Maxxis RV Tires

[DavidC]

Anyone using these?. Comments please. I was checking the 5ver Goodyear tires and found one that only had 20psi in it. Upon further investigation a wire was found in a non repairable area. Real bummer since these tires have about 300 miles on them. Off to Discount Tire since I bought the full warranty. Upon arrival the counter guy tells me he does not have a replacement at that store but another store close by has them. We start talking tires and informs me he can put a Maxxis on if I do not want to travel to the other store. The tire size is St225/75r15. I have read good things about Maxxis on other sites and tell him to put it on and I will do a real life comparison. The Goodyears are load range D, max press. 65psi and load rating of 2540lbs. The Maxxis tires are load range E, max press. 80psi and load rating of 2830lbs. There is a significant difference in the weight between the Goodyears and the Maxxis as a faint groan happened as I lifted the Maxxis, the Goodyear on the other hand was very light. I would think the Maxxis tires are a good alternative to changing alot of things around to run truck tires as the going trend has been. I have not towed the 5ver yet so I have no details about any differences and I may not notice anyway with one Maxxis and 3 Goodyears. So, any comments on my observations?.



Dave

 

[RCarrillo]

I am thinking about putting new tires on my Raptor and and they will probably be Maxxis, I dont think truck tires are safe for trailers as they dont flex and might break the wheels off when backing into tight spaces. Anybody know who makes the best trailer tires please let us know. RikaRio

 

[E2360]

I had Maxxis on my prior trailer and on my current from the factory. Never had a problem with either set and a combined travel of about 15000 miles. I replaced the tires on my current trailer because it sat for almost 2 years. Even though pressures were maintained I changed them just in case.



Put on Goodyears and there is an appreciable difference in towing. Not that the Maxxix were bad but handling and tracking seemed improved with the Goodyears. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SnoKing]

I am thinking about putting new tires on my Raptor and and they will probably be Maxxis, I dont think truck tires are safe for trailers as they dont flex and might break the wheels off when backing into tight spaces. Anybody know who makes the best trailer tires please let us know. RikaRio

A lot of the heavier trailers use LT tires, as ST are junk at the best, only rated to 65 MPH. In 16 inch the Michenlin XPS RIB is the best E rated LT tire for a trailer. In G rated the best is a Goodyear G670 or something like that. Denman makes a good 15 inch trailer tire that is a ST, but not junk like the GY ST's. SNOKING

 

[Grizzly]

A lot of the heavier trailers use LT tires, as ST are junk at the best, only rated to 65 MPH. In 16 inch the Michenlin XPS RIB is the best E rated LT tire for a trailer. In G rated the best is a Goodyear G670 or something like that. Denman makes a good 15 inch trailer tire that is a ST, but not junk like the GY ST's. SNOKING

I have alway been led to believe that the ST tires were better then an LT tires because they have stiffer sidewalls. Is this not true?

 

[RustyJC]

I have alway been led to believe that the ST tires were better then an LT tires because they have stiffer sidewalls. Is this not true?

Most of the heavier 5th wheel RVs that utilize 16" tires will use LT tires in size LT235/85R-16, just like my 3500 dually. Two of the most popular (because they have the fewest failures) are the all-steel Michelin XPS Rib (E rated and recommended by Michelin for commercial trailer service) and the Goodyear Unisteel G614 RST (G rated and trailer specific). Both of these are designated as LT tires by their manufacturers.



Rusty

 

[K5IP]

After having problems with my original ST goodyear tires, I also considered the Maxims. Instead, I bought some Michelin LT rated tires. Mine were only 15 inch tires in a load range D so it was easy to come up with an acceptable Michelin product (from Costco).

If, you need more than a load range D in a 15 in tire, you may have to go with Maxim or some other ST tire. The ST series of trailer tires come in higher load ranges than standard truck tires.

I really like my Michilen choice, and for less money too.

Rog

 

[Matt42]

After having problems with my original ST goodyear tires, I also considered the Maxims. Instead, I bought some Michelin LT rated tires. Mine were only 15 inch tires in a load range D so it was easy to come up with an acceptable Michelin product (from Costco).

If, you need more than a load range D in a 15 in tire, you may have to go with Maxim or some other ST tire. The ST series of trailer tires come in higher load ranges than standard truck tires.

I really like my Michilen choice, and for less money too.

Rog

Ditto. My TT came with ST 205/75R15 in load range B. (Yes, B. ) They were plenty adequate. After considerable unpleasantness with Greenball tires (ecch) and Carlisle STs in C, I installed Michelin LTX LT 215/75R15 in load range C. It was like the difference between rancid peanut butter and pate. Absolutely, utterly wonderful. My first inkling that the Michelins were better than STs came in New Mexico, on I-40 in an area of flat ground and no vegetation bigger than a dandelion. We had no difficulty keeping up with 75 MPH traffic. When we stopped for fuel, and opened both doors, we discovered we had been driving through nasty quartering crosswinds.

 

[HBarlow]

I have alway been led to believe that the ST tires were better then an LT tires because they have stiffer sidewalls. Is this not true?

Sorry Grizzly, it is not true. Goodyear cornered the market years ago with the Marathon 15" ST tire claiming that the rubber compound somehow resisted UV rays and lasted longer. Check the soft sidewalls on one of them while it is unmounted and uninflated. After replacing thousands of them under warranty GY tried again with the same tire claiming it again had different rubber compounds. I think the second attempt was better but they still crack around the sidewalls after 3-4 years.



On my last conventional travel trailer, a 32' Avion with four 15" tires, I replaced the Goodyear Marathons with Michelin LRC SUV tires from SAM's Club. With 60k miles on them I took them to Alaska and back. The only tire problem I encountered was one nail puncture. It was patched and I continued on. They still looked good and only 50% used when I sold it.



Larger 5ers have always used LT235/85R16 LRE tires. LT tires do in fact have stiffer sidewalls . . . they are truck tires. The best in my opinion and in the opinion of many who own heavy 5ers are the steel carcass Michelin XPS Ribs. If the trailer is very heavy on tandem axles the only choice is Goodyear GS614s in LRG.



Personally, I wouldn't put Maxxis, Missions, Carlisles, Greenballs, or any other Communist Chinese or Indian tires on a lawn tractor. All of them are round and black and look like tires and will roll down the road for 2 or 3 years but after they get a little old and the pavement is hot they will tear the side and bottom out of an expensive TT or 5er. Just my opinion. Each to his own.



Harvey

 

[Teacher]

What about Titan II tires? Anyone have any experience with them? They make a st 10 ply 15 inch tire. I installed two while in Alaska. They seem ok, thus far. I don't use my rig much, though. I am looking for two more ( only because the others are old and rated C and D.

 

[RCarrillo]

Right on HBarlow! Now I'm really confused, Iv'e got 15" on My 3 Axle 5er Raptor, Should I go w/ 16" rims, will they fit? and Which tire? Didn't mean to hijack the thread. RikaRio

 

[Bob Fennema]

My fifth wheel travel trailer needs 235/85R16 load rage E. I am replacing Goodyear Wangler LTs that have sidewall issues. Lots of tread left. Tire in this size are hard to find. Many seemingly "American" brands are actually made in China. I found a 14 ply Chinese HI-Run tire ST 235/85R16 load range G. This is a higher load rating than I will impose and I am hoping that the extra capacity (plies) will make up for any shortcomings.

I just got a set of wheel bearings from Red Trailer and the inner bearing is made in Russia and the outer one is made in China. This is all pulled with my Mexican built Ram.

Bob Fennema

 

[HBarlow]

Teacher:



I'm not familiar with Titan Tires so don't have an opinion. I would bet that they are molded in China. I use as my guide two old worn out phrases when I'm buying tires. One is "buy American. " The other is "you get what you pay for. " I realize that Michelin is or was a French company originally. In the days of a global economy we live in now I don't honestly know if the tires are molded in France, GB, or the USA. I do know, however, that Michelin invented the radial tire and when it comes to light truck tires they make the best and most reliable. You can buy cheaper but not better.



RCarrillo:



I would. You can buy a set of six lug 16" light truck wheels (http://www.southwestwheel.com) for less than $50/wheel and mount a set of 16" Michelins. Test fit one with tire mounted or measure carefully to make sure you don't get interference inside the wheel wells or between tires.



Another alternative is new 7000# axles and a set of eight lug 16" wheels. On edit I realized that you said your trailer has three axles. That means it has three 5,000# axles with 15" tires. In that case three 6,000# axles with six lug 16" wheels would be big improvement if they will fit. Again, Southwest Wheel in TX is one supplier. Redneck Trailer in MO is another. There are others around the country. You may be surprised how inexpensive a trailer axle is. I think you can buy a complete 7,000# axle with electric brakes and drums for around $350. SWW will make a custom set of torsion axles for your trailer in any size and weight rating installed for around $1500. You probably should have two 7,000# axles or three 6,000# axles on a trailer the size and weight of a Raptor toy box anyway. A friend of mine bought a good quality new 5er several years ago. It was a lower end line of a name brand manufacturer. The manufacturer cut costs on the running gear. It came with 16" six lug wheels on 6,000# axles with LT215/85-16 tires of a second rate brand. After blowing several OEM tires he replaced the axles with 7,000#, the wheels with 8 lug 16", and a set of Michelin XPS Ribs in LT235/85R16 LRE. He has had no more tire problems.



I'm often surprised at how so many will listen to the "advice" of a tire salesman at a tire retail outlet. Everyone knows that many used car salesmen lie to sell the buyer anything but somehow don't realize that the guy behind the counter in a tire store is a failed used car salesman. The typical line is "I can sell you this set of Michelins for $1200 installed, mounted and balanced but I can make you a better deal on these "nonames. " "They come off the same manufacturer's line at the factory as the Michelins but I can install them for $800. " The "nonames" are a higher profit sale for the salesman. For some reason the buyer never notices that the country of origin molded on the back of the tire is China, India, or Bangladesh.



Again, I'm just tossing out opinions here. Don't mean to offend anyone. Everyone has their own wants and needs and, in America, the right to spend their dollars wherever they please.



Harvey

 

[RustyJC]

For those with 15" wheels who may be thinking about converting to the 16" Michelin XPS Ribs but who are concerned about tire-to-tire clearance with the 32. 0" diameter LT235/85R-16E tires, here's something interesting.



Michelin can also supply the XPS Ribs in size LT245/75R-16E with the same 3042 lb @ 80 PSIG load rating. This tire is only a 30. 6" diameter and, despite the size designation, has a 9. 6" section width versus a 9. 7" section width for the LT235/85 tires.



It might be a problem solver... ...



More info HERE.



Rusty

 

[K5IP]

One nice advantage of 16 in tires is that they are interchangable with the 16inch jobs many of us have on our truck. At one time (older, bigger trailer), I was able to install new Michilens on my truck and use the old ones which still had quite a bit of life in them, on the trailer. It seem like trailer tires don't wear out, just age away. Anyhow this worked out well for me.

Rog

 

[clem]

I have alway been led to believe that the ST tires were better then an LT tires because they have stiffer sidewalls. Is this not true?

ST tires are made with a rubber compond that stands up better to the weather unlike LT tires. The whole tire is made to be towed and not to be used on drive wheels. MY 2 cents

 

[RustyJC]

Ah, the ST tire mystique... .



Take a look HERE at the all-steel, G-rated (3750 lbs @ 110 PSIG) trailer-specific Goodyear G614 RST that's used on many heavy 5th wheel RVs - mine included. It's available in one size - LT235/85-16.



So much for all trailer tires being ST-designated.



Rusty

 

[DavidC]

Thanks for the replies, some are very colorful and I can relate to the views. If I could find a good American tire that would not wipe out the side of the 5ver when it detonates I would buy it. It would also help if the manufacturer would have good customer service and back up the product also. The Michelins on my truck state "Made in the USA", is that a total statement or does most of the profit from making that tire go to France?. Toyota states "Assembled in the USA". Why does a Dodge truck made in Mexico sell for as much as one made in the states?,Greed?,golden parachutes?. I guess I will test between the Maxxis and the Goodyears and see what happens. The Goodyears as of now have about 500 miles on them and are 1 year old. The Maxxis has 160 miles and less than 1 month.



Dave

 

[Okie-Go]

My trailer had 235 80 16 good year's on it at the dealer. When he asked me what it would take to buy it I told him to put a set of good tires on it. When he asked me what kind I told him the xps ribs. I put 245-75 R 16 Mich. ribs on it. The salesman told me the manager spent 930. 00 for the tires. It amazes me how much mark up there is on trailers.

 

[mroidt]

15" Load range E

Hi guys

Been reading 2 days on this subject, here's what I think I got figured out.



I'm between 2 tires, Titan made in Iowa and Denman made in Mexico.