We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare tire. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35 years. With the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpler then getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEAVEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have removed the mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you say out there? Bob Dunahugh
Do we need a spare tire?
- Thread starter Bob Dunahugh
- Start date
I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
Many GMCers go spareless. I personally am a belt and suspenders kind of
guy, so I buy 7 tires at a time with the same date code. B.F. Goodrich,
load range E. Never had a blowout on the coach, but road hazards abound on
the highways of the West. Can't predict them, so I come prepared with a
spare. Just me. Your experiences might vary.
Jim Hupy
> I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some
> additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
> certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my
> other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
>
> kelly
>
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
guy, so I buy 7 tires at a time with the same date code. B.F. Goodrich,
load range E. Never had a blowout on the coach, but road hazards abound on
the highways of the West. Can't predict them, so I come prepared with a
spare. Just me. Your experiences might vary.
Jim Hupy
> I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some
> additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
> certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my
> other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
>
> kelly
>
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
There isn’t clearance to mount underneath.
You might consider using a bumper storage box such as one made by Frank Jenkins.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
> certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
>
> kelly
>
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
You might consider using a bumper storage box such as one made by Frank Jenkins.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
> certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
>
> kelly
>
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare tire. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35 years. With
> the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpler then
> getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEAVEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have removed the
> mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you say out there? Bob Dunahugh
Been without the spare since 2012 when I had the coach painted. Had one flat but when I was in a campground. Loaded in the toad and to local tire guy
who found a broken/cracked valve stem. Haven't missed having the spare - knock on wood. I figure that is why I carry the AAA card.
--
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
> the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpler then
> getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEAVEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have removed the
> mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you say out there? Bob Dunahugh
Been without the spare since 2012 when I had the coach painted. Had one flat but when I was in a campground. Loaded in the toad and to local tire guy
who found a broken/cracked valve stem. Haven't missed having the spare - knock on wood. I figure that is why I carry the AAA card.
--
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
If you've a toad and you can det it out and in it roadside, even the bare minimum risk of a flat miles from anything is covered. Eschew the spare.
--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
No, you do not - If you have 16" wheels.
The last time I bought 16.5 tires, the only one in stock locally was 4 years old and offered at a new price. That was 8 years ago.
In 12 years and 70K miles, I broke one non-radial rim (that was 16.5), got one flat that we never figured out (took it to a tire shop for repair and
he couldn't find anything to fix) and lost one wheel (this is not common, we lost the wheel, tire and brake drum in Arkansas). I carry a spare now
mostly because we go to some way out of the way places and I am paranoid. (Old and paranoid, the two go together in my book.)
Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
The last time I bought 16.5 tires, the only one in stock locally was 4 years old and offered at a new price. That was 8 years ago.
In 12 years and 70K miles, I broke one non-radial rim (that was 16.5), got one flat that we never figured out (took it to a tire shop for repair and
he couldn't find anything to fix) and lost one wheel (this is not common, we lost the wheel, tire and brake drum in Arkansas). I carry a spare now
mostly because we go to some way out of the way places and I am paranoid. (Old and paranoid, the two go together in my book.)
Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
I have new Sully bags. How would the quad bag mean you don't need a spare? If a front tire blows, you move a rear up to it's place and drive on with
3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag? I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring
back the rim w/tire.
This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I
have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an Al
spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag? I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring
back the rim w/tire.
This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I
have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an Al
spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
The way I drive and the open roads in the Western part of USA, I have used
the spare tire on numerous occasion.
Like the generator, it is great to have when things go wrong.
> I have new Sully bags. How would the quad bag mean you don't need a
> spare? If a front tire blows, you move a rear up to it's place and drive
> on with
> 3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag?
> I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
>
> We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive
> off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring
> back the rim w/tire.
>
> This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a
> very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I
> have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire
> weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an
> Al
> spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
>
> thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
the spare tire on numerous occasion.
Like the generator, it is great to have when things go wrong.
> I have new Sully bags. How would the quad bag mean you don't need a
> spare? If a front tire blows, you move a rear up to it's place and drive
> on with
> 3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag?
> I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
>
> We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive
> off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring
> back the rim w/tire.
>
> This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a
> very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I
> have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire
> weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an
> Al
> spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
>
> thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
on a 26').
Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
on a 26').
Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
Ken,
I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
spare only.
On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
> the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
> which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
> ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
> on a 26').
>
> Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
> trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
>
> Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
> Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
> remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
> that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
> bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
> almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
spare only.
On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
> the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
> which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
> ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
> on a 26').
>
> Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
> trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
>
> Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
> Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
> remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
> that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
> bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
> almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Jim,
I agree with you; I certainly didn't intend to seem to be endorsing the
practice when I tried to explain it.
Ken H.
> Ken,
> I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
> Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
> the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
> I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
> spare only.
>
> On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
>
> > I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
> > the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag
> system
> > which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
> > ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at
> least
> > on a 26').
> >
> > Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
> > trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
> >
> > Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
> > Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
> > remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
> > that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each
> wheel
> > bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach
> to
> > almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
> >
> > Ken H.
> > Americus, GA
> > '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> > Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> > www.gmcwipersetc.com
> >
> > >
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
I agree with you; I certainly didn't intend to seem to be endorsing the
practice when I tried to explain it.
Ken H.
> Ken,
> I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
> Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
> the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
> I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
> spare only.
>
> On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
>
> > I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
> > the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag
> system
> > which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
> > ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at
> least
> > on a 26').
> >
> > Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
> > trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
> >
> > Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
> > Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
> > remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
> > that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each
> wheel
> > bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach
> to
> > almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
> >
> > Ken H.
> > Americus, GA
> > '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> > Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> > www.gmcwipersetc.com
> >
> > >
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> according to Jim Bounds, if you have the quad bags, you can get along without a spare OK. I wouldnt want to leave out the spare on a traditional
> suspended coach though.
to be clear, Jim B. was saying (in one of his videos) that you could move the coach to a safer position if needed with the quad bag system so you dont
have to work on it on a busy roadside. he wasnt saying to just drive on it like nothing happened.
> suspended coach though.
to be clear, Jim B. was saying (in one of his videos) that you could move the coach to a safer position if needed with the quad bag system so you dont
have to work on it on a busy roadside. he wasnt saying to just drive on it like nothing happened.
G'day,
Below you will find an email e-mail I wrote years ago which provides information regarding driving a GMC on less than four rear
wheels.
OPERATING A GMC ON LESS THAN FOUR REAR WHEELS/TIRES
REFERENCE: GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7821A Page 1 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VEHICLE LOADING.
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7821A.zip
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the vehicle.
26 foot GMC GVWR = 12,500 lbs
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that an axle can carry.
26 foot GMC GAWR
GAWR = 4,500 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 8,000 lbs Rear Wheels
REFERENCE: Tire Load Range: http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/tires.html
Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the pressure required to carry that load.
D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds
E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds
REFERENCE: Alcoa Light Truck, SUV, RV and Motorhome Wheels Fitment Guide
http://www.southwestwheel.com/pictures5/LTFitment-Screen_10-18-01.pdf
P/N: 160231
Style: Classic
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 160251
Style: LTS 5
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2440
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 161251
Style: Hot Shot
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
COMMENTS:
The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure was supplied to the air bag supporting the remaining
tire. For ease of calculations we'll divide the rear GAWR of 8,000 lbs as noted above by four which results in a load per tire of
2,000 lbs. Operating the GMC with one wheel removed the load on the remaining tire would double; going from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. This
is an overload of 1,765 pounds (~79%) on a D range tire at the maximum pressure of 65 psi and an overload of 1320 pounds (~49%) on
an E load range tire at the maximum pressure of 80 psi. If the tires are not inflated to the pressures noted in the previous
sentence the overload would be even higher.
CONCLUSION:
If you drive your GMC with less than four rear tires supporting the load you WILL be operating the GMC with OVERLOADED TIRE(S) and
OVERLOADED WHEELS!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Fred
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2018 6:40 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire?
> according to Jim Bounds, if you have the quad bags, you can get along without a spare OK. I wouldnt want to leave out the spare on
a traditional
> suspended coach though.
to be clear, Jim B. was saying (in one of his videos) that you could move the coach to a safer position if needed with the quad bag
system so you dont
have to work on it on a busy roadside. he wasnt saying to just drive on it like nothing happened.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Below you will find an email e-mail I wrote years ago which provides information regarding driving a GMC on less than four rear
wheels.
OPERATING A GMC ON LESS THAN FOUR REAR WHEELS/TIRES
REFERENCE: GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7821A Page 1 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VEHICLE LOADING.
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7821A.zip
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the vehicle.
26 foot GMC GVWR = 12,500 lbs
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that an axle can carry.
26 foot GMC GAWR
GAWR = 4,500 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 8,000 lbs Rear Wheels
REFERENCE: Tire Load Range: http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/tires.html
Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the pressure required to carry that load.
D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds
E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds
REFERENCE: Alcoa Light Truck, SUV, RV and Motorhome Wheels Fitment Guide
http://www.southwestwheel.com/pictures5/LTFitment-Screen_10-18-01.pdf
P/N: 160231
Style: Classic
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 160251
Style: LTS 5
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2440
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 161251
Style: Hot Shot
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
COMMENTS:
The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure was supplied to the air bag supporting the remaining
tire. For ease of calculations we'll divide the rear GAWR of 8,000 lbs as noted above by four which results in a load per tire of
2,000 lbs. Operating the GMC with one wheel removed the load on the remaining tire would double; going from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. This
is an overload of 1,765 pounds (~79%) on a D range tire at the maximum pressure of 65 psi and an overload of 1320 pounds (~49%) on
an E load range tire at the maximum pressure of 80 psi. If the tires are not inflated to the pressures noted in the previous
sentence the overload would be even higher.
CONCLUSION:
If you drive your GMC with less than four rear tires supporting the load you WILL be operating the GMC with OVERLOADED TIRE(S) and
OVERLOADED WHEELS!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Fred
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2018 6:40 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire?
> according to Jim Bounds, if you have the quad bags, you can get along without a spare OK. I wouldnt want to leave out the spare on
a traditional
> suspended coach though.
to be clear, Jim B. was saying (in one of his videos) that you could move the coach to a safer position if needed with the quad bag
system so you dont
have to work on it on a busy roadside. he wasnt saying to just drive on it like nothing happened.
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First rule of breaking down or having a flat in a gmc is the same as real-estate. Location-Location-Location.
Most places you could be fine driving on 5. Other places not so much. Same with roadside assistance. Some locations you have help in short time,
others you end up having to help yourself. I lost a front tire a mile from my house. I am happy hauling a spare that I never use. As soon as I
would decide to remove it,
I am sure I would instantly regret it.
For Kelly- steel rim/tires are heavy. I hate lifting and manouvering them. Plus steel lugnuts take more might to remove. For your purpose, your
sully bag setup will not allow you to drive on 5 tires. 5 tire driving is for the quad bag system.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Most places you could be fine driving on 5. Other places not so much. Same with roadside assistance. Some locations you have help in short time,
others you end up having to help yourself. I lost a front tire a mile from my house. I am happy hauling a spare that I never use. As soon as I
would decide to remove it,
I am sure I would instantly regret it.
For Kelly- steel rim/tires are heavy. I hate lifting and manouvering them. Plus steel lugnuts take more might to remove. For your purpose, your
sully bag setup will not allow you to drive on 5 tires. 5 tire driving is for the quad bag system.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Were you live plays some into this topic. I wouldn't want to do it out =
West. Not a lot of off ramps out there. Running on 5 idea is for very short=
duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the Misso=
uri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always have a =
toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I can b=
ring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I can =
roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off it's moun=
t. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that mount is a h=
ealth risk for this coot. And an injured ME is a HUGE problem with Linda in=
a wheel chair. If I'm injured. She CAN NOT help me in any way. ( Linda =
just said that she can dial 911) THANKS. GRIN. An other thought. What ca=
n your wife/partner do in this situation. This situation needs to be talked=
about in all our houses. With our partners. I'm now seeing the Quad bag s=
ystem as more of an asset then I first thought. If youDamage a bearing, or =
tire. I DO NOT care. That's CHEEP. Bob Dunahugh _____________________=
___________ From: Bob Dunahugh Sent: Friday, May=
11, 2018 11:09 AM To: gmclist Subject: Do we need a sp=
are tire? We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare ti=
re. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35=
years. With the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if =
I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpl=
er then getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEA=
VEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have remov=
ed the mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you s=
ay out there? Bob Dunahugh
West. Not a lot of off ramps out there. Running on 5 idea is for very short=
duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the Misso=
uri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always have a =
toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I can b=
ring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I can =
roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off it's moun=
t. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that mount is a h=
ealth risk for this coot. And an injured ME is a HUGE problem with Linda in=
a wheel chair. If I'm injured. She CAN NOT help me in any way. ( Linda =
just said that she can dial 911) THANKS. GRIN. An other thought. What ca=
n your wife/partner do in this situation. This situation needs to be talked=
about in all our houses. With our partners. I'm now seeing the Quad bag s=
ystem as more of an asset then I first thought. If youDamage a bearing, or =
tire. I DO NOT care. That's CHEEP. Bob Dunahugh _____________________=
___________ From: Bob Dunahugh Sent: Friday, May=
11, 2018 11:09 AM To: gmclist Subject: Do we need a sp=
are tire? We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare ti=
re. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35=
years. With the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if =
I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpl=
er then getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEA=
VEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have remov=
ed the mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you s=
ay out there? Bob Dunahugh
> Were you live plays some into this topic. I wouldn't want to do it out West. Not a lot of off ramps out there. Running on 5 idea is for very short
> duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the Missouri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always have a
> toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I can bring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I
> can roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off it's mount. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that mount
> is a health risk for this coot. And an injured ME is a HUGE problem with Linda in a wheel chair. If I'm injured. She CAN NOT help me in any way.
> ( Linda just said that she can dial 911) THANKS. GRIN. An other thought. What can your wife/partner do in this situation. This situation needs to
> be talked about in all our houses. With our partners. I'm now seeing the Quad bag system as more of an asset then I first thought. If youDamage a
> bearing, or tire. I DO NOT care. That's CHEEP. Bob Dunahugh
it wouldnt be too difficult to make the spare tire carrier like those motorbike rack hitch inserts that allow for riding the bike onto the rack then
jack it up into position but by the time you were done with it you would have alot more weight hanging on back there.
the drive to safety feature is the quad bag systems biggest selling point IMO. I would not think twice about overloading the tires and bearings for a
few miles to get out of a risky roadside spot.
> duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the Missouri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always have a
> toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I can bring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I
> can roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off it's mount. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that mount
> is a health risk for this coot. And an injured ME is a HUGE problem with Linda in a wheel chair. If I'm injured. She CAN NOT help me in any way.
> ( Linda just said that she can dial 911) THANKS. GRIN. An other thought. What can your wife/partner do in this situation. This situation needs to
> be talked about in all our houses. With our partners. I'm now seeing the Quad bag system as more of an asset then I first thought. If youDamage a
> bearing, or tire. I DO NOT care. That's CHEEP. Bob Dunahugh
it wouldnt be too difficult to make the spare tire carrier like those motorbike rack hitch inserts that allow for riding the bike onto the rack then
jack it up into position but by the time you were done with it you would have alot more weight hanging on back there.
the drive to safety feature is the quad bag systems biggest selling point IMO. I would not think twice about overloading the tires and bearings for a
few miles to get out of a risky roadside spot.
I have a friend with a FORD Ranger that never has a spare tire. His gas gauge also quit years ago and he refuels by mileage. Over the years he has
called me 5 times because he is stuck somewhere with a flat tire. He has also called me several times because his truck "quit" running.
On the last flat tire it was cold and snowy. All I did was hand him a full air tank and told him to fill it up while I waited my warm truck. I do
not carry spare tires and wheels for a FORD but he still calls me and I go bail him out somehow.
The last time his truck "quit" running, his truck was parked in a Lowes parking lot next to a Costco gas station. I started to take a 5 gallon can of
gas with me. I switched to a one gallon can and off I went. When I got there I made a few checks and handed him one gallon of gas. He started the
truck and went on his way.
My point is If I get a Black list call for help, I always go help. I went out on one 3 weeks ago. He was a new owner and out of gas due to a
selector valve not working. We got him some gas and off he went. I did not mind doing this because he was new to the coach and did not know his
reserve did not work.
Now if you call me because you have a flat or blown tire without a spare, I will find some excuse not to come assist. I do not mind helping any GMCer
but if you intentionally do something stupid like not carrying a spare, DO NOT CALL ME.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
called me 5 times because he is stuck somewhere with a flat tire. He has also called me several times because his truck "quit" running.
On the last flat tire it was cold and snowy. All I did was hand him a full air tank and told him to fill it up while I waited my warm truck. I do
not carry spare tires and wheels for a FORD but he still calls me and I go bail him out somehow.
The last time his truck "quit" running, his truck was parked in a Lowes parking lot next to a Costco gas station. I started to take a 5 gallon can of
gas with me. I switched to a one gallon can and off I went. When I got there I made a few checks and handed him one gallon of gas. He started the
truck and went on his way.
My point is If I get a Black list call for help, I always go help. I went out on one 3 weeks ago. He was a new owner and out of gas due to a
selector valve not working. We got him some gas and off he went. I did not mind doing this because he was new to the coach and did not know his
reserve did not work.
Now if you call me because you have a flat or blown tire without a spare, I will find some excuse not to come assist. I do not mind helping any GMCer
but if you intentionally do something stupid like not carrying a spare, DO NOT CALL ME.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
I carry a spare. On level pavement, I can change a wheel. But even if I
couldn’t and had to rely on a road service, having a spare means the
service guy can get me on the road. Not having one means a tow to a place
where I may well have to wait for someone to order a tire—one or two days
in the best case. Nobody local keeps 225/75’s in stock.
Rick “who carries a jack and jack hook, too” Denney
> > Were you live plays some into this topic. I wouldn't want to do it out
> West. Not a lot of off ramps out there. Running on 5 idea is for very short
> > duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the
> Missouri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always
> have a
> > toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I
> can bring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I
> > can roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off
> it's mount. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that
> mount...
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
couldn’t and had to rely on a road service, having a spare means the
service guy can get me on the road. Not having one means a tow to a place
where I may well have to wait for someone to order a tire—one or two days
in the best case. Nobody local keeps 225/75’s in stock.
Rick “who carries a jack and jack hook, too” Denney
> > Were you live plays some into this topic. I wouldn't want to do it out
> West. Not a lot of off ramps out there. Running on 5 idea is for very short
> > duration at slow speeds. Off ramps, and towns are closes East of the
> Missouri River. And East is the area that we travel in mostly. We always
> have a
> > toad, or a trailer with one of my road race Yenkos on that trailer. I
> can bring a spare on the trailer. I can get the tire fixed with the toad. I
> > can roll a tire from the rear to the front. But taking that spare off
> it's mount. I'm in good shape for 72. And a realest. That tire on that
> mount...
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
