Trailer Tires, Once Again

[Matt42]

Based on some threads in May and early June, I replaced the very old Goodyear Marathon radials on my 26 foot TT with load range C nylon Tow Master tires. They were less $$ than radials, and I figured that they'd do less trailer damage when or if they let go.



We made it 159 miles on them.



One of them would lose ten PSI in 50 miles. (That's typical of my experience with far eastern tires oozing air. This one just oozed very fast. ) Their pressure requirements were critical. At upper inflation, they were like bicycle tires and made the trailer dance. When run with reduced inflation to equalize the tread patch on the road, the sidewall deflection seemed to be causing heat buildup.



So, on arrival in Flagstaff, using the Discount Tire Company's advertised guarantee, we replaced them with Carlisle load range C radials for $8 per tire. I wasn't pleased with that idea, based on other TDR members' experiences with Carlisle tires. But we made the rest of the 2K mile trip on them with no problems. I did keep my speed to 65 MPH maximum, not knowing what speed they are rated to.



Meanwhile, I prefer to eat crow with A-1 sauce.



comments? Matt

 

[DarrellB]

That's what I got

Got the Carlislie on my 24" TT and have had no problems out of them yet. I've had them as fast as 75mph on the interstate. (I just had to pass that Dmax)



Darrell

 

[10-G]

What a hassle. Sorry that happened to you Matt



we are running carlisles on 25tt. Heading out on a long trip today. We will see how they hold up.

 

[D6Diesel]

Just bought Goodyear Marathon Load range D tires. Every tire has the date of manufacture stamped on the sidewall. After the 5th week of 2000 these are made with a reinforcing nylon overlay. They will have the words "nylon overlay" stamped on the side. Also look for a circled "s" after the word "radial". These look very capable. I phoned Michelin and the rep suggested Goodyear. They are 6 ply tires, 2 of which are steel.

 

[Matt42]

D6: That's good information for when the Carlisles go south. Are the Marathons six ply in the tread area only, or are there more than two plies in the sidewall?



My all-time favorite trailer tire in a useful size was the Michelin 7. 50R15 (approximately) that they used to make for Airstreams. When Airstream went low-bid, Michelin quit making them. Bummer.



If I ever have a travel trailer made, I'll specify it so I can use Michelin XPS Rib all-steel tires. I have them on a work trailer and they are first rate. (And that understates our success with them. )

 

[D6Diesel]

Matt,

tread : 2 ply polyester, 2 ply steel, 2 ply nylon

sidewall : 2 ply polyester

2,540 lbs. at 55 psi cold for 205 75/15

 

[Matt42]

Well, if the design is good, and the workmanship is also good, they ought to be decent tires. Thx

 

[Texasdeere]

I have a 26' TT. I just replaced the worn out Goodyear 205/75 - R15 C- rated with Carlisle 225/75 - R15 D - rated tires. I did this for the added insurance that they would hold up better and the larger tires fit well on the 15" x 5" rims. I bought them at Discount Tire... MH

 

[GeneralMachine]

Good Year WorkHorse

Hi guy's I have a 30' Nomad with a slide, the trailer wieghs 10,500 , I took a trip to Dallas, on the way home one of them blew out , the tread still look's like new so I wasn't to worried, about the tire's, now i find out that no matter what the tire look's like they say five year's on a r. v. tire to change the tire's. I like the Mich. all steal idea, think im gona go with a set of those. Harv

 

[MEGARAM]

Hi guys, long time no post, but I had to chime in on this one. I pull a 30 foot race trailer loaded at 10,000lbs. It was equipped with Goodyear Marathon Radials (with the circle C) that were approximately 1-year old. Tread on all tires looked good. A few weeks ago on a trip to PA, I blew two tires within 200 miles of each other. I inspected the remaining two and found a tennis ball sized lump on the inner wall of one and tread separating from the belt on the last one. I replaced all with 225/75R15, range D, 8-ply Tow Masters at a dealer in Tarentum, PA. The trailer I owned before this also had Marathon Radials and the same separation problems. I now carry 2-spares and replace tires every year regardless of tread wear! A fellow racer told me he has gone to "Titan" trailer tires. They are a 10-ply. I may try those in the future.

 

[RustyJC]

Here's some "out of the box" thinking. Toyo has (to my knowledge) an excellent reputation for their class 8 over-the-road tires. If you look here, you'll see various 15" and 16" sizes that might work well on a heavy RV - I might look at the 10 ply rated LT235/85R-16's to replace the same size Load Range E rated Goodyear Wrangler HT's on our 13,500 lb 36' 5ver when the time comes to do so.



Rusty

 

[mikeg135]

I have a buddy that pulls a ditch witch every day for Bellsouth. They were running GoodYear Load E's and he complained that they rode really rough. The ditch weighs about 6000lbs according to him.



They have recently went to a load F. He claims that is like pulling an old western carriage behind him. The ride is extremely rough.



Just something to consider if you are considering the heavier duty tires for you trailers. They may ride better with a heavier load.



Mike

 

[SLVRBLT]

I had a nightmare of tire problems last summer with the Carlisle tires that came on my 5er. The worst being a blow out just north of Denver that tore up the rear outer panel behind the tire, the propane lines going to the kitchen, inner fender, etc. The tires were 2 years old and looked great and were inflated properly. Ultimately, I had to buy another set of tires to get home with. Where I was stranded I didn't have any choice but to buy the same size and load range, 225 75R 15, range D.



Since then I have switched to 16" rims, 16"x8" forged aluminum Eagle wheels rated at just over 3000#. I then put 245 75R 16, range E Cooper tires on, also rated at just over 3000#. They are the biggest that will "barely" clear the fender trim.



The trailer rides better, handles better and I've got a lot more peace of mind going down the road than before. I'd recommend to anyone to put the most tires and wheels on that you can get. On trailer tires and wheels "overkill" is the way to go. Changing a flat beside a busy expressway and looking at a lot of trailer damage convinced me.

Dave

 

[Matt42]

Are five lug wheels available in 16 inch?

 

[DRR-24V]

SLVRBLT Has It Down Pat !!

I had a nightmare with Carlisle Trailer Tires. See thread



http://216.235.147.117/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34512&highlight=trailer+tire+blowout