Does Switching to Larger Tires Increase the GVWR on my 2019 Thor Four Winds Motorhome?

Published 12/12/2019

Question:

I have a 2019 Thor Four Winds motorhome, Ford E350 chassis DRW with 16” tires. I know that I am at my gross vehicle weight capacity, maybe a little beyond. I would like to change to 17.5” wheels and tires for extra capacity. Suggestions? Thank you

asked by: Joe M

Expert Reply:

I'll start out by saying that going with larger wheel and tire combo will not increase the GVWR of your 2019 Thor Four Winds motorhome. In situations like this, your vehicle is rated for the maximum weight that the frame, engine and components are safely rated for without risking damage to the frame or engine.

If you wanted to upgrade to a larger wheel and tire combo, the Westlake # LHAS701 is a Load Range H tire that will provide you with a bit stronger tire and better handling, but does not raise the GVWR on your 2019 Thor Four Winds Class C motor home. You'll want to first confirm that a larger tire/wheel will fit on your vehicle and still allow for the appropriate clearance in the wheel wells; I would recommend leaving at least 3" from the top of your tire to the top of the wheel well on any new tire/wheel combo.

expert reply by: Erik B