Tire and Tire Chain Recommendations for 30 Foot Motorhome

Published 08/29/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F

(2300)

$202.09

Glacier Multi-Arm Tire Chain Tensioners for 16" to 19" Rims - Rubber - 1 Pair

(416)

$55.36

Glacier Tire Chains w/ Cam Tighteners - Ladder Pattern - Twist Links - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(239)

$140.62

Konig Commercial Truck Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(237)

$248.63

Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair

(759)

$301.51

Question:

Thank you for your response and further opting to help. The tire size is 235/85/16. Single tires 4 tires total on the 30foot Class A motorhome.

asked by: Deb

Helpful Expert Reply:

The tires we carry are for trailer use only, they wouldn't be for use on your motorhome. A Class A motorhome is a self-contained unit, with an engine but a trailer is towed behind another vehicle, so yes there is a difference between a 'Trailer' and a 'Class A motorhome'.

Your motorhome should have a sticker on it somewhere (usually placed on the drivers door jamb) listing the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR is the maximum the vehicle can weigh once its fully loaded. You'll want to choose tires that have a combined load rating that exceeds the GVWR of the vehicle. The term 'ply rating' really doesn't mean too much anymore- because of the advances in tire manufacturing a 10 ply rated tire won't have 10 layers of material. I'd recommend going to your local RV center to ensure you get the correct tires for your motorhome.

The tire chains needed will depend on the tire size and whether you have single or dual rear tires on each side. If you'd care to reply with the tire size and let me now whether you have two or 4 rear tires, I'd be happy to make a recommendation. If you click the provided link, you can see an article with more information about tire chains.

expert reply by: Mike L

Deb

8/29/2019

Thank you for your response and further opting to help. The tire size is 235/85/16. Single tires 4 tires total on the 30foot Class A motorhome.

Mike L.

8/29/2019

The main considerations to keep in mind when choosing a tire chain is its ease of installation/removal, it's warranty and how often you're going to find yourself in a situation where the chains would be used. If you're planning on frequently finding yourself in situations where the chains will be needed, then you'll definitely want something that'll be easy to use. The # TH2004705265 Konig self-tensioning chains would be the easiest to install. Attach to the tire, and they'll tighten themselves up as you drive away. Konig offers a whopping 5 year warranty, which is excellent. A middle of the road option from Konig would be the # TH01571265 standard snow chain. You'll install the chain, drive a short distance then check for tighness. Color coding makes install pretty simple, and this pair of chains also has a 5 year warranty. A less expensive option would be the # PWH2221SC Glacier Twist Link Snow Chains. These chains install using cam tighteners. These chains carry a 30 day warranty, and although their performance is excellent, the install would not be as easy as the other two choices I mentioned. For these chains, rubber adjusters like # PW105 are recommended. At a minimum, you'll want to install chains on the drive wheels, but if you'll be driving curvy roads through hilly terrain, using chains on all 4 wheels wouldn't be a bad idea. Bottom line- if you'll be using the chains frequently, a chain that's easier to install with a better warranty would be your best option. If you're only keeping them on hand for emergency purposes, than the lesser expensive options would work. One thing I strongly suggest- familiarize yourself with the installation procedure in your driveway before you actually have to use them on the road. It's much less stressful and dangerous to learn the procedure in the safety of the driveway than along the side of the highway kneeling in a snowbank. I'll link you to install videos for the three chains I recommended.