Need help: Fith wheel to high with 11R/24.5 tires

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Gliderpilot, Aug 12, 2013.

  1. Excorcist1

    Excorcist1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 11, 2012
    Chestertown, MD
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    07 Pete 386 60" midroof C-15 Just swapped super singles 22's to 24.5. Been running MD, PA and northern NJ with reefer with no problem. Left steers at 22. Supposely could have gained 3" in height, but height was probally 13 to 13' 2" to begin with. The factory settings are for 24" rims. Verified by dealer. Now my speedometer and the speed on the GPS match. Tach isn't as high at 60mph
     
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  3. cetanediesel

    cetanediesel Medium Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2013
    Albany, NY
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    Too bad you guys didnt meet sooner, you could have swapped tires/rims and helped each other out.
     
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  4. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

    32
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    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    Well here is the update. I called the dealer and tried to talk them into swapping the 24.5's for 22.5's from another truck and i'll pay the labor. No go. BUT! they will change the leg on the FW which will lower it from 49 to 47 1/2.i'll start with that and see how I do. if it still looks to close or I struggle getting under trailers with my tires touching I'll switch to LP's 285/75 24.5 as well when these wear out..
    Do you think that will work?
    thanks gang,

    GP
     
  5. MH60L

    MH60L Light Load Member

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    Jul 1, 2013
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    That should be fine. Way cheaper to get the shorter legs than buy new drive tires. I would think if anything you may have to pull the half fenders off and go to a quarter fender. The trailer may hit those fenders with the shorter fifth. Also make sure you keep the taller legs if you want to go to tanks later. Put as much weight on to the trailer tandems as you can with a tank.
     
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  6. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

    32
    4
    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    Yeah the half fenders are coming off. Gonna slap on the quarters when I get it home. Flying out Friday to Chicago to get it. Can't wait!

    Tanks again,
    GP
     
  7. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

    2,856
    4,032
    May 26, 2011
    everywhere, man
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    I might consider swapping wheels with you. You might be getting the short end of the stick, I have recaps less than 50% and those tires look pretty good in the picture. But if it solves your problem I think I'd like the 24.5's so I could run higher speeds at lower RPM's.

    BTW, mine are low-pro 22.5's on aluminum rims. pm me if you are interested.
     
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  8. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

    32
    4
    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    Ok i'll keep that in mind.let me get the truck home and see how it does first.

    thanks,GP
     
  9. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

    32
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    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    Ok Guys. been home with the truck for two weeks getting things in order, Had to replace with new brakes all around.Drums where below legal spec. The dealer swapped my fith wheel legs to lower ones for 400 bucks. would not let me keep the originals. went from 49 down to 47-47.5... my current tire height is 43.5. about a 4' spread. that's too close for me. Found Triangle TR657's LP 24.5's (285/75/24.5) with a diameter of 41.6.(same height as 11 22's).
    this will give me a 5.9" distance between FW plate and top of tire of course with some tire wear it will be more....do you thing this will work?...I cant see how 6 inches is not enough.Bottom line is keeping the trailer 13'6 and below.
    Trucks rides nice ,C-15 is strong no leaks, looks like it got a new down pipe and the ARD head has been changed already.Took it for the emission test and it blew a 0. shifts smooth. temps and oil pressures is right on.
    pulls a little to the right so im gonna take it for an alignment after I put on the new tires. well I guess that's it for now.wish me luck and thanks to you all for the good advise.

    GP
     
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  10. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

    32
    4
    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
    0
    Oh I forgot to mention the factory tire tag in the door jam said 22.5....so this was obviously changed to 24.5 and the speedo re programed.
     
  11. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    Jan 4, 2011
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    A 49" fifth wheel was too high? One of my trucks is right at 49 and is fine. In fact the vans and reefer trailers I have all say "49 inch max fifth wheel height" right on them.
     
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