Picked up my new 2018 Thor Outlaw 29H in January and decided the 5" of ground clearance under the front levelers wasn't going to cut it for places I want to go. I researched tires and suspension lifts and settled on some 235/85R16E's (over the stock 225/75R16E's) to add about 1.25" more clearance, and found a fab shop in El Cajon CA that specializes in E-series van lifts and started lifting Class-C RV's late last year using the same technology.
Tires - My choice was the Nexen Roadian Pro RA8 LT235/85R16E all terrain tire. It's a milder AT tread design and this size is about 2.5" in diameter larger than the OEM tires that came on my coach. Besides the increased traction another benefit is the added load capacity of 3042lbs @ 80PSI vs the OEM rating of 2680lbs. The stock tires are pretty close to the load limit when fully loaded I found out after getting my axles weighed at a local Loves truck stop. Fully loaded with my motorcycle in the garage of the RV there is about 12mm of clearance between these new rear dually tires.
New tires installed before lift:
Lift -
Weldtec Designs in El Cajon, CA offers a 4" or 6" lift for E-350/450 chassis RVs. Initially I was going to get the 6" but after deciding on taller tires I decided the 4" was adequate giving me about 5.25" overall clearance increase. 7.25" (with the 6" lift) would have been too much for my needs. Jeremy at Weldtec (the owner) is super helpful and provided the contact info for previous Thor customer with the 4" lift (when asked) so I could get his input after this customer had driven the rig for a few months with the lift. That customer was very happy with the improved ride and handling and the work performed. Now that I've put about 400 miles on my lifted unit I'd agree. The handling is greatly improved with the substantial Fox shocks that are used with this lift. My rig was actually kinda scarry to drive on the interstate before the lift and required quire a bit of driver input to go straight. That has disappeared and it now handles the way it should have from the factory. Wind buffeting and semi trucks passing are no longer an issue, same with rain groves and bumpy/uneven roads . It's actually fun to drive now. To find out more about the lifts at Weldtec just google Class-C lift and both the 4" and 6" Weldtec lift pages will be first results.
Before lift stock tires:
After lift w/new tires:
Had treated 4x10 (3.5"x9.5") douglas fir beam sections cut to put under levelers due to lift:
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