Camper Van | Ram Promaster Back to Stock Size Tires!

[@CheapGeek]

This Video details 😉😉why we decided to take our Camper Van | Ram Promaster Back to Stock Size Tires. It's Pro's and Con's are explained in great and agonizing detail. I will say the stock size with a more aggressive tread made the decision much less painful. Here's what we went with- Kelly Safari TSR All-Terrain ATV Radial Tire - LT225/75R16 115Q Amazon Link for research- amzn.to/3c9YU1d They're pretty easy t get. Walmarts has them online as well>

[@redgiantvan189]

Good video. Larger tires are also harder on your brakes. With your gas mileage, remember to take the difference in size and how it effects the odometer (which also effected your speedometer). A 245/75-R16 travels 4% farther with each rotation than a 225/75-R16. So you could be losing around 1/2 MPG just due to the odometer error. For example, if your odometer indicated that you travelled 300 miles and it took 20 gallons to fill, you'd indicate 15 MPG. But you actually travelled 312 miles, so your real MPG is 15.6 mpg. So you probably experienced some loss but it may not have been as bad as you thought (unless you took that into consideration, of course).

[@arnenystrom4283]

A good compromise that I put on my Promaster van was the Cooper LT245/70R16. Same height, 1 inch wider. Cooper is the only one that makes this size in an E rated tire. For me, the only change was, much smoother ride (more air to cushion the ride) and better traction. All without having to deal with gear ratio issues, access issues and speedometer issues.

[@thom_lester]

Good to know on the 245 size E rating w/that brand. W/our stock sized KO2s and loaded at the scales in our custom conversion we lived in for 2yrs we still average about 18mpg (20 on hwy) w/the gaser. What are you seeing for ave mpg?

[@arnenystrom4283]

@@thom_lester About the same with slow driving. With normal freeway driving, cruising at 80+ mph, I get around 16mpg-18mpg. The best part is I still have plenty of power for passing, with passing speeds going 90mph to 100mph. Best part is being able to climb mountains at 70+ mph.

[@thom_lester]

@@arnenystrom4283 i recall being white knuckled driving ~80mph through parts of Montana in the Chevy while my wife drove behind in the Promaster...we compared notes via the 2-way radios during the drive. Way to fast for us to do again unless we have to.

[@markrhodes4891]

Hey there! Good topic. Some comparison pictures would've been nice. Thanks

[@poeslanding]

Exactly! Vehicle was designed for the stock size tire. Alterations screw with that

[@thom_lester]

Good vid. My wife & I have had stock sized BFG KO2s on within the first 100 miles of purchasing our 2017 HR 2500. We've been up Lovell Summit Road just north of Las Vegas (this road is listed on the Most Dangerous Roads in Nevada website), maybe not my best choice of proving grounds since it is a single-track jeep trail, but the PM made it without issue. It is a fully loaded custom van build so it was near GVWR and every jeep and side-by-side that saw our camp at the summit was like ... WTH???.. Luv the van!

[@RVTraveler]

I was just thinking of upgrading. May now just buy new 225/75R16’s again.

[@tradmanmike3360]

SEE, THIS IS WHY I LIKE THIS CHANNEL!!! ALWAYS THUMBS UP!!!

[@CheapGeek]

Appreciate it!

[@StephenShreds]

I was recently forced to get new larger tires. costco only had 245/75/16 KO2's.

[@dustytrailhead4633]

I have 245/70 R16 Cooper Discoverer AT3 LTs on my Promaster. That’s less than a 1% increase in diameter from stock 225/75 R16. The van also has a 3 inch OHV lift. Traction is good with the Coopers, but there’s not a lot of sidewall when the tires are aired down to 16 psi, and that probably decreases ground clearance by almost 2 inches. I was thinking about going to 245/75 R16, but I’m not sure that 1/2 inch of additional ground clearance is worth the negative impact on a drive train that “likes to rev”. Thanks for the update!

[@CheapGeek]

You’re Welcome! I think If I’d went with the 245/70’s, they’d still be on the van. 👍😉

[@joeshmoe8952]

How’s that 3 inch lift working for you? Does your van have a better ride with the lift? does it feel better on the road?

[@dustytrailhead4633]

@@joeshmoe8952 It handles mostly the same on the highway and in crosswinds. Off-road is a little different. Sway through dips and over bumps at angle seem to be worse. It was the amount of rocking I didn’t remember pre-lift. I put black Sumos on the rear. This limits the rocking but makes it more abrupt. And I think they’ve improved tracking in crosswinds even over stock. One potential negative about the OHV lift is that I had a torn inner CV boot after about 25k miles. But, I drive a lot off-pavement. It could have been a stick.

[@joeshmoe8952]

@@dustytrailhead4633 Thats good to know, thanks for the info.

[@drew369]

@@dustytrailhead4633 How is the OHV lift kit working for your van? I have the same kit and CV axles are failing. Do you have any suggestions to improve performance …? TIA

[@josephjuno9555]

Perfect timing to find this! I gave 2014 Promaster and will need new tires this yr? I was thinking of going to switch to the Bigger tires? Now I will get more aggressive stock size tires instead. Thank you!

[@CheapGeek]

You’re Welcome!

[@antigroundhogday]

1/2 in additional clearance for all that added rotational mass, increased cost of a bigger tire, possible wheel well clearance issues, inaccurate odometer, spare tire fitment, handling issues, worse MPG.... No thanks! What people don't realize, given the same psi, a skinny and a wider tire have to displace the same amount of weight to support the vehicle. They have the same traction footprint, it's just one does it length wise and the other width wise. Enjoy your choice!

[@davidmcclain929]

2021 promaster put new wheels and tires ·the stock size Michelin Agilis and Vision rims

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Good video, helpful info. Subscribed based on this video and your content.

[@CheapGeek]

Thanks! I appreciate it 👍

[@firefox8096]

Which stock tire with the aggressive tread did you go with? Thanks for the info

[@CheapGeek]

Here you go- Kelly Safari TSR All-Terrain ATV Radial Tire - LT225/75R16 115Q Amazon Link for research- amzn.to/3c9YU1d :)

[@firefox8096]

@@CheapGeek thank you!!

[@art_of_jing]

We just recently purchased the winnebago roam. I really don't like the look of the stock rims and tires. I'm going to go with your recommendation and get the Kelly's. Would you happen to know the weight of the stock rims?

[@CheapGeek]

I believe they weigh about 25 lbs. I’ve enjoyed the coopers so far. Over time, they gotten a little louder than I like. I will say I’ve bought two sets of some Kumho’s for my wife’s truck. I like them better than the Coopers. They been great. If I buy another set for the van it’ll be those. I’d consider them in your endeavor. Here’s a link to Amazon for research, reviews and pictures. www.amazon.com/dp/B01A0R47B0/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_HCN7THD0VF2B1M55YP0H?linkCode=ml1&tag=coffeecrypt-20 I believe these are available at Walmart as well. Good for road hazard and or tire repair warranties. There’s always a Walmart around.

[@CheapGeek]

*I made this video about the Kumho- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWTaZ3-HeZWSh7M

[@art_of_jing]

@CheapGeek I'm new to the class b community. I want rims and tires that won't mess with the gear ratio. I should basically go with the same weight as the stock rims and tires correct? If I go lighter rims will that mess up anything? I think the stock ram rims are 30lbs if I get rims that are 25lbs. Would there be an issue?

[@CheapGeek]

I don’t think it would be. The size of the tire would be more of an issue.

[@richieb3627]

What tire pressures you running on the 225/ 75 /16? Door well recommended or lower?

[@FingerThatO]

I liked and subscribe because why not.

[@pablo.8166]

👌best intro ever

[@liaodesign]

Wonder you know about ko2 tire why you choose over it?

[@12vLife]

I own the smaller Promaster City. The 2018 comes with 16x6.5 steel rims and 215/55r16. I've been very impressed with how well this smaller/lighter/FWD van handles very soft sandy central Florida roads. I've been in situations where it does better than heavy 4WDs. Some of the spots I need to get to have very soft sand pits and I barely make it, though I have been stuck and had to spend hours digging out by myself which sucks. I'm usually okay if I don't stop or try to back up, but living like this gives me some anxiety especially when I need to leave at night and hear nothing but coyotes and gun fire. Anyways, I am wondering if anybody has tried to fit 245/50r16s on for same height but an extra inch of width? I know 245 recommends 7" min wide rims, but I've done that before with no issues.

[@CheapGeek]

I’m curious as to how well they’ll work out. Let me know. 👍

[@pnwrving9841]

Could you post a picture of your current van with the stock Kelly's on it?

[@CheapGeek]

Sure! It’ll be a minute

[@CheapGeek]

Made a post with the front tire.

[@CheapGeek]

I added another one with the rear tire for spacing. 👍

[@factsdontcarewhatyoubelieve]

Thanks!

[@CheapGeek]

You’re Welcome! Thanks for commenting I appreciate it 😉

[@shanec.7105]

I am in need of new tires soon. Good video. Where is you source?

[@CheapGeek]

Typically, Amazon or Walmart. I comparison shop, read the reviews and then order online. For Walmart I order online, have them delivered to a Walmart that installs tires. Cost $10.00 to have them mounted and balanced. For Amazon , I have them delivered and then installed at Walmart or somewhere local. Which is about 20.00 per tire. At least with Walmart and the road hazard I can have one repaired or replaced anywhere Walmart is.

[@r12rtpilot]

"tiny bitch wheels..." LOL. I'm a new Promaster 3500 extended that I am building out for camping. Love it, but found out when I brought Moby the Van home I nearly couldn't get it up our dirt/gravel drive way, LOL. Next stop, Les Schwab here in town....

[@alpinejonny]

The Promaster 2500 has a recommended load rating of 120/121 and you put 115 tires on it - how did you get a shop to do that?

[@CheapGeek]

Pretty easy, they used the sticker on the door from the factory. According to the sticker, the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers (2 front and 2 rear) is 3893 lbs. These tires have a Load Index of 115 @ 2679 lbs at 80 psi. Q speed is 99mph It’s load range is 10ply Or E. I’m also not using it as a commercial cargo van. So using the factory sticker recommendations based off weight it’s not an issue.

[@CheapGeek]

Also it’s a LT or Light truck tire so the construction is different than P series tires or Metric when compared to commercial. My campervan fully loaded is nowhere near the maximum load weight max of 3983 lbs.

[@jacshop6683]

Always go with manufacturing recommend size on tires .they spend a lot of time and money testing for a reason

[@CheapGeek]

Sure. All automobile manufacturers do. Thanks for commenting.

[@jacshop6683]

I love that I like peanut butter song keep it going cuz I love peanut butter

[@YOYOxMARVELOUSxFIFA]

Speaking of this, my RAM service place won’t put these on because they aren’t 225/17C (no C at the end). Apparently this makes it not exactly recommended by the manufacturer. Thoughts?

[@pwbpeter]

Almost like the designers knew what they were doing :)

[@CheapGeek]

Engineers?

[@Raymasseyus]

Engineers who designed...? 😁

[@oddopops1327]

👍👍🎅

[@privatesector0422]

I never knew that you were in a wheelchair this entire time.

[@CheapGeek]

I was? I have it when I need it. It's been a year since I broke my neck. I'm pretty mobile without it now.

[@mikedefilippis7837]

Do yourself a favor and do not listen to this guy. I have a Ford transit that we put 245/75/16 tires on the van that are oversized. And it was a game changer the best thing I ever did to the van. The van is way better in the snow now much better and sand and doesn’t get stuck as much as the original crappy small tires. So I will say that this guy is full of crap.

[@CheapGeek]

Do yourself a favor and watch the video. Had you done so- you’d have seen where we went to a different tread and type of tire. Just back to original stock sized. I even have another video showing that tire and talk about traction in great detail as one of the best things you can do for your Van 🚐. I ran the stick sized original factory tires for 10 days before I replaced them with larger all terrain tires. In THIS video I went back to stock sized and kept an all terrain tread for traction. Thanks for commenting.

[@Nico-dc8wy]

I am subscribed, and good information. But the peanut butter thing makes me want to unsubscribe. It’s not necessary dude.

[@CheapGeek]

Ha! I took the peanut butter song out of some of the most recent videos. I got a bunch of messages and comments wanting it back. I put it back and you’re the first comment, and wants it gone. 😂 Thanks for being a subscriber and commenting!

[@shanec.7105]

Yeah, I can do without the peanut song.

[@thebenson1983]

Your biggest problems is its a front wheel drive Ram Promaster is junk. Worse commercial van on the market. For the money AWD Ford transit.

[@CheapGeek]

Ah! Thanks for clearing that up. Which one do you own?

[@1mostwanted253]

For offroading, it is complete trash. You are correct with that. But the FWD allows the Promaster to have the lowest floor, simpler mechanics, better gas milage, better traction (3000lb front weight, 1700lb rear weight when empty), and a cheaper price tag. Typically you would want a rear wheel drive van because when carrying heavy loads, the weight goes to the back wheels, giving it more traction. But for living in it, you are not going to be maxing the payload of 3700 lbs. The mattress is 150, whatever you got in the back might make 800lbs, and furniture is equally distributed throughout the van, adding like 900lbs. Maybe I am missing something important, can you please educate me of why FWD is 'bad' for a van? In comparison to RWD btw. I know you mentioned AWD, but promaster DOES NOT make any of them AWD. Sprinters and other vans of similar height are also hard to find in AWD. They are rare and expect to pay 3x as much in comparison.

[@thebenson1983]

@@1mostwanted253 just overall the pro master is not as well-built compared to transit or Mercedes. The Mercedes is probably the best built but the cost and the maintenance issues isn't worth the price. There are over 3000 ford certified dealerships in the US. Mercedes Benz has only 383 dealerships. Like I said if you live outside of the city you're screwed if you need mechanical help. Plus most auto parts stores don't support Mercedes. Do I need to say more.

[@1mostwanted253]

@@thebenson1983 Dodge tends to be better than Ford in my book when it comes to less repairs needed. Why do you say its not well built, anything in specific? Ford tends to have their engines blow out every 15k miles.

[@CheapGeek]

Which one do you have? Still curious.