R. E. J.

I own a 1984 Ford Econoline E350 chasis C-class motorhome (bunk over cab). It has stock 16.5" steel wheels w/ rear dualies. I recently needed to replace the tires and found that the only steel radials I could find in that size were Kumhos which are imported from Korea (I think). NO other tire companies are making 16.5" steel radial tires any more! NONE! So far I have no complaints w/ the Kumhos, but the next time I need tires I'm wondering if I'll be able to find ANY 16.5" tires.

Can anyone tell me what would be involved in going to 17" wheels? I'd prefer new steel wheels, but I've been told that lug patterns have changed since 1984. True? What size tire/wheels are currently on Ford vans? I know they still make dualie models because they're still putting C- class motorhomes on Econoline chassis's. Would 17" tires fit my wheel openings? Am I looking at hub, brake, axle, gear changes? Do they make aluminum wheels that would work? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.