, seems like a waste of RPMs/ fuel above 60MPH. Great for pulling a 10K# trailer uphill, but I don’t tow.

Anything is possible but the unknowns are numerous: will spacers put too much load on the hubs by leveraging the wheels outboard; will wider wheels even with spacers allow for a useable turning circle; what loads are placed on the sidewalls if they are not positioned vertically above the rim as the design should require.

But with that said there are numerous users of the 245 size G rated Michelin tires by which the swear undying loyalty. I think we would struggle with a 265 or a 275 if they were available.

The gearing difference from the 245 is negligible and I do not believe there are any other section sizes available as steer or traction tires. Beware trailer tires in the 19.5 size which is the majority user on 18 wheelers.

[Sabu]

The 245 Michelin XZE that I’ve seen on their website are actually H-rated. Their 225 XZE’s are G-rated, like our 225 Conti’s.
I’m wondering if the improved ride reported when folks switch to michelins is a result of the fact that the larger H tire requires less PSI for the same weight as the G. This is shown on their pressure tables available on their website.
Less pressure required means softer ride?

[vlamgat]

That is a logical conclusion but to get an H rating a heavier duty rubber compound, and additional steel belt or two and more rigid sidewall is needed that cancels out the lower inflation level.