1980 Dodge sportsman Motor Home

[Paul Nichols]

We just looked at an interesting Motor Home. Looks like it will run out good and interior is very usable and price is excellent ($500) . But, the tires are very old and it hasn't been run long time for about 10 yrs.

I suspect it will need 6 new tires and wheels probably. 8.00 x 16 LTS . Does anyone know what would be the best tire / wheel combo? And, maybe best cost?

Thanks,

Paul

[Rich Thomas]

Check out Firestone  Transforce, I bought all 7 for the Palace at a cost of roughly 1600 - 1700 mounted balanced and installed I have the not so desirable 16.5's so a normal 16" would most likely be a little less. They ride nice and handle very well compared to the old tires but they were a bit old so it's really not a fair comparison. anyway good luck on your find.

[Lakota Wolf]

Before ya run it hard,, give it a fresh dose of motor oil and filter,, good clean gas with a filter.

Tires and rims are an open option.. Steel wheels or Alcoa's (aluminum). Steel wheels being cheaper.As far as tires,, a minimum of 6 ply,, but recommend 10 or 12 ply is best D or E rating.

Cross tread pattern for the rears and straight track for the front. But going with cross pattern on all 6 works great also, Just dont forget a spare.Good all season Radial Truck tire is the best option. (never know when ya might hit some snow or sand).

The rims are widely available, being ONE TON rims. and being 16's,, the tire prices are pretty reasonable,(get the road hazard warrantee).

Side note,, with Dodge transmissions,,,, sinse its been sitting,,, drain the trans fluid and replace trans filter and add fresh fluid and be gentle when ya first fire it up and select the gear... Go down to drive and hold it,, then back up to reverse, then back down to drive. Chysler/Dodge trannies are know for failure due to sitting and the wet clutches sitting and soaking in varnished trans fluid. Plus collected varnished fluid in the torque converter. Ive babied em with fresh fluid and they seemed to come back to life.  Read the door sticker if it has one on the size tires recommended. I.E. 235/75R16's. just be sure to go with a D or E rating, (heavy duty side wall)