19.5 wheels on 1 ton SRW

[Trent McCain]

We purchased a 2004 Mobile Suites and will tow it with a 2009 F350 11.4 GVW F350. The truck handled the coach beautifully on the trip home. Just out of curiosity, I weighed it at our local elevator and was surprised at just how heavy it was. All the specs we could find online indicated it should weigh just under 12K, in actuality, it's over 13K before we load our gear.

Front axle is 5,280/6K rated and the rear axle was 6,380/7K rated. Total on truck with me in the chair was 11,660/11.4 rated, and the total gross weight is 22,140/23.5 rated.

The wife and I do not full time and carry very little belongings as we only go for for a couple days. We also don't carry water as we stay in facilities that have full hookups. If we were full timing I'd look at a dually. If we scale this rig loaded and I think it's too heavy, I might end up with a dually anyways, but I'd like to avoid it if possible. Running at gross weight doesn't bother me as we run trucks commercially hauling bulk commodities and are loaded to gross weight 80K daily with no problems. I know we will be slightly over the GVW for the truck, but I don't think we will be over by much if any on the axles. In reading the spec on a 10.5 Sterling axle, I'm finding it's rated up to 9,700 lbs in other applications. I'm guessing the main reason the axle is rated as such on a SRW truck is the tires. I'd like to replace the factory 18" tires with 19.5 wheels and tires. That would give us more than enough tire capacity if we approach 7-7.5K on the rear axle. Has anyone done the conversion and what's your thoughts?

[ncbound123]

My concern would be finding tires in 19.5" that are rated to carry enough weight. We run an 09' Dodge with factory 18" rims and I replaced the tires the first of the year with a set of Michelin's that are load range E's. Hauling heavy with a 5th wheel I personally would want to stick with a heavy rated tire to error on the safe side. Just make sure that your looking at the proper load range for the load your hauling and enjoy.

[rnkburg]

I would think you could find the tires easily. Many of the f 450 and f 550 trucks and now some dodge come standard with 19.5 tires and wheels


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[Trent McCain]

Tires are easy. My shop that handles my truck tires keeps several brands in stock and can order what they don't carry. As for wheels Vision and Rickson make direct replacement rims that bolt on without adapters. I believe F450 wheels are 10 bolt vs 8 bolt on the F350

[bsmith0404]

The only concern I would have is getting them balanced. I've heard a lot of places cannot balance the large diameter wheels. I'd check that and as long as you can get what you want and can get them balanced I don't see why not

[Trent McCain]

I've read about some balance issues. My shops that handle our OTR trucks can spin balance tires. I've had some shops use stick on weights, others have used balance powder. I don't know what's the best method now. I'd think a competent shop that deals in truck tires could handle it as mentioned above 450's come with them. My tire dealer did recommend spending the money for a name brand tire as they will be truer and balance easier.

[Desert185]

If the diameter changes much, the ratio may change to something that may affect the towing ability. Something to consider...

[bsmith0404]

I use balancing beads in my dually and love them. Seems to be the only way I can get rid of high speed vibration

[LittleJoe]

With 19.5's and running empty it will shake the fillings out of your teeth, unless you drop a lot of air out.
With 5th you may be over the GAWR for the rear axle but hopefully not by much?

[Ken / Claudia]

Yes you can get them as others have said. I almost did but, I got tires max rated 3740 lbs on 16" rims and they work (carry the weight). Many on the Arctic Fox web site that have SRW 1 tons and carry the giant campers use them. All say the ride is a back killer without the camper on the truck. We are talking carrying 5,000 lbs or more in the bed. mine was 4400lbs. One guy had the best idea. He used the factory tires/wheels and changed them out to the 19.5s when going camping.

[Trent McCain]

I installed Torklift Stable loads some time back and they engage the overloads sooner than when stock...being its a short wheelbase, and I usually keep the rear tires at 80 psi, it finds every breaker joint in the road as it is! Lol! We don't use it as a daily driver. Although the current tires will be due for replacement (another reason why I'm contemplating converting now), they would last a while in a non-towing situation. For me its probably not worth the hassle of switching back to stock when not towing as we just don't drive it enough otherwise.

[Trent McCain]

Finally loaded the coach for a week long trip. Weighed on the CAT scale full of fuel and me in the chair. 5280 front, 7040 rear, 23,500 gross. I asked my Ford service manager if it would concern him running at capacity. He stated they have seen several of these trucks over the years that are abused and overloaded and have yet to see a wheel failure. I think I will order some 4k rated Toyos for the factory rims and be fine.