13 inch RV tires

[JR2]

I made the big plunge into RV ownership yesterday and I already have questions. I bought a 2001 Gulfstream Alumilite (24 ft). It came with the origional tires on it and being from a family of RV'ers I know I need to replace them ASAP. The tire size is 175-80-13D or B78-13. I have done some searching online and all I can find is what I consider "off brand" stuff. I have figured out that there is little chance I am going to find an E rated tire in this size, so I guess I am looking for a good D rated.



Any opnion on what brand?



Eventually I plan to do an axle flip on this tralior to raise it up a bit and then maybe I can fit some 14 inch tires and rims under it, but that is not going to happen in the next year.

 

[CROW]

Bought a set of Goodyear Wrangler 13" (ST) trailer tires for a boat trailer last summer at Wal-Mart. They had to order them but it only took a couple of days to get them. Check the Goodyear web site, there are several sizes available in 13" ST tires. Understand there are a number of trailer tires available that may not be of the best quality.

 

[CROW]

As a follow on to the above. I have a fifth wheel trailer that has light Truck (LT) tires on it (note the discussion on Maxxis tires below) and would have preferred LT tires on the boat trailer, but could find LT tires in a 13" size. Seems many of the heavier fifth wheels have LT tires instead of ST tires.

 

[JR2]

I just looked at Goodyears online catalog and they don't appear to make that tire anymore.

Anyone have any other ideas?

 

[WestTN]

I doubt you would find a load range E tire in that size, but if you do, don't put anymore air in it than the standard tire required, or the rim could explode. Now, if you aren't going to add any more air, then you can't carry any more load, so save your money and just buy the standard rated tire.



Uprating isn't quite as simple as it appears.

 

[JR2]

I am having a hard time finding a name brand D rated tire in that size. I was looking at 14 inch tires and rims but then I discoverd that the hole in the center of the rim is a different size vs the 13 inch rims. I may have to just buy new hubs and such and go with a 14 inch tire (I found some that are . 6 inches taller and . 5 wider which should fit fine).

 

[clem]

Don't know what load you carrie on your tires,but when I started out in 1965 our 15ft trailer came with 13in tires. Now that trailer was towed all over Alaska and down the ALCan HWY and a lot of lower USA and never had a problem. Now my present trailer has load range "G" tires by Goodyear. Goodyear have served me well for years on all my trailers. The key is get you tires from a factory STORE not Walmart or BUBBA they won't stand behind them. Thats my 5 cents worth.

 

[maxburk]

Personal opinion! I would dump those 13 inch tires and rims if you travel in the boonies at all. It is not easy to find 13 inch tires in remote places. We travel to Canada and Alaska and run 14 inch LT D rated tires and can find them anywhere. The good news is that they are pretty tough and rarely need to replace.

 

[JR2]

Well that is my long term plan, but I belive I will have to get new hubs (4) to make the 14 inch rims fit. I belive the center hole that goes over the axle is bigger on a 14 inch rim vs. the 13 inch rim. I also do not have the space in the wheel wells for much larger tires. I did find the 14's that where lower profile that are about the same physical size as the 13's.