Tire load range

[Rich Farr]

Replacing tires on our 79 Newell 38 foot 2 axle. The weight placard says 12000 max front and 18500 max rear - total 30500lbs. We weighed the coach and it was right at 11000 front and 17000 rear in operating config. All the old tires are load range G. No problem on the rear - but the max weight for Michelin load range G single axle (front) is 12350lbs at 105PSI.
Most trucks use load range G with 12000 lbs on front axle. Question - Is that enough cushion? or should I consider load range H or J for the front?
Thanks in advance.

[TechTalk]

We suggest that you weigh the coach in loaded configuration and purchase tires to match the loaded weight. You can upgrade, for example to a load range H, but you will need to run at a higher inflation level to get the increase load capacity (remember that the air in the tire supports the weight and reduces sidewall flexing and destructive heat generation; the tread and sidewalls do not carry the load). That said, a couple of observations: across the spectrum of radial truck tires, we have seen the best reliability from Michelin tires. Some other brands have also performed well, although many have not. The most common problem we have seen with this tire type is uneven tread wear on the steer axle. No brand, including Michelin, has been immune to this.