Key Takeaways
● School buses typically have six wheels, including two sets of dual wheelsets.
● The arrangement of the wheels provides extra stability and helps reduce maintenance costs.
●Having two sets of wheels also allows for more effortless parking manoeuvres in tight spaces.
So, you’re considering replacing your RV with school bus wheels? There are a few things you need to know before making the switch.
The wheels on a school bus are an essential part of its design. They help provide stability, increase traction, and reduce maintenance costs by lessening the number of tires that need replacing over time.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how many tires are on a school bus and how to find the right ones for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview Of A School Bus
A school bus is designed and explicitly used to transport students to and from educational facilities.
School buses are characterized by their LARGE size – typically reaching up to 40 feet in length – and bright yellow colour. They also feature a variety of safety features, including flashing lights and stop signals for oncoming traffic.
School buses are among the most REGULATED vehicles on the road due to their size, visibility and passenger capacity. They must comply with strict safety regulations dictated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to be lawfully used for transporting students [1].
Additionally, all drivers must pass a rigorous background check and complete specialized training before they’re allowed to operate a school bus. School buses are also subject to regular INSPECTIONS to ensure that they remain safe for passengers at all times.
Different Types Of School Buses And Their Wheels
A traditional school bus usually has six or eight wheels, while a mini-bus may have four tires. Speciality vehicles like activity and wheelchair-accessible buses usually have MORE wheels than the standard school bus.
Most school bus tires are 10R22.5 (10” width and 22.5” height) or 11R22.5 (11” width and 22.5” height) [2].
The number of AXLES is also important in determining the right wheel count. A school bus with two axles will require four wheels for each, while a bus with three axles may need six or eight wheels.
Pro Tip: Try to find a wheel size that’s as close to the original OE size as possible to get the best performance and minimize wear and tear.
Different Brands Of Wheels You’ll Find On A School Bus
When choosing the right wheels, several different school bus tire manufacturers exist. Here are some of the most popular brands that you’ll find as a school bus tire:
Bridgestone Tires
Bridgestone is a LEADING tire manufacturer and one of the most popular choices for school buses. Bridgestone tires are known for their durability and reliability, making them ideal for vehicles that withstand heavy-duty use and harsh weather conditions [3].
Bridgestone tires offer SUPERIOR performance and safety for school buses thanks to their durable construction, even tread wear, and superior grip in wet and dry conditions.
They are also designed with INNOVATIVE technologies that help minimize tire noise, reduce fuel consumption, and maximize tire life. Additionally, Bridgestone tires have a limited warranty to protect your investment.
Michelin Americas Truck Tires
Michelin is another leading tire manufacturer and a popular choice for school buses. Their tires are known for their reliability and performance in all weather conditions, making them an ideal option for vehicles that need to WITHSTAND heavy-duty use and harsh climates.
Michelin tires are designed with durable construction to ensure superior grip in BOTH wet and dry conditions and even treadwear to extend the life of your tires.
They also come with advanced technologies such as self-sealing technology, which helps reduce DOWNTIME due to flat tires.
Hankook Tire America Corp
Hankook is another famous tire brand for school buses. Their tires are designed to provide superior performance and safety in all conditions, with features such as ROBUST construction and advanced treadwear technologies that help ensure your tires last longer.
Additionally, Hankook tires are equipped with innovative technologies, such as their run-flat technology, which allows you to SAFELY drive up to 50 miles at a reduced speed in the event of a flat tire.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co
Goodyear is a leading tire manufacturer and a popular choice for school buses. Goodyear tires are known for their durable construction, even tread wear and superior grip in ALL conditions.
Goodyear tires are also equipped with innovative technologies, such as their low rolling resistance technology, which helps REDUCE fuel consumption and tire noise.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the warranty coverage for each brand of tire.
How To Choose The Right School Bus Wheel For Your RV
Choosing the right school bus tire for your RV can be challenging, considering the many options available. When selecting your wheels, it is essential to consider factors such as:
Wheel Size
The wheel size is important when selecting the right school bus tires for your RV. It should be the SAME size as the original equipment (OE) size to provide optimal performance and wear.
When selecting a new wheel, ensure it matches the OE specifications, including diameter, width, offset and bolt pattern.
Additionally, you want to ensure that it fits within the PARAMETERS of your RV’s suspension system to handle all road conditions and terrain.
Wheel Load Rating
When choosing wheels for your school bus, you must also consider their load rating. This is usually INDICATED by a letter followed by three numbers – for example, “H123” [4].
These numbers represent the maximum load each wheel can carry in kilograms, and choosing a wheel with a load rating that meets or exceeds your RV’s weight requirements is essential.
Additionally, you want to ensure that the wheels are designed to HANDLE off-road conditions if you plan to take your RV off the beaten path.
Wheel Finish
The finish of your wheels is also an essential factor when selecting school bus tires for your RV. This includes AESTHETIC features such as colour and design and protective features such as rust and corrosion resistance.
When choosing a finish for your wheels, make sure it is durable enough to withstand all weather and road conditions. Additionally, you want to make sure that it provides the LOOK you desire for your RV.
Tire Manufacturer
You also want to ensure that you purchase tires from a trusted and reliable manufacturer. Brands such as Michelin, Hankook, and Goodyear offer tires designed specifically for most school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Make sure to research each brand and their warranty coverage before making your purchase to know you are getting the BEST quality product for your RV.
Technology And Features
Also, you want to make sure that the wheels you choose are equipped with the LATEST technologies and features. Many manufacturers offer tires with special features such as self-sealing technologies, low rolling resistance technology, and run-flat technology.
These features can help IMPROVE your RV’s performance and safety in all types of road and weather conditions, so it is important to select wheels equipped with them.
Pro Tip: Always check your tire pressure often and keep your wheels properly inflated.
Price
Finally, you want to ensure that the wheels you purchase are within your budget. While cost should not be the only factor in your decision-making process, it is important to ensure that you are getting QUALITY while also staying within your financial means.
When shopping around for school bus tires for your RV, remember to COMPARE the prices and features of each brand before making a final decision. This will help ensure you get the best product at the best price.
Pro Tip: Use customer reviews to get an insight into the quality of a product and how it will perform in real-world situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should You Expect to Pay For School Bus Wheels?
The cost of school bus wheels can vary depending on the size, load rating and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per wheel.
Should I Check My Tire Inflation?
Proper tire inflation is essential for optimal performance and wear. You should check the inflation of your tires at least once a month and adjust as needed.
Would They Last Long?
School bus tires are designed to be durable and long-lasting. When taking proper care of your wheels, you can expect them to last for many years without any issues.
Are Wheel Spacers Necessary For School Bus Wheels?
Wheel spacers are not usually necessary for school bus tires. However, you should always check with your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealer before purchasing any wheel spacer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right school bus tires for your RV is an important decision. Make sure to consider all the factors listed, such as size, load rating, finish and technology features.
Additionally, compare prices before purchasing and always read customer reviews to get an accurate idea of how the product will perform in real-world situations.
Proper tire maintenance can help extend their life and ensure they provide you with years of safe and reliable service.
