Tire recommendations for 5er

[CamarosRus]

I gather from another thread that in 15" Tires, the MAXXIS Load Range E might be the best tire available... ..... ?????????



I'll be towing a 20' enclosed car trailer with 10,000GVW... .....



I really want to avoid the expense of buying new 16" wheels.



I bought this trailer used with 6 year old Goodyear Marathons's



Thanks for your experience and advice



Newbie from Seattle

 

[HBarlow]

I'd stick with GY Marathons in the choice between GY & Maxxis. My first choice would be a Michelin SUV tire if you find a size that will fit. Box trailers often don't have much room for larger or wider tires.

 

[Kirwin]

Goodyear G614 RST

Harvey, what's the deal with the Goodyear G614 RST? I replaced the OE 235/85R-16 LR E Goodyear Wrangler HTs with the G614s on my old trailer. I stayed with the same wheels so I was limited to 80 PSIG but I thought I had a better tire. When I ordered the new Holiday Rambler I payed extra to have the G614s from the factory. That didn't work out for me as there was a strike at Goodyear at the time and Monaco was using Freestar (made in China) tires for its LR G tires, so I asked the dealer to switch tires/rims with a 5th wheel they had on the lot that had the G614s on it which they did. I thought about the Michelins but I was after the G load rating so I thought I was getting a better tire. How many Goodyear G614 tires have failed on you or that you know of? Did I make a mistake getting the Goodyears? Thanks Ken Irwin

 

[richardcoxid]

Kirwin



I bought five G/Y 614's LR G six years ago this comming June. I rotate all five of them every spring and run 110# pressure. Haven't had any trouble with them at all!



may you have fair winds and following seas

 

[CamarosRus]

Mr Barlow and others,



Goodyear Marathons are bad mouthed all over the internet on a wide variety of web sites. I have read for hours and hours about ALL the misc poor brands of 15" ST trailer tires. I cant find any conclusive info within one web site thead that has me spending my money on anything.



This is a terrible situation for many of us that must/need/want to stay with 15" tires.



My trailer tandem axle pkg is only 10,000# and not as heavy as many of the writers 5'ers.



Dont know what I'll do... ... ... . but thanks for trying to help



Sincerely, Chuck

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey, what's the deal with the Goodyear G614 RST? I replaced the OE 235/85R-16 LR E Goodyear Wrangler HTs with the G614s on my old trailer. I stayed with the same wheels so I was limited to 80 PSIG but I thought I had a better tire. When I ordered the new Holiday Rambler I payed extra to have the G614s from the factory. That didn't work out for me as there was a strike at Goodyear at the time and Monaco was using Freestar (made in China) tires for its LR G tires, so I asked the dealer to switch tires/rims with a 5th wheel they had on the lot that had the G614s on it which they did. I thought about the Michelins but I was after the G load rating so I thought I was getting a better tire. How many Goodyear G614 tires have failed on you or that you know of? Did I make a mistake getting the Goodyears? Thanks Ken Irwin

I've never owned a GY614 or other GY LRG/12 ply rated tire. My previous fiver, a used Travel Supreme, was originally equipped with LRG GY tires. I ran Michelin XPS Ribs in LRE/10ply rated on it and had no problems although the tires were loaded to their maximum (or beyond) capacity.

One of the factors I considered when buying my current HH fiver was tires. One of the models I liked very much and considered was the 34' Champagne which is a tandem axle that is heavy enough to require GY LRG tires. I didn't want that and I didn't need or want an even larger model that used triple axles and LRE tires. My HH uses tandem axles and LRE tires. I installed Michelin XPS Ribs after I blew a Uniroyal Laredo and another was ready to sling its tread at one year and 18,000 miles.

If you go to the NuWa owner's forum you can read lots of reports of blowouts of GY-614 tires on the heavier HitchHikers. Also, some of the other RVer forums report the same problems.

 

[HBarlow]

Mr Barlow and others,

Goodyear Marathons are bad mouthed all over the internet on a wide variety of web sites. I have read for hours and hours about ALL the misc poor brands of 15" ST trailer tires. I cant find any conclusive info within one web site thead that has me spending my money on anything.

This is a terrible situation for many of us that must/need/want to stay with 15" tires.

My trailer tandem axle pkg is only 10,000# and not as heavy as many of the writers 5'ers.

Dont know what I'll do... ... ... . but thanks for trying to help

Sincerely, Chuck

You are correct. I too have badmouthed all GY tires but my bottom line, even though I will not/cannot praise a GY Marathon, is they are molded by a very large, very successful American tire manufacturer who usually stands behind their products. Even with their limitations I believe a GY Marathon is much preferable to any Communist Chinese tire.

In the early/mid-'90s I owned a 34' triple axle Airstream. It had factory GY Marathon tires. I don't remember the exact age or miles now but all six of the GY Marathons developed sidewall cracks around the circumference of each tire before the tread was worn or the tires were old. The trailer was towed regularly and stored on the northside of my garage in the backyard, shaded from direct sunlight. I had the same dilemma you do. Space limitation wouldn't allow any other tire so I bought six more lousy GY Marathons.

Later, after the Airstream was damaged by hail and I accepted an insurance settlement and sold it, I bought a very nice used 32' Avion. It also had GY Marathons but had more room under the fender wells and I replaced the four tires on it with Michelin SUV tires which performed great, like all Michlins. I pulled the Avion 60,000 miles on that set of Michelins including a roundtrip to Alaska. They still looked great when I sold it.

My advice is take some measurements and determine if you can replace the 15" tires with a Michelin tire. The ST (special trailer) tire designation is, in my opinion, advertising hype and a fraud perpetrated by Goodyear. Any good Michelin radial SUV tire is a better choice if you find a size you can use.

 

[HBarlow]

I gather from another thread that in 15" Tires, the MAXXIS Load Range E might be the best tire available... ..... ?????????

I'll be towing a 20' enclosed car trailer with 10,000GVW... .....

I really want to avoid the expense of buying new 16" wheels.

I bought this trailer used with 6 year old Goodyear Marathons's

Thanks for your experience and advice

Newbie from Seattle

Your 10,000# GVWR trailer has 5,200# axles with six lugs, right?

You might be surprised how cheap a set of six lug 16" steel wheels are. Check SouthWest Wheel's website just to get an idea. They are a great source of all their products but not exactly convenient for you in the far PacNW unless you want to pay shipping. You could use their price as a lever against local (work, not RV) trailer parts vendors or a local tire store.

If you invest $100 - $200 in a set of 16" wheels it is then very easy to find a good Michelin or BF Goodrich commercial 16" truck tire in a width and diameter similar to the lousy 15" trailer tires every cargo trailer is equipped with. You'll never have another tire failure if you do that and you can pull it for five years or more w/o a worry.

 

[CamarosRus]

Harvey,

Your advice is probably good and the smallest diameter 245 16" may (or may not) fit my 20' Pace American Shadow GT application... ... ... ...



At the present time I do not want to give up the cosmetic "look" of my 15" ENKEI Aluminum wheels.



I'm not the pioneering type of guy. I'm just another sheep that follows the herd.



Just wishing and hoping (lotta good that does) that some one in this hobby or industry can tell me about THE 15" Michelin SUV tire or whatever that will work for us car trailer/cargo trailer types... .....



Respectfully, Chuck Sharin

 

[HBarlow]

Chuck,

I understand your appreciation for the wheels. That is a nice trailer.

Measure the width and diameter of your current tires then go to Tire Rack's website or SAM's Club/Costco's website and shop the various Michelin or BFG commercial T/A tires offered. The websites provide tire diameter and width.

 

[Grizzly]

Your 10,000# GVWR trailer has 5,200# axles with six lugs, right?



You might be surprised how cheap a set of six lug 16" steel wheels are. Check SouthWest Wheel's website just to get an idea. They are a great source of all their products but not exactly convenient for you in the far PacNW unless you want to pay shipping. You could use their price as a lever against local (work, not RV) trailer parts vendors or a local tire store.



If you invest $100 - $200 in a set of 16" wheels it is then very easy to find a good Michelin or BF Goodrich commercial 16" truck tire in a width and diameter similar to the lousy 15" trailer tires every cargo trailer is equipped with. You'll never have another tire failure if you do that and you can pull it for five years or more w/o a worry.

I second the move to 16" wheels. Another good source for 16" wheels, at a very reasonable price, is Discount Tire.

 

[DNordvik]

I have had very good luck with Denman ST tires. I have used them on 3 different trailers over the last 6 years. I have never had a blowout or any other problems. They are stamped made in Mexico. Much better than tires from China.

Michelin XPS ribs are still my first choice for trailer tires when buying a 16" tire.

 

[10-9jc]

GY marathons went to China mfgr in '06.
Rumor is GY has returned mfg to the USA - sure would check before purchase.

However - many better choices than GY - (especially Marathons!)

For 15" check into USA mfg Coopers. (or go to 16" and XPS)

For 16" - XPS Ribs

For heavy loads - instead of G614, go to 17. 5 rims = more tire choices.

Stay away from *ALL* tires mfg in China!!
(Maxxis have good reports - mfg in Taiwan)

JC

 

[CamarosRus]

I've now SOLD my 6 year Marathons mounted on the ENKEI (Pace American supplied) wheels... ... ... . so I'm committed to starting over... ... ... .....



I will shop and price 16" wheels and tires, but quite frankly doubt if I'll pull the trigger for that much $$$$$.



Like to READ those reports on the Load Range E/10 ply MAXXIS (they also sell a load range D) ... ... ... ... . I could also look into the DENMAN's



I read on another forum, whereas COOPER stopped making their ST trailer tire.

Please provide info if you SEE/READ otherwise... ... . ???????



I'm still reaching out to anybody/everybody if you can help me determine which 15" tire(s) are really the best of the lot.



Not at all arguing that the Michelin LT Ribs are the best and the G614... ... ..... but asking that my 10,000GVW trailer can make do or survive with "Brand X"



Thanks to all of you for trying to help me... ... ...



Sincerely, Chuck Sharin

 

[CamarosRus]

I woundup calling Les Schwab's headquaters today in Oregon. They have over 400 stores throughout the West.



Last year they sold 24,000+ TOWMAX 225 x 75 x 15 ST trailer tires Load Range D (2540@65psi). In 2008 they had a little over 100 that were brought back for misc warrnty issues.



Man I spoke with informed me that TOWMAX recently came out with a 10Ply/Load Range E in the 225 X 75 X 15, good 2830#@ 80psi. Schwab sells these 10 ply's for $115 each (plus mount/balance)



I also spoke with a tire employee at COSTCO about BFG Commercial T/A All Seasons in 225 X 75 X 16 that are 29. 4 inches dia 8. 8 wide on a 6" Rim. Has anybody seen or tried 16" wheels/tires on a Pace, Haulmark, box/cargo trailer with 6 lug, 5000# axles... ... I dont have price quote on these tires, but approx $135 ea. Also there is not a big selection amongst vendors on 6 Lug 16" x 6"/7" Aluminum wheels ??????



Anyway, I'm leaning towards the 10Ply 15" TOWMAX and new Enkei Motorsport Wheels that are made for Pace American.



I have read pages of threads from a variety of forums on the net. The only conclusion I did find was that many of the 16" fifth wheel R/V guys went to the $$$ Michelin XPS Rib Tire. I believe these have what is called a ALL STEEL CASE. These are not offered in 15" sizes.



Once again my enclosed Pace American 20' Shadow GT is 10,000 GVW



Thanks for reading and replying



Chuck Sharin

 

[LRutigliano]

I woundup calling Les Schwab's headquaters today in Oregon. They have over 400 stores throughout the West.



Last year they sold 24,000+ TOWMAX 225 x 75 x 15 ST trailer tires Load Range D (2540@65psi). In 2008 they had a little over 100 that were brought back for misc warrnty issues.



Man I spoke with informed me that TOWMAX recently came out with a 10Ply/Load Range E in the 225 X 75 X 15, good 2830#@ 80psi. Schwab sells these 10 ply's for $115 each (plus mount/balance)



I also spoke with a tire employee at COSTCO about BFG Commercial T/A All Seasons in 225 X 75 X 16 that are 29. 4 inches dia 8. 8 wide on a 6" Rim. Has anybody seen or tried 16" wheels/tires on a Pace, Haulmark, box/cargo trailer with 6 lug, 5000# axles... ... I dont have price quote on these tires, but approx $135 ea. Also there is not a big selection amongst vendors on 6 Lug 16" x 6"/7" Aluminum wheels ??????



Anyway, I'm leaning towards the 10Ply 15" Towmasters and new Enkei Motorsport Wheels that are made for Pace American.



I have read pages of threads from a variety of forums on the net. The only conclusion I did find was that many of the 16" fifth wheel R/V guys went to the $$$ Michelin XPS Rib Tire. I believe these have what is called a ALL STEEL CASE. These are not offered in 15" sizes.



Once again my enclosed Pace American 20' Shadow GT is 10,000 GVW



Thanks for reading and replying



Chuck Sharin

Hi Chuck,



IMO, you need to take the trailer to a scale and weigh each axle and each tire (if possible). You will find that the tire that is directly under the fridge and pantry and/or fresh water tank is carrying the most weight, especially when you are leaving home to go camping with all of the food, drinks and water.



You will most likely find that the Load range D (2540 lbs) tires are barely rated to carry that one heavy spot on your trailer.



For some of us, we would love to go to the 16" wheels/tires, but our trailers don't have enough clearance. I could MAYBE fit a LT225/75-16 XPS Rib on my trailer but the rated capacity would only be 2650 or so lbs and it cost me over $1000 for the wheels and tires. Each XPS Rib is over $200 !!



I know I will get comments back, but I went with the ST225/75-15 E Carlisles from Americas Tire. These are rated for 2830 lbs and only cost approx $115 each.



I've been running these now for 2 solid seasons (starting my third in May... ) and have over 6000 miles on them. My trailer weighs 11k fully loaded with 4. 2k on the rear axle and 3. 8k on the front axle.



Also, you are correct that there are not alot of 16" x 7" (6 lug x 5. 5" spacing) wheels with "0" offset. You need "0" offset wheels on trailers to keep the bearings properly loaded. I have found one UGLY steel wheel... but no alum alloy...



You are on the right track with "E" rated TOWMAX's from LS. Both LS and AT stand behind their tires...



You can see my wheel/tire combo in my photo gallery. I got MB Type 72 wheels with the Carlisle "E" rated tires.



My best friend has the exact same RV as I do, same wheels and same tires (he bought from Les Schwab at the same time as he didn't have an America's tire near him in St Helens) He has at least 3000 more miles on his Carlisles and isn't nearly as anal as I am about keeping pressures to 80psig and has had ZERO issues...



Sorry for the long winded response.



Regards,

Louis

 

[B.G. Smith]

I woundup calling Les Schwab's headquaters today in Oregon. They have over 400 stores throughout the West.



Last year they sold 24,000+ TOWMAX 225 x 75 x 15 ST trailer tires Load Range D (2540@65psi). In 2008 they had a little over 100 that were brought back for misc warrnty issues.



Man I spoke with informed me that TOWMAX recently came out with a 10Ply/Load Range E in the 225 X 75 X 15, good 2830#@ 80psi. Schwab sells these 10 ply's for $115 each (plus mount/balance)



I also spoke with a tire employee at COSTCO about BFG Commercial T/A All Seasons in 225 X 75 X 16 that are 29. 4 inches dia 8. 8 wide on a 6" Rim. Has anybody seen or tried 16" wheels/tires on a Pace, Haulmark, box/cargo trailer with 6 lug, 5000# axles... ... I dont have price quote on these tires, but approx $135 ea. Also there is not a big selection amongst vendors on 6 Lug 16" x 6"/7" Aluminum wheels ??????



Anyway, I'm leaning towards the 10Ply 15" Towmasters and new Enkei Motorsport Wheels that are made for Pace American.



I have read pages of threads from a variety of forums on the net. The only conclusion I did find was that many of the 16" fifth wheel R/V guys went to the $$$ Michelin XPS Rib Tire. I believe these have what is called a ALL STEEL CASE. These are not offered in 15" sizes.



Once again my enclosed Pace American 20' Shadow GT is 10,000 GVW



Thanks for reading and replying



Chuck Sharin

I will comment on the Towmasters. I bought two of them, 225/75 R15 in South Carolina when I had a Marathon fail on the interstate. Never had any problems with them . They were on a 95 31' Carri-lite 5th wheel.

 

[CamarosRus]

I've changed my above statement... ... ... ... whereas I meant to say that I'm leaning toward the 10ply/Load Range E TOWMAX... ... ...



To be clear TOWMAX and Towmaster are different brands/makes of Chinese mfg tires... ...



Thanks, Chuck

 

[Grizzly]

I've changed my above statement... ... ... ... whereas I meant to say that I'm leaning toward the 10ply/Load Range E TOWMAX... ... ...



To be clear TOWMAX and Towmaster are different brands/makes of Chinese mfg tires... ...



Thanks, Chuck

My best advice to you is DON'T buy any tire made in China. I don't know how else to say it any louder or clearer then that.



Paying as much as $200. 00 per tire maybe the cheapest tire in the long run when you consider the cost of repairing your RV when one of those China tires blows. Also to be considered is your safety and that of your occupants. Do the right thing, get the best tires you can afford.