E450 Funmover Tire Failures: Overload or Wrong Tire Spec?

[Babe2201]

The key is to learn the actual tire loading by getting scaled weights and then to buy the size & type of tire that provides the necessary load capacity. The max load rating is part of the tire spec and is stamped right on the sidewall too (USDOT requirement). There are typically multiple ways to get a higher load rating if needed. However, it may be necessary to change the wheel as well as the tire in some circumstances.

I am actually surprised having a 16" tire on an E450. I thought they would have jumped up to a 19.5. Maybe it would pick it up too high.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I am actually surprised having a 16" tire on an E450. I thought they would have jumped up to a 19.5. Maybe it would pick it up too high.

Back in 2001 that size was common. The rear axle is rated at 9450 lbs so that's adequate. And 16" still the base standard in 2026, but there are upgrade options.

 

[Babe2201]

Back in 2001 that size was common. The rear axle is rated at 9450 lbs so that's adequate. And 16" still the base standard in 2026, but there are upgrade options.

Yes I was in the tire business back then as well and I remember a lot of 3/4 ton and 1-ton vans having them but did not deal with too may of the E450 but remember F450 dump trucks having the 19.5.

 

[Natetheskate1]

If you have read some of my previous posts, I'm already running at 80 psi, which is the max, so weighing wouldn't tell me much. As near as I can tell, I can't run larger tires and wheels on this model, so I was asking if there were any better tires out there. I was last using Goodyear Wrangler tires, which I thought was their commercial truck tire. BUT, the Wrangler is just a series of truck tires, and there is indeed a Wrangler C (commercial) tire which has a load rating of 121, which means it will go up to 2680 dual. The Wrangler HT (which I was using) only go up to 115.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

If you have read some of my previous posts, I'm already running at 80 psi, which is the max, so weighing wouldn't tell me much.

I beg to differ. Actual weight will tell you whether increasing the tire load capacity will fix the problem or whether you need to look elsewhere for the cause. For $10 or $15 you can know rather than guess.

There are ways to get tires with a larger load capacity, e.g. using a European ERTO-metric tire rather than the US standard TRA-metric, changing to a slightly wider tire, or finding a tire model with Reinforced or Extra Load designation. Yes, some of those may involve changing wheels too, but that's better than frequent tire failures.

If we are right that your rear axle is overloaded, it's not a question of getting better quality tires. It's a matter of getting a tire rated to handle the actual load.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

It should serve as a clue that multiple tires having failed it's not the tire. I would want to know what my axle weights were no matter what. It could reveal what exact tire is needed, what pressure to run, and possibly if an unsafe overload condition exists. Or that it's OK and to look for a problem elsewhere. Without that data anything discussed is just guessing.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[CharlesinGA]

Michelin also makes the Agilis Crossclimate in the C metric/Euro C/Commercial version.

All CC2 Specs in PDF

 

[DaCoach5305]

Separating plies is an indication of underinflation or overloading. A critical review of axle weights, tire type and inflation pressures is in order.

Mark B.
Albuquerque,

I have a 2001 Four Winds Funmover on a Ford E450 chassis that goes through tires like popcorn. I just changed three tires yesterday that had only 2 1/2 years and about 5,000 miles on them. I was running Goodyear Wrangler truck tires, which did OK for awhile, but they were starting to go. Is there a tire out there that can last? Although I very much appreciate the insights and advice that those out there can give, is there a Tire Guy out there who has real expertise on this matter?

Have you taken your RV to the scales? Look for a truck stop that has scales and weight your rig. Then check your weight restrictions. There should be a placard on your RV that tells you your weight limits. You have a class C RV which is typically limited to only 1400lbs of cargo. Class C RV are notorious for having limited weight restrictions. If we are going to a football game I cannot take everyone in the Class C RV. We would be over our weight restrictions. So some folks have to drive in a car. Also your RV is "toy hauler". So take the weight of the toy and subtract that from the 1400lb limit. If you have a golf cart in the unit, that is 800 to 1000lbs. That leaves you with only 400 to 600lbs left for cargo. Two adults at 200lbs each is 400lbs which leaves you with maybe 200lbs of cargo. If you are running with a full water tank, that is 45 gallons which is 375lb. You are over your GVWR. This has not taken in consideration for your camping seats, dishes, groceries etc. If you check your unit, your total GVWR rating for the 2001 Four Winds Fun Mover RV is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 14,050 - 14,500 lbs (Total allowable weight of the RV, cargo, passengers, and liquids). If you are hauling a toy you are very likely over your GVWR. Thus your tires are going to take on unnecessary wear and your vehicle's suspension is taking on too much weight. Look for this on your Class C RV and then add up your GVW.

 

[bigbAZ]

As others have mentioned, I would suggest, at a minimum, getting your loaded axle weights, and if possible get corner weights. Can't stress how important is is for any RV owner to know your weights and payload numbers instead of guessing.

 

[RayIN]

Actually the axle height would not be much different. Tire Size Calculator

I am actually surprised having a 16" tire on an E450. I thought they would have jumped up to a 19.5. Maybe it would pick it up too high.

I suspect he is running the tires underinflated/overloaded. That is the cause of approx.80% of tire failures. If he does not know axle weights, he should be using the pressures from the Federal tire Placard on the vehicle, they are for the maximum GAWR.
reference: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/tires
Tire Blowout Statistics: Market Data Report 2026

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811086

 

[Jackiemac]

CAT Scale locator CAT Scale

 

[Babe2201]

Actually the axle height would not be much different. Tire Size Calculator

I suspect he is running the tires underinflated/overloaded. That is the cause of approx.80% of tire failures. If he does not know axle weights, he should be using the pressures from the Federal tire Placard on the vehicle, they are for the maximum GAWR.
reference: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/tires
Tire Blowout Statistics: Market Data Report 2026

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811086

That is about an inch and a half difference from a 2257516 and a 2257019.5 so if there was room and they were willing to invest in wheels and a little higher priced tire that would give them a lot heavier ply tire and more capacity.

 

[DaCoach5305]

CAT Scale locator CAT Scale

Thank you. I have forwarded the link out to some of my buds. Good info...

 

[CharlesinGA]

I don't think you would be able to fit 19.5 wheels and tires to the front as you need steering room and you would not have enough.

I found the 2021 E series specs and they only list the LT225/75R16 tires on the DRW models, nothing else (P37 of 42)

The F 450/550 gets away with the 19.5 due to a much larger wheel well and longer axles that protrude out further, allowing for a very tight turning radius on those vehicles. The E series is not the same.