Firestone FS561

[richard5933]

Anyone have any first-hand experience with these on a bus?

Now that it's only a couple of months till spring, I'm once again debating tires. These are in the running to replace the 315s currently on our bus, since they are available in the proper 12R22.5 size with an H weight rating.

Their loaded radius is exactly the same as what we have now, so they shouldn't create a lowered ride height problem, and they are a tad narrower which should stop the potential to rub the air bags on a full turn.

My concerns would be ride comfort and noise, so I was hoping someone has some experience.

[richard5933]

Along with same lines, anyone have thoughts about the benefit/loss to handling and braking with the slightly narrower tread width?

I've read mixed reports - since the wider tires spread the load over a greater surface area, there is debate as to where the maximum braking point is. Go too wide and the braking is less due to fewer lbs/sq in. Go too narrow and there isn't enough surface area to provide traction.

The 315s are great in my experience, and I don't know if the 12R22.5 will be an improvement or worse.

[eagle19952]

thou dost over think, adjust

[richard5933]

thou dost over think, adjust

Yeah - that's obvious. Story of my life (literally).

Knowing that doesn't tell me anything about the tires I'm considering though, which is why I reached out to get opinions on the tires from others. I'm hoping that someone who doesn't overthink things has used them and can offer some thoughts about the tires and about the change in general.

[eagle19952]

Yeah - that's obvious. Story of my life (literally).

Knowing that doesn't tell me anything about the tires I'm considering though, which is why I reached out to get opinions on the tires from others. I'm hoping that someone who doesn't overthink things has used them and can offer some thoughts about the tires and about the change in general.

I think the clearance issue is the only one worthy of thought. the rest is adjustable with defensive driving and ear plugs or white noise

[buswarrior]

Busnuts go camping...

Off road is an issue, lots of stories of peeps getting stuck on a wet lawn ( no, I don't mean sink to the axles)

If a tire rotates in place on the lawn, that's the end of the beginning, rotate it a few more times...

Some bite back there means the first stationary rotation doesn't happen, when it could.

FWIW

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[chessie4905]

They are, most likely, not used by many here. You can check opinions on the trucker forums for some info. Personally, I wouldn't use them on my vehicles. I don't care for Firestone products.
 And ride quality is subjective. If you replace worn out tires with new ones, the ride is going be improved with full tread depth and new pliable rubber. Also the number of plies is going to greatly effect ride on rough roads. Of course just my opinion on them. fwiw

[DoubleEagle]

Yep, there is overthinking going on, I've done it myself. If the 315's are rubbing your airbags, don't use them. The original 12X22.5 might be okay except for the fact that it is an uncommon size that is harder to get on the road, and also costs more. A narrower tread will grip better in snow and mud (relatively). So, get a size that works diameter wise for gearing in a size that is easily available at at reasonable price. Stick with brands and models that get good reviews for quality (which means stay away from Chinese brands in my opinion), but don't be afraid of foreign made tires that were supervised by an established outfit. Firestone used to be a prime supplier long ago, but they are not the same lately. Looks like a slightly smaller metric size might work best. 

[richard5933]

Ok. I think I've got a handle on the bigger issue. Stop over thinking and pick a tire.

One last question...

I know the gold standard is 495 revs per mile. Our current tires are 490. Some of the tires under consideration are 487 revs.

My gut tells me that I'll never notice the difference. Also, once the tire gets worn a little the revs will increase.

Is there any practical difference between 495 & 487?

[Jim Blackwood]

About 1.7%, or at 50, less than 1mph.

Jim

[buswarrior]

8 wheel revolutions in a mile difference...

In a mile...

One and six tenths percent...

In an old 2 stroke transit geared bus with a 5:1 ratio differential, everything counts to try and stay out of the way on the super slab.

In your highway coach?

Meaningless without scientific measurement, and then, still meaningless.

For your clearance issue, and a suitable riding bus tire, get hold of a manufacturer tire rep, not a dealer, tell them the story, they'll know the tire to choose.

Rep not a dealer.

Dealers sell stuff in stock, or that which has highest profit, reps know the business.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[kyle4501]

My Newell had FS561's on it when I bought it. Nice tire, no problems at all. At 6 years old there is no checking or cracking. Ride quality is good.

[eagle19952]

Last I KNEW the Firestone is also discounted by Michelin Advantage aka the FMCA discount program.
They are on my account.

[richard5933]

Last I KNEW the Firestone is also discounted by Michelin Advantage aka the FMCA discount program.
They are on my account.

The program doesn't show any Firestone tires right now. However, it does show the BF Goodrich ST230 in the 12R22.5 size. From checking the specs it looks like that is the BF Goodrich version of the FS561.

Not sure, but it seems that the FMCA discounted price is about the same, or possibly a tad higher, than the price I was quoted at the tire dealer for the FS561s, so not sure there is any benefit to using the FMCA program on this one. There is one Michelin tire (XZE) in the 12R22.5 size for about the same price after the discount, but I'm not sure that it's a better tires. Seems like the Michelin show signs of cracking and weather damage much sooner than the Firestone.

[Mike in GA]

I have FS 561s on the front and they are fine. I had FS 560s there previously for 6 years before moving them to the tag, where they have continued to stand up well.
Mike in GA