Deuce M35A3 Tires

[Rustygears]

The stock crappo michelins are virtually impossible to get with a recent date code. As a result most are rotten, even though they may have lots of tread. The 14.5 size exactly crosses to the modern size 365/80 R20. Continental makes a purpose-specific replacement in that size and that is commercially available through their distributors as new stock. I bought two for my A3 in August and the date codes were from April 2011. They have the same diameter and tread width as the Michelin. The tire is called an MPT-81 and they even have mil NSNs molded in.

 

[Welder Sam]

So if a 395 wont fit an A3 wheel because of the bead, what wheel is made that they DO fit at the bead and who sells it? Eastern? c&c? Imp? Who? Everytime i see a question abt 395's all that ever posted is "the bead is wrong" or some variant. Share the wealth fellas and point us in the right direction PLEASE

 

[islandguydon]

Bigger the better as far as tires go.

 

[Welder Sam]

yup

Bigger the better as far as tires go.

Agreed. Now how to do it safely? I really dont want to worry about my wife driving with our kids and having a tire failure due to improper bead.

 

[a1abdj]

It is important to know the date the tires were made prior to purchasing them.

I was lucky enough that I was able to assemble a set of fairly new tires for mine. I have (5) 2008s, and (2) 2006s. I have seen tires as old as the mid 1990s on these trucks.

 

[gringeltaube]

So if a 395 wont fit an A3 wheel because of the bead, what wheel is made that they DO fit at the bead ...........

"Made...?" Custom made, yes.... 10" wide, 2 pc (bolt together) out of HEMTT, FMTV, 900series 5ton, etc. All needing to be "recentered" to fit the 6 on 8.75" Deuce bolt pattern.

G.

 

[shovelheadmike]

"Made...?" Custom made, yes.... 10" wide, 2 pc (bolt together) out of HEMTT, FMTV, 900series 5ton, etc. All needing to be "recentered" to fit the 6 on 8.75" Duece bolt pattern.

G.

To the best of my knowledge, there are NONE made that are DOT legal for use other than off-road use only. Have any sort of incident on public roads and the non-DOT rating is noticed, and you could be in very big trouble. Yes, there are many that will work. Never heard of anyone getting in trouble over this. However, a simple examination of 395s on the A3 wheel reveals a gap of .75 to 1.0" between the bead of the tire and that of the wheel. One very important thing to keep in mind is that these 395 tires are for 5 ton trucks, so they are vastly over built for any deuce. That said, I would not.think this would be a safety issue. Just my opionion...

 

[shovelheadmike]

"Made...?" Custom made, yes.... 10" wide, 2 pc (bolt together) out of HEMTT, FMTV, 900series 5ton, etc. All needing to be "recentered" to fit the 6 on 8.75" Duece bolt pattern.

G.

To the best of my knowledge, there are NONE made that are DOT legal for use other than off-road use only. Have any sort of incident on public roads and the non-DOT rating is noticed, and you could be in very big trouble. Yes, there are many that will work. Never heard of anyone getting in trouble over this. However, a simple examination of 395s on the A3 wheel reveals a gap of .75 to 1.0" between the bead of the tire and that of the wheel. One very important thing to keep in mind is that these 395 tires are for 5 ton trucks, so they are vastly over built for any deuce. That said, I would not.think this would be a safety issue. Just my opionion...

The inside diameter is identical between the 14.5 and 395.

 

[cywk]

Just a little of subject does any body know of any tires or rims in W.V. Ive got a M35A3 with 14.5 R 20 tires I need a tire and rim (ctis)for spare and all that I find are so far away this means $$$$ can any one help. On the subject of continental tire how much.

 

[patracy]

If anyone is interested in tires, please let me know.

FWIW, I have mounted 395's on A3 wheels. As well as A2 wheels.

 

[HFDm715]

after hearing that that Michelin no longer made the a3 tires, I called them directly, they told me that they DO still make the tires, and that a commercial tire dealer can order them, they told me they just got a fresh shipment and have them in there Houston wharehouse. I called the Tiire Supplier that we use at the Port Authority, set up an account with our FD, and have two tires on their way. I will let you know the dates on the tires when we get them.


Duane

 

[CobraCDR]

I guess I'll have to keep looking. I found a few places that could get the Michelin XZLs in the 14.5R20, but it was over $1,500 a tire! I was unable to find anypone who would order the origional Michelin XLs.

With the Continentals, any information on the bead for them? Proper match for the stock A3 rims?

 

[Rustygears]

I bought my conti mpt-81 new for around $650 each fresh new stock in August. Shipping for two cost another $100. I mounted both by myself. No more cracked and rotten sidewalls on my steer axle!

 

[gringeltaube]

.........
With the Continentals, any information on the bead for them? Proper match for the stock A3 rims?

Those are MPT tires, just like the original Michelins and they perfectly match the A3 wheels.
Good general info here: Continental Industry -MPT tires


G.

 

[HFDm715]

we paid 950.00 a tire, will let you know the dates on them when I get them


Duane

 

[Rustygears]

Conti mpt-81 are NATO stock replacement tires and fit the A3 rim bead properly as intended

 

[goodguyzy]

what about these tires, if im going to buy new ones why not some bigger tires for better top speed.

Contenetial 395/85R20 HCS 46" tall radial tire 12,300lb | eBay buy it now price, no auction

 

[Welder Sam]

Oh my... here it comes...

 

[trukhead]

...And people were bitchin when I asked $700.00 each for the 12 I own with 2003 date codes for unmounted on the skid Michelin 14 x 5 -20's. Guess I'm glad I didn't cut the side walls out and give em to the neighbor hood kids as sand boxes. I'll probably do that with the old cracky ones. At least I have a bunch of spare tires. I was just breakin even on the tires as well. Ba f$^&#&n Humbug!

 

[goodguyzy]

4 tires on G/L in Tacoma, wa sold for $1350 + fees and tax. I thought that was kinda steep. but what do I know.