Trailer tires vs. LT Tires on Travel Trailer

[Jim Smith]

Look at the weight rating numbers on the tires. Most rv manufacturers put marginal tires on their units. I found that out with my rv. My original tires ( which were always shredding) were rated at 3050lbs my new tires 3425lbs . Get ST tires not LT.

 

[JCasper]

Marginal is giving them a lot of credit.



I can deal with buying new tires, but the fact that the stock smaller tires have rubbed the bottom of the trailer and I have to go larger. That is ticking me off.



Keystone claims I have overloaded it. If loading clothes and a few pots and pans in the trailer is overloading it then they need to figure out what needs to be taken to go camping.



That trailer has not been overloaded. Anything heavy, generator, firewood, extra propane, extra gas for the generator, etc is always in the bed of the truck.



Keystone bites.

 

[Grizzly]

Look at the weight rating numbers on the tires. Most rv manufacturers put marginal tires on their units. I found that out with my rv. My original tires ( which were always shredding) were rated at 3050lbs my new tires 3425lbs . Get ST tires not LT.

Why???????

 

[HBarlow]

JCasper,



I'm no fan of Keystone either but they are okay for what they are intended to be: affordable, entry level, light duty summer TTs.



Once you get over your frustration with them you can easily upgrade the suspension on your trailer without spending a fortune. I don't know what sources are available in OR but companies like Redneck Trailer in MO and Southwest Wheel in TX (TDR advertiser) will sell you complete new axle sets with springs, hangers, equalizers, brake backing plates, etc. for very little money. The difference in price between 3500#, 5200#, and 6000# axles is modest and will allow you to upgrade to more substantial suspension. I don't know if Redneck has a website but SWW does including specs and prices on axle assemblies.



After you get over your anger with Keystone you might even contact them again and ask if they would compromise with you by selling you a set of heavier axles, springs, wheels, and tires at cost out of their plant at Pendleton. If I remember correctly there is a Lippert frame plant next door to the Keystone plant at Pendleton. They have stacks of suspension sets on racks there where they weld up the frame and attach the running gear. They don't build any large 5er Keystones at the Pendleton plant but do build some larger units than the one you have and should have some heavier suspension components available.



You could have a good welder remove your existing suspension then attach a length of 2" x 2" square tubing or 2" x 4" channel under the existing frame rails on each side to create a new subframe then attach the new spring hangers and suspension to the new subframe. This would solve your clearance and sagging problem and then you could safely load it as heavy as you choose.



Harvey

 

[HBarlow]

Why???????

Exactly! Why?



Higher quality heavier fivers are all equipped at the factory with LT tires. The only people on the planet that tell tire buyers to buy ST tires are the failed former used car salesmen who are now retail tire store salesmen.



Harvey

 

[Grizzly]

Exactly! Why?



Higher quality heavier fivers are all equipped at the factory with LT tires. The only people on the planet that tell tire buyers to buy ST tires are the failed former used car salesmen who are now retail tire store salesmen.



Harvey

Thank you Harvey, I totally agree. I don't tow faster than 65 mph, however for those that do tow faster than 65 mph, which I don't recommend, better have a good set of LT tires.

 

[JCasper]

JCasper,



I'm no fan of Keystone either but they are okay for what they are intended to be: affordable, entry level, light duty summer TTs.



Once you get over your frustration with them you can easily upgrade the suspension on your trailer without spending a fortune. I don't know what sources are available in OR but companies like Redneck Trailer in MO and Southwest Wheel in TX (TDR advertiser) will sell you complete new axle sets with springs, hangers, equalizers, brake backing plates, etc. for very little money. The difference in price between 3500#, 5200#, and 6000# axles is modest and will allow you to upgrade to more substantial suspension. I don't know if Redneck has a website but SWW does including specs and prices on axle assemblies.



After you get over your anger with Keystone you might even contact them again and ask if they would compromise with you by selling you a set of heavier axles, springs, wheels, and tires at cost out of their plant at Pendleton. If I remember correctly there is a Lippert frame plant next door to the Keystone plant at Pendleton. They have stacks of suspension sets on racks there where they weld up the frame and attach the running gear. They don't build any large 5er Keystones at the Pendleton plant but do build some larger units than the one you have and should have some heavier suspension components available.



You could have a good welder remove your existing suspension then attach a length of 2" x 2" square tubing or 2" x 4" channel under the existing frame rails on each side to create a new subframe then attach the new spring hangers and suspension to the new subframe. This would solve your clearance and sagging problem and then you could safely load it as heavy as you choose.



Harvey

My frustration and temper flare is over now.



I am going to contact Curtis (the dealer) on Monday and talk with them.



I would be happy if they would cover a % of the cost of the tires and getting some more clearance under the trailer. I honestly feel that the trailer has never been overloaded. I put all heavy items in the truck.



My Father-in-law tried getting me going again this morning. He wants me to file a small claims suit against them. I don't really want to go to the trouble. It's only $1,000 and I am back in business.



I am definitely going to look at something made by Northwood next time.

 

[K5IP]

My 2002 Nash came with Goodyear ST tires. They lasted Two years.

I can't tell you, in limited space, about all the failures I have had with ST tires over the last 20 years.

I replaced my Nash ST series with Michelin LT tires (did have to go one size larger to get the same capacity), but now, several trips to Alaska later, no problems at all.

But then, what do I know.

Rog

 

[georgej]

Joe

You might want to check with Potter & Webster in Portland regarding your axle woes. They have good prices on Dexter products and I think they are setup for axle replacing and such. They're located by Delta park off I-5.



George

 

[LRutigliano]

You're taking a big chance of your tires coming apart if you haul that RV 80 mph. All ST tires are clearly noted that the top speed is 65 mph. That tells me you are not well informed on RV tires. Tire dealers are like auto dealers, they are going to tell you what you want to hear about brands of tires because they want to sell them.



Go to the RV Forums and listen to the experience of those that have used Carlisle brand and other China made ST tires.

Grizzly,



I went to Americas Tire website and the Carlisle Radial Trail tire is an "R" speed rated tire = up to 106 mph.



I had 225/75R-15 D rated tires = 2540 lbs @ 65psi and moved up to E rated = 2830 lbs @ 80 psi.



My trailer axles weigh in at 7800 lbs fully loaded with water, food, propane, etc. With the 4 tires @ 2830 lbs ea, I have a load capacity of 11,320 lbs.



I think I'm a well informed person, but appreciate your concern.



Louis

 

[Grizzly]

Grizzly,

I went to Americas Tire website and the Carlisle Radial Trail tire is an "R" speed rated tire = up to 106 mph.

I had 225/75R-15 D rated tires = 2540 lbs @ 65psi and moved up to E rated = 2830 lbs @ 80 psi.

My trailer axles weigh in at 7800 lbs fully loaded with water, food, propane, etc. With the 4 tires @ 2830 lbs ea, I have a load capacity of 11,320 lbs.

I think I'm a well informed person, but appreciate your concern.

Louis

Okay, I did a search and you're right, the Carlisle Radial Trail is an R speed rated ST tire and R rated states up to 106 mph. However if you read on, Carlisle says that the R rating of 106 mph is only the tested speed and is not the Recommend speed. Remember it's still an ST tire and all ST tires are recommended not to exceed 65 mph.

 

[JCasper]

Oops, I am now flagged at Keystone. LMAO.



My wife calls them today to talk about our issue. The lady I spoke with was gone so she talked with someone else. After that lady read the detailed notes on my account my wife was passed on to the supervisor. My wife asks the supervisor if he was familiar with our issue. Yep, he says there are some very detailed notes here.



So my wife reasoned with them for a little bit and they won't admit anything is their fault but as a goodwill gesture they are paying $300 towards Curtis blocking up the axle 2".



So long story short, Curtis is going to block up the axles by 2" for $450, $300 of which Keystone is paying. I then need to get new tires.



I am still torn between Trailer tires and LT Tires. It seems that reading on here and RV.net a lot of people prefer LT Tires.



I will call and get prices on some LT tires when I get a chance.

 

[pullya]

The following are some of the experiences I've had with trailer tires. My experiences are with boat trailers but I think they are generally the same as some of yours. The smaller size tires you have, generally the less options you have. Sure, it is nice to upgrade the size of your tires and even your rims--if you can afford it and if they will fit properly. I have found that both Goodyear and Carlisle are JUNK. I have had several blow outs with both. I have had less trouble with Goodyear and they seem to be better to deal with when trying to get the tires replaced. Two or three important things I have learned. 1. ALWAYS check the tire pressure. 2. Always check the manufacture date on the side of the tire when you buy new tires. 3. Never exceed the recommended speed rating that is on the tire. 4. Always carry at least 2 spares and a good jack. 6 ply tires are good--8 ply are better and 10 ply are better than 8. Get the most you can in the size you buy. Trailer tires is not a place to try to save money unless you enjoy changing tires on the side of the road--usually late at night, when everything is closed and you have plenty of money to repalr the damage the blowout caused. These are just some of the lessons I have learned--

Jay

 

[klenger]

I'm glad Keystone is helping. Good luck. I still vote for 16's with Michelin XPS-RIB LT tires.

 

[HBarlow]

Grizzly,



I went to Americas Tire website and the Carlisle Radial Trail tire is an "R" speed rated tire = up to 106 mph.



I had 225/75R-15 D rated tires = 2540 lbs @ 65psi and moved up to E rated = 2830 lbs @ 80 psi.



My trailer axles weigh in at 7800 lbs fully loaded with water, food, propane, etc. With the 4 tires @ 2830 lbs ea, I have a load capacity of 11,320 lbs.



I think I'm a well informed person, but appreciate your concern.



Louis

Louis,



If you only changed the tires, not the rims, you didn't increase your load capacity because the rims, and axles, are now the weak links. If you are now inflating your tires to a pressure higher than the original tires permitted you may be overstressing the rims. Rims have a pressure limit which normally matches the tire installed by the manufacturer.



Tires, rims, and axles are normally matched and the only way to increase load carrying capacity is to replace axles, wheels, and tires. Replacing/upgrading only one of the three components alone will not do much for you except that the upgraded tires might be a little better grade tires.



Harvey

 

[JCasper]

Some good info here.



Trailer Tire Facts - Discount Tire Co.



Hah, Mine was closer then that from the factory

The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20 percent.

 

[Grizzly]

Some good info here.



Trailer Tire Facts - Discount Tire Co.



Hah, Mine was closer then that from the factory

LRutigliano, if you want to be well informed read this, especially the paragraph about SPEED.



Good information JCasper.

 

[JCasper]

I talked with Americas tire today. From what they said there are no LT tires in the size I need (205-225/75/15) that are more then a 6 ply.



It looks like I will be getting an ST tire, unless I find something different between now and when I get my trailer back on the 15th.



I know some have said stay away from Carlisle, but some have said the same about Goodyear Marathons so it sounds like a crapshoot.

 

[Grizzly]

I wouldn't give up that quick. Check with other tire dealers, such as Discount Tire, Costco or WalMart.

 

[HBarlow]

I talked with Americas tire today. From what they said there are no LT tires in the size I need (205-225/75/15) that are more then a 6 ply.



It looks like I will be getting an ST tire, unless I find something different between now and when I get my trailer back on the 15th.



I know some have said stay away from Carlisle, but some have said the same about Goodyear Marathons so it sounds like a crapshoot.

You're correct. Tire manufacturers don't make an LT tire in the smaller, 15" sizes.



I ran into the same situation several years ago when I owned a 9,000 lb. Avion travel trailer. I had nothing good to say about Goodyear Marathons from previous experiences and certainly didn't want any of the Communist Chinese brands.



Many would disapprove of, even argue against the choice I made but I installed a set of Michelin LRC tires intended for Suvs. They, like all Michelin tires, were trouble free. I had pulled the trailer a little over 60k miles including a trip to Alaska when I sold the Avion and bought a fifth wheel. The tires had almost 50% of their tread left. I think BF Goodrich also makes a good commercial tire in 15" sizes.



I've said it here before and consider it worth saying again: personally, I wouldn't put a GY Marathon, any other GY tire, Carlisle, Greenball, or any Communist Chinese tire on anything that is driven or pulled faster than my lawn tractor. If Michelin makes a tire in the size I need, that is what I buy. My second choice is a BF Goodrich Commercial tire.



NuWa, manufacturer of Hitchhiker fifth wheels. claims convincingly that they have had good luck with Laredo LT235/85R16 tires for their trailers. That is what is on my HH 5er. I have read of no problems with them on the NuWa website and so far, only one year of service, mine are fine. I will run them about four years and replace them with Michelins.



Harvey