Trailer tires vs. LT Tires on Travel Trailer

[JCasper]

Exactly what I was thinking! Thanks so much for the pics. How does the trailer handle now? Do you notice anything different? My 06 Megacab has a 3 inch lift, so adding blocks will not only help facilitate larger wheels/tires, but also set the truck-trailer angle properly. I use a weight distributing hitch, and on my old 2001 4x4, I used a 5 inch drop, but the 06 sits higher. I'm still waiting for the snow to melt around our place; I haven't towed with the 06 yet since I bought it in January. Thanks again for the pics!!

It seems to handle OK. I think I can feel it squirming/wiggling around a bit more, but that could be me just because I know something is different.



I am leaving May 2nd for a 4,000+ mile trip to the Grand Canyon, it better handle and work OK.

 

[Buffalo]

LT 225/75/15-D's or E's????

I've been researching this size Light Truck tire on the internet & at most of the tire stores in my area (Phoenix). It appears that this size tire & load range simply Do Not Exist!!! It seems to be ONLY available in ST tires (trailer).



If I had to buy a tire, TODAY, I think I would seriously consider the Maxxis brand. They appear to be manufactured by Toyo & I've read many reports of good service with this brand from guys that install oversized tires on their trucks. I've heard of none of the other Chinese brand manufacturers.



I'm amazed that not ONE American tire company see's fit to build a quality trailer tire. There, certainly, appears to be a big demand for them. With a demand like this, you would think at least ONE manufacturer would step up to satisfy that demand.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[JCasper]

I've been researching this size Light Truck tire on the internet & at most of the tire stores in my area (Phoenix). It appears that this size tire & load range simply Do Not Exist!!! It seems to be ONLY available in ST tires (trailer).



If I had to buy a tire, TODAY, I think I would seriously consider the Maxxis brand. They appear to be manufactured by Toyo & I've read many reports of good service with this brand from guys that install oversized tires on their trucks. I've heard of none of the other Chinese brand manufacturers.



I'm amazed that not ONE American tire company see's fit to build a quality trailer tire. There, certainly, appears to be a big demand for them. With a demand like this, you would think at least ONE manufacturer would step up to satisfy that demand.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

I just put the Maxxis 225/75/15 D rated on my trailer. After the first 300 miles towing I like them. After running 1 hour at 55-60 and 1 hour 65-68 on the freeway the tires are cooler then the wheel bearings. With the factory c rated junk the tires would of been HOT to the touch.

 

[AClayton]

I've been researching this size Light Truck tire on the internet & at most of the tire stores in my area (Phoenix). It appears that this size tire & load range simply Do Not Exist!!! It seems to be ONLY available in ST tires (trailer).



If I had to buy a tire, TODAY, I think I would seriously consider the Maxxis brand. They appear to be manufactured by Toyo & I've read many reports of good service with this brand from guys that install oversized tires on their trucks. I've heard of none of the other Chinese brand manufacturers.



I'm amazed that not ONE American tire company see's fit to build a quality trailer tire. There, certainly, appears to be a big demand for them. With a demand like this, you would think at least ONE manufacturer would step up to satisfy that demand.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

I just read the latest issue of Four Wheeler mag and they did a trailer tire test on on the newest line from Interco... the manufacture of the Super Swamper Mud tire. With the reputation that company has in off-roading, I would tend to agree with perfect rating they recieved from the editors of the magazine. I have not purchased a set but am certainly considering it on my own trailer. Just a thought.



Alan

 

[WrenchRat]

Wow, I had no idea the ST tires were so questionable. We just bought a 2007 Roadrunner TT (27ft) last year and it came with Loadstar ST205-75/14's. After 7000+miles one of them is looking rather sickly with some odd wear. Figured I would just put the spare down and watch for a pattern on it. While I'll do that for the time being, you all have convinced me to go with a plan I was contemplating.



We tooled all over the country last year and many times at 70-80mph for most of the day in complete ignorant bliss of the the danger of these tires. I feel lucky. We won't be pressing our luck like that this season.



I'll be changing 5 on 4. 5 hubs to 6 on 5. 5 to accommodate some 16inch rims and 215-85/16's Michelin's that I have from a take-off. It won't cost that much (especially with 'free' tires) and the safety factor of having 'E''s will be worth it. Heck, might even lower rolling resistance and help mileage? That will also give me a chance to completely check out the bearings and repack them so I know they are correct. Geeeebus, the quality of materials and workmanship on RV's is el stinko.



I've blown tires on the tow rig at 70+ and it ain't fun. Last time around, it tore the heck out of the right front fender liner, air dam, and nearly severed a brake line. And if a tire on the TT blew, with all the chincy sheet metal they call a wheel well, I would surely have as much $$ and a lot of my time in repairs. Nobody wants that kind of headache.



A BIG tip of the hat and a hearty thanks for the info here. When I get going on this, I'll start another thread so as not to high jack this one...

 

[HBarlow]

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I'll be changing 5 on 4. 5 hubs to 6 on 5. 5 to accommodate some 16inch rims and 215-85/16's Michelin's that I have from a take-off. It won't cost that much (especially with 'free' tires) and the safety factor of having 'E''s will be worth it. Heck, might even lower rolling resistance and help mileage? That will also give me a chance to completely check out the bearings and repack them so I know they are correct... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .....

You're on the right track. If you do that you'll probably never experience a tire problem on your TT.

 

[docjara]

Just picked up the new rims and tires yesterday. I went with BF Goodrich Commercial TA's 245/75 R16 Truck tires and rims 16 inch 6 on 5. 5 with 7 inch width. They look much better and sit on their tread like they should. I now have over 3000 lbs per tire which is more than the trailer could hold. I am going on a 2300 mile trip the last two weeks of April I will let you know how they ride. No problems with fit in the wheel well.

 

[HBarlow]

Just picked up the new rims and tires yesterday. I went with BF Goodrich Commercial TA's 245/75 R16 Truck tires and rims 16 inch 6 on 5. 5 with 7 inch width. They look much better and sit on their tread like they should. I now have over 3000 lbs per tire which is more than the trailer could hold. I am going on a 2300 mile trip the last two weeks of April I will let you know how they ride. No problems with fit in the wheel well.

Good move! You will now be able to tow with peace of mind and will have five or more years of trouble-free towing before you'll have to think about replacing trailer tires.

 

[JoeyJ]

Interesting string... ... my Holiday Rambler came with the General Ameri Tire brand... triple axle and I've got about 15k trouble free miles and run about 15-16k lbs loaded most of the time. A few of the tires are starting to show some UV cracking and I want to replace them but can't seem to find a source anywhere. Anyone know of a source for these Generals?
One of the advantages of Bias Ply tires is they handle the dragging applied when turning multiple axle trailers as opposed to radials and LT tires. As long as your very careful swinging the trailer your probably ok but I have seen sections of tread torn from these tires. I've also heard very little good about Carlisle and Marathons. Anyone have any experience with Coopers?
Thanks

 

[Jack in Alaska]

JCasper... ... . you are towing too fast and I would not put Carlisle tires on my grandsons coaster wagon.

Michelin XPS is the way to go.

Good luck.

 

[TFucili]

Anyone have any experience with Coopers?

Thanks

I emailed Cooper, when this thread was in its early stages, in hopes of being able to post some useful information, and maybe an alternative. The replies were courteous, but not very helpful or informative. I tried twice, then gave up. I have had good experience with their car and truck tires.

 

[JCasper]

JCasper... ... . you are towing too fast and I would not put Carlisle tires on my grandsons coaster wagon.

Michelin XPS is the way to go.

Good luck.

What's too fast? I have been towing on this trip that I am on at 65MPH on most freeways.



Utah speed limits are 75MPH and I don't get near that.



I ended up buying Maxxis tires for my trailer and they have been working fine.



Michelin XPS don't come in 15" sizes and I can't fit 16's. My next trailer will have 16's on it and I will buy Michelins.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SEEMS like most here really hate the "Chinese" made ST RV tires - but even at that, some of the "preferred" "Made in USA" tires then turn out to be made in Asia... :-laf



I gritted my teeth over buying the Carlisle ST, "E" rated tires for our 5er, but they were well balanced, and have been kept inflated at 60 PSI, and so far, have held up just fine. It helps that the tire rating per axle is nearly enough to support the whole trailer. As some others here are finding, coming up with no-doubt-about-it, top quality RV tires isn't always as easy as just paying lots of $$$ for them...

 

[docjara]

Just got back from my trip out east. Traveled 2500 miles and absolutely no problems with tires. Ran cooler than the old ones and no uneven tire wear. The best investment I have made for my trailer. If your trailer is light you may not need to do what I did but for a heavy trailer the 16 inch rims and LT tires is the way to go. Oo.

 

[Buffalo]

B.F Goodrich Commercial tires, 225/75/16-E's.

I have a Nash 25-S trailer that originally came with 205/75/15-C's that I upgraded to Towmaster 225/75/15-D's. I've never had a problem with them but, a friend of mine who is crazy about maintaining his tires has had two of them blow. One was the spare mounted on the rear bumper.



I've searched for a LT tire in the 15" size that will fit my trailer & nothing seems to be available. Only in ST (trailer) tires.



On a recent trip to Discount Tire, I complained about this problem & the salesman said that one of his customers that has 14 trailers (Tow's for Less, flatbed, gooseneck car houling trailers) has been using ST tires & is replacing them all the time. They switched over to a 225/75/16-E, BF Goodrich Commercial tire with new Carlisle Wheel Co. 16" trailer wheels & the combination seems to be working well. Discount said they could have Carlisle make wheels that would fit my 5 by 4-1/2" bolt pattern. Cost would be about $45. 00 per wheel & about $130. 00 per tire. I checked my wheel wells & these tire/wheel combo's look like they would fit.



Right now, I have about 2-1/2" separation between the two tires (225/75/15). The 225/75/16's are an inch taller. That would give me about 1-1/2" separation between the tires. It appears that 1" is the minimum standard. So, this might work!!!



Just thought I'd pass this on for your thoughts.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[RSlater]

Just some follow-up here. I was inspired by JCasper's solution, so I also installed 2" blocks on my trailer to facilitate larger tires/wheels (it took a few hours, but I was definitely taking my time - and the trailer was parked in gravel). A local tire shop found some 16" wheels that would have fit my bolt pattern (5 on 4. 5), but then I found some Denman load range E tires in 225/75/15. Ultimately, I upgraded to some great aluminum wheels and the Denman tires, but it wasn't the cheapest solution. Now I've got tons of room and weight capacity (my 27' is rated for 7500' loaded), and because my 06 MC has a lift on it already, the truck/trailer sit perfect and tows like a dream. Kudos to JCasper for the preliminary info and encouragement.

 

[JCasper]

Just some follow-up here. I was inspired by JCasper's solution, so I also installed 2" blocks on my trailer to facilitate larger tires/wheels (it took a few hours, but I was definitely taking my time - and the trailer was parked in gravel). A local tire shop found some 16" wheels that would have fit my bolt pattern (5 on 4. 5), but then I found some Denman load range E tires in 225/75/15. Ultimately, I upgraded to some great aluminum wheels and the Denman tires, but it wasn't the cheapest solution. Now I've got tons of room and weight capacity (my 27' is rated for 7500' loaded), and because my 06 MC has a lift on it already, the truck/trailer sit perfect and tows like a dream. Kudos to JCasper for the preliminary info and encouragement.

Glad things worked for you. I didn't go to 16's, but on the next trailer next year I definitely will.

 

[HBarlow]

I have a Nash 25-S trailer that originally came with 205/75/15-C's that I upgraded to Towmaster 225/75/15-D's. I've never had a problem with them but, a friend of mine who is crazy about maintaining his tires has had two of them blow. One was the spare mounted on the rear bumper.



I've searched for a LT tire in the 15" size that will fit my trailer & nothing seems to be available. Only in ST (trailer) tires.



On a recent trip to Discount Tire, I complained about this problem & the salesman said that one of his customers that has 14 trailers (Tow's for Less, flatbed, gooseneck car houling trailers) has been using ST tires & is replacing them all the time. They switched over to a 225/75/16-E, BF Goodrich Commercial tire with new Carlisle Wheel Co. 16" trailer wheels & the combination seems to be working well. Discount said they could have Carlisle make wheels that would fit my 5 by 4-1/2" bolt pattern. Cost would be about $45. 00 per wheel & about $130. 00 per tire. I checked my wheel wells & these tire/wheel combo's look like they would fit.



Right now, I have about 2-1/2" separation between the two tires (225/75/15). The 225/75/16's are an inch taller. That would give me about 1-1/2" separation between the tires. It appears that 1" is the minimum standard. So, this might work!!!



Just thought I'd pass this on for your thoughts.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Buffalo,



IMO the BFGoodrich tire you mentioned is the next best thing to a Michelin and the only tire, other than a Michelin, that I would buy.



Southwest Wheel offers a 16" wheel in five lug that I reserched several years ago. It is affordable.



My new HH fiver has less than one inch tire separation from the factory. I would prefer more but it works fine as is.

 

[Curious Dave]

19.5's!!!!

I had to replace the axles under my Keystone 364q twice under warranty and the 3rd time I ordered some custom axles and had them put in. It was expensive... but I am on the road full time and don't need any more hassles. I then realised that the rims and tires were just as under rated as the axles and the springs. I found a guy on ebay that had a set of Rickson sw rims and tires. I bought them and put them onto the trailer. Now I am thinking about taking it to Kelderman for their air bag setup. Sorry for the long winded input... but I think that with all of the research and bs I have gone thru... I can honestly say that the trailer industry puts the system under the trailers just so the trailers can get to the retailers and they don't care what happens after that. The tires are the worst part of it all.

 

[Grizzly]

I had to replace the axles under my Keystone 364q twice under warranty and the 3rd time I ordered some custom axles and had them put in. It was expensive... but I am on the road full time and don't need any more hassles. I then realised that the rims and tires were just as under rated as the axles and the springs. I found a guy on ebay that had a set of Rickson sw rims and tires. I bought them and put them onto the trailer. Now I am thinking about taking it to Kelderman for their air bag setup. Sorry for the long winded input... but I think that with all of the research and bs I have gone thru... I can honestly say that the trailer industry puts the system under the trailers just so the trailers can get to the retailers and they don't care what happens after that. The tires are the worst part of it all.

I had the same problem with my 1988 Holiday Rambler 5er in the early 90's. I replaced the axles, wheels and tires, After more problems with the running gear, I sold the 5er and purchased a slide-in-camper, just so I wouldn't have to deal with axles and tires. That was the 98 Lance. Now I'm back to a 5er with heavy duty running gear and 16" wheels. As soon as we got the 5er home, I had Discount Tire change out all 5 tires to Michelin LT, XPS Rib, 235/85/R/16, LR "E". I have 1 1/2" clearance between the tires.



The tires were manufactured one month before I purchased them. Always check the manufactured date stamped on the sidewall. If they are older than 6 months, don't get them.