Tire balancing options for Adventurer 36Z

[09 Ultra]

I am replacing the factory tires (Michelin 235/80R 22.5) on my Adventurer 36Z. I am going with Toyo 154 245/75R 22.5. My question is, spin balance or bead balance? The tire shop suggests spin balancing, but the information I have found so far suggests bead balancing. Reasoning is the beads continue to rebalance through the life of the tire. Does anyone have any input either way?
Thanks in advance
Jerry

[creativepart]

I made the same change from the same size Michelins to the same size Toyos as you and I went with spin balancing. I’m sure bead balancing is fine but I’m my 60 or so years of driving and buying/changing tires I’ve never used anything but lead weights and spin balancing.

I have zero idea if balancing beads are “better.”

PS. The Toyos are great but they have a strong odor. I’ve seen folks say it goes away but mine are 18+ months old and still smell after a drive.

[Decuct CoCo]

Old fart myself, wish I had tried balancing beads though the tire shop didn't offer the option when buying full set of tires last month..

Over the decades I've used bubble balance, dynamic computer spin, and on vehicle high speed spin balance for steering axle truck tires.. All of which utilized added lead weights..

Beads intrigue me as balance will adjust itself as tires wear.

[09 Ultra]

I have also always used lead weights and spin balancing. The bead idea sounds good if indeed it constantly adjusts to keep the tires balanced.

[09 Ultra]

That is my primary purpose for wanting to try them. I don’t want to have go through rebalancing with these tires over time.

[Ray,IN]

Balancing beads settle to the bottom when you stop, then when the tires begin rolling again it takes a while for the beads to "re-balance" the tire, which might cause a vibration until the process is once again completed.
Balance beads require a special valve stem with a screen inside to prevent the valve core from becoming clogged and developing a slow leak.
OTOH, weight balancing cannot compensate for tire wear, a complete re-balance is required. I've had a balancing weight come off while driving and cause consternation about a tire failure.

[ACB]

Originally Posted by 09 Ultra

I am replacing the factory tires (Michelin 235/80R 22.5) on my Adventurer 36Z. I am going with Toyo 154 245/75R 22.5. My question is, spin balance or bead balance? The tire shop suggests spin balancing, but the information I have found so far suggests bead balancing. Reasoning is the beads continue to rebalance through the life of the tire. Does anyone have any input either way?
Thanks in advance
Jerry

I was going to try bead balancing on my 2022 Vista but when I went to a very reputable heavy duty truck tire shop, they talked me out of it. They have some excellent high end spin balance machines and after balancing my tires it was a big difference from what the RV dealer did. ( Or didn’t do).
This is just my opinion but I’ve had good luck on my motorhomes when I use quality shops to spin balance my tires , so I’m going to continue doing it that way.
Again, just me opinion.

[Bobn1957]

A third option for balancing is the Centramatic system, it doesn't cause problems at the tire shop and if you change RVs you can use them on the next one! That said, beads are less expensive than spin balancing.

[kamphiker2]

Balance choices are like Motor Oils Opinions are all over the board. Good information to work through from a Member of the Forum and retired Tire engineer. https://www.rvtiresafety.net/search/label/Balancing Tire balance is only part of achieving a great smooth ride.

[ACB]

Originally Posted by Bobn1957

A third option for balancing is the Centramatic system, it doesn't cause problems at the tire shop and if you change RVs you can use them on the next one! That said, beads are less expensive than spin balancing.

I’ve seen the centramatic rings online and in ads but didn’t know anyone who has them. Do you have the tires balanced before having these installed? Or do the replace the balancing?

[Bobn1957]

Originally Posted by ACB

I’ve seen the centramatic rings online and in ads but didn’t know anyone who has them. Do you have the tires balanced before having these installed? Or do the replace the balancing?

As I understand it, the disks are just installed behind/between the wheels!

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by ACB

I’ve seen the centramatic rings online and in ads but didn’t know anyone who has them. Do you have the tires balanced before having these installed? Or do the replace the balancing?

Actually they fit against the hub then the wheel is mounted to the hub.
Centramatic balancers have kinda like balancing beads contained inside the steel ring of the unit..

[Bubbleheaded]

I purchased a 2014 Winnie Vista 35F in January with the original Michelin tires. I ordered 6 Sumitomo ST719SE Commercial Tire 245/75R22.5 134/131L on amazon for $329 each and had them installed by a shop that just did truck tires. When the balancing question came up, they said that beads were far better than weights. In fact, they stop even putting weights on rims. So far, I have had no problems as the new tires ride and roll very nicely. Beads are the way to go.

[JoeSR]

I have been using "Magnum +" beads to balance my tires; motorcycles, trailers, cars and now the motorhome. The "Magnum +" beads are too large to fit down the valve steam. So, the tire must be broken free from the wheel to install the beads. As a side benefit, the large beads will not interfere with the tire valve.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by JoeSR

I have been using "Magnum +" beads to balance my tires; motorcycles, trailers, cars and now the motorhome. The "Magnum +" beads are too large to fit down the valve steam. So, the tire must be broken free from the wheel to install the beads. As a side benefit, the large beads will not interfere with the tire valve.

I know of no balancing beads that are inserted through the valve stem. By design valve stems for balancing beads have a screen at the bottom to prevent beads from damaging the valve stem and causing a leak.
Balancing beads come in a small pouch that falls apart when the wheel reaches a certain RPM, which releases the beads so they can work.

[Bobn1957]

Originally Posted by 09 Ultra

I am replacing the factory tires (Michelin 235/80R 22.5) on my Adventurer 36Z. I am going with Toyo 154 245/75R 22.5. My question is, spin balance or bead balance? The tire shop suggests spin balancing, but the information I have found so far suggests bead balancing. Reasoning is the beads continue to rebalance through the life of the tire. Does anyone have any input either way?
Thanks in advance
Jerry

I've heard good things about the Centramatic Wheel balancing system!