Tire recommendation for camper

[rustyventure]

I found a camper for the 1970 C10 and need some help choosing tires. I would like to keep the stock 15 inch wheels and try to get that tall narrow original look but I'm guessing my options are limited when trying to find a tire that can handle the weight and maintain the original stock appearance.

Thanks!

[WIDESIDE72]

What is the weight of the camper? i mostly see those in 3/4 ton trucks. If it is still within the load limits of a 1/2 ton, definitely go with an "LT" light truck designated tire, not a "P" passenger car tire. Im not aware of anything in an LT tire that would be "tall and narrow", but you might start wirh an LT 30x 9.50x 15. They will fit on 6"-8" wide wheels. They will run $100-$200 each depending on brand.

I came across this tire size calculator/ comparator:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tir...5r15-30-9.5r15
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[WIDESIDE72]

P rated tires are passenger car tires. They cost less, ride softer (more comfort), and get better gas mileage

Load C tires have deper tread for more traction, are tougher off road (prevents flats), and have a higher load carrying capacity.

Load C ride firmer than P, but some load C tires (like BFG AT, Cooper AT3, and a few others) ride almost as soft-comfortable as P.
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[WIDESIDE72]

Suggested reading:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=55
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[WIDESIDE72]

Tires will be listed with a load number at the end. For instance i looked up a Godyear Silent Armor 30 9.50 15 on discountire.com

and it is has a 104 rating. I looked this up on the chart:

http://m.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoLoadIndex.dos and it is rated at 1984 lbs
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[WIDESIDE72]

All of the 15" LT tires i looked up are load range c/ 104 tires. About the heaviest rating in a 15" tire.

Btw, is your truck coil or leaf rear? I am still somewhat concerned ragarding the weight of the camper on a 1/2 ton truck. Is the truck in the photo your truck or what the camper came off of?
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[Coley]

I've been through this myself....ie: 1/2 ton with an 8' camper.
First, you are going to need at least a load range 'C' (LT) tire, 6 ply minimum. (most are 235-75R15" LT Tires)
The load capacity and the plys should be listed on the tire....NO 15" 'P' (car) tires!!!!
I'm not sure if there is a (preferred) load range 'D' in a 15" tire....but look for one. There might be one in a Goodyear wrangler or a Goodrich to my memory....but don't quote me or my recollection.
Barring those choices you have a few different options.
If I was to do it again I would look for a set of 16"-6 bolt rims and get the larger (load range D) tires on those rims.
If not that you can look at using a 31-10.5" tire...goes on a 15" Rim but it is a little taller and a little higher than average rating compared to most 15" LT tires (ie: 235-75R15)
Anywhooo...with the bigger higher load range tires you get a very stable ride, good ground clearance, etc.
Good Luck, my two bits.
Coley
Question: What size is the camper? 8'? 8-1/2? Is it the one in the pic? It looks like an 8-1/2'er on a 3/4 ton. Be careful...its weight is probably very close to 1500lbs or better....I know this. Mine was an 8'ft and it weighed around 1300lbs dry....add another 250-350 lbs loaded or something like that. (ie: water/propane/supplies/etc). In my opinion the max lgth camper for a 1/2 ton is an 8'ft-er.

[rustyventure]

Its 8ft on a 1/2 ton. Funny, It does look like a 8 1/2 but there is a guy standing on the tailgate :-)
I was also thinking about switching to 16 inch wheels. There are some really nice 225/75/16 E rated tires on craigslist right now but I dont have the wheels.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by rustyventure

Its 8ft on a 1/2 ton. Funny, It does look like a 8 1/2 but there is a guy standing on the tailgate :-)
I was also thinking about switching to 16 inch wheels. There are some really nice 225/75/16 E rated tires on craigslist right now but I dont have the wheels.

Be careful with used tires especially when carrying loads. Check the date to be sure they arent too old. Dont get me wrong, i have done the same a few times over the years. Matter of fact, recentl picked up a set of four falken Rocky mtn a/t 265 75 16 load range e tires for $300 p. local c list. Less than 1k miles 6 mo old and had transferable discounttire road hazard/ lifetime balance/ rotation. The kid just had to have hummer tires on his powerjoke i mean powerstroke 4x4. A good deal could end up costing you a lot.
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[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Coley

I've been through this myself....ie: 1/2 ton with an 8' camper.
First, you are going to need at least a load range 'C' (LT) tire, 6 ply minimum. (most are 235-75R15" LT Tires)
The load capacity and the plys should be listed on the tire....NO 15" 'P' (car) tires!!!!
I'm not sure if there is a (preferred) load range 'D' in a 15" tire....but look for one. There might be one in a Goodyear wrangler or a Goodrich to my memory....but don't quote me or my recollection.
Barring those choices you have a few different options.
If I was to do it again I would look for a set of 16"-6 bolt rims and get the larger (load range D) tires on those rims.
If not that you can look at using a 31-10.5" tire...goes on a 15" Rim but it is a little taller and a little higher than average rating compared to most 15" LT tires (ie: 235-75R15)
Anywhooo...with the bigger higher load range tires you get a very stable ride, good ground clearance, etc.
Good Luck, my two bits.
Coley
Question: What size is the camper? 8'? 8-1/2? Is it the one in the pic? It looks like an 8-1/2'er on a 3/4 ton. Be careful...its weight is probably very close to 1500lbs or better....I know this. Mine was an 8'ft and it weighed around 1300lbs dry....add another 250-350 lbs loaded or something like that. (ie: water/propane/supplies/etc). In my opinion the max lgth camper for a 1/2 ton is an 8'ft-er.

Uh yea what he said
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[WIDESIDE72]

I forgot you have a 70 if its still 6 lug Going to a 16 is easier. Just be sure tour brakes Are up to the task. Drums dont have the fade resistance of discs.
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