Higher-Output Alternators

[pvfjr]

I’m pretty nervous about traction—we’re headed to Mexico later this month, about anything not paved, I’m so concerned about getting stuck. How does it do on Santiam pass with chains? Do you worry about the chains getting tangled on the suspension stuff in teh rear? Looks pretty close. I’ve got 225 75 r 16’s on alcoas, and it looks super tight. When I get back up to Oregon this summer—I plan to be at the Coos Bay meet up in June. I look forward to meeting other owners and learning from their experience.

The tires are 8 years old, Michelin LTX’s, it was always stored inside, so they look like new. Wanted to get time to research a better traction set up for steep paved, or dang near anything—as Oregon is often wet, campsites not always level, etc. I’d sure value your experience on Tires, and Traction.

I haven't tried chains on the rear yet, but always thought a pair of Laclede/Alpine/Les Schwab 2318 chains would fit well. They'd be no problem on the front where they're needed most of course. Having some on the mid axle would help a lot too if they clear ok. Those 2318 chains are fairly low profile, but it would be great to double check of course.

 

[tmsnyder]

All six is best. If I only had two I'd do the front. If I only had four, I'd do the mid axle next--it does more braking.

I carry a pair of tire chains with me, just for front tires b/c there's no weight and therefore no traction on the fronts. The rears have plenty of weight on them to do what they need to do.

 

[Richard RV]

I carry a pair of tire chains with me, just for front tires b/c there's no weight and therefore no traction on the fronts. The rears have plenty of weight on them to do what they need to do.

From participating in weighing a goodly number of coaches I've observed, almost without exception, that the front tires always have more weight on them than the rears. Fronts are commonly 2200-2300 pounds and the rears closer to 1900-2000 pounds. If the coach is above its GVW the front can exceed its axle rating.

If chains are being contemplated the fronts are a must and the mid rears not a bad idea. Reaction arms and/or Dave Lenzi's big ass rearmost Ford brakes would make chains on the rearmost tires more effective.

 

[tmsnyder]

From participating in weighing a goodly number of coaches I've observed, almost without exception, that the front tires always have more weight on them than the rears. Fronts are commonly 2200-2300 pounds and the rears closer to 1900-2000 pounds. If the coach is above its GVW the front can exceed its axle rating.

If chains are being contemplated the fronts are a must and the mid rears not a bad idea. Reaction arms and/or Dave Lenzi's big ass rearmost Ford brakes would make chains on the rearmost tires more effective.

If one is stuck on wet grass, chains on the rear won't help.

There's not much weight up front. Front is about 4000 lb, rear is 8000 lb. That's the downside of the design, pretty bad traction for moving the coach in less than ideal ground conditions.