Trailer tires vs. LT Tires on Travel Trailer

[JCasper]

I just shredded a tire on my new Keystone this last weekend and I need to upgrade.



I was planning on buying some before my Grand Canyon trip anyways, now I have more reason to.



Some people have told me that trailer tires are designed to slide a bit more for turning, does it matter.



The existing tires are a 205/70/15, I believe. I would have to go look at the shreds in the back of the truck to be 100% sure.



What are some of my better options?

 

[Grizzly]

I strongly believe in a good LT tire. As soon as we brought our new 08 Arctic Fox 5er home from a long trip to Washington and Oregon I had all 5 China ST tires replaced with Michelin XPS Rib LT 235 80 R 16, Load Range 'E'. I got the best price from a local Discount tire store, they even beat Costco.

 

[RRees]

I agree with Grizzly on this one.



Even though I currently have 3 brand new ST tires for my flatbed. I think before next roadtrip with my Jeep in tow, I will upgrade to an E range tire (if I can find one in a 15 inch size).

 

[JCasper]

I just went over to Les Scwaab and got some prices. I would like to keep my 15" wheels if possible.



Options #1

205/75/15 6 ply 1,820lb/tire

$371 Mounted and balanced



Option #2

225/75/15 8 ply tow max 2,600lb/tire

$440 Mounted and balanced



Option #3

225/75/15 10ply Carlisle 2,830lb/tire

$530 Mounted and balanced



I am leaning on Option #3 right now. I hate having issues when on the road and these seem like a good option without buying new wheels. I only plan on having this trailer another 2 years or so. These should last me this long I would think.



It pisses me off that trailer manufacurers put such cheap tires on these things.

 

[Grizzly]

Carlisle is undoubtedly the very worst tire you can buy. I wouldn't have them mounted on my RV even if they were free.



Again, consider an LT tire. All ST tires are made in China and do not have to meet all the safety requirements of US made tires.

 

[JCasper]

Carlisle is undoubtedly the very worst tire you can buy. I wouldn't have them mounted on my RV even if they were free.



Again, consider an LT tire. All ST tires are made in China and do not have to meet all the safety requirements of US made tires.

Seriously, Carlisles are bad.







I will go and get some LT tires quoted tomorrow if I have the time.

 

[JimBob24]

Another vote for the Michelin XPS Rib!



On the way to the dealer to trade in my old 5th wheel for a new Montana one of the Chinese "Kendra" radials shredded and did some serious damage to the underside of the RV. The dealer still honored the trade. The new Montana had Chinese "Mission" radials on it, so, as soon as I got home I took the brand new Chinese tires off and put on a set of XPS Ribs. I read a LOT of comments posted on the RV forums about the best tires. I would rather invest a little more than worry about ruining a good vacation.

 

[MAleshire]

I also agree with the Michelins. Load range E is a must. Be sure to ask the tire dealer if your rims have the correct weight bearing specs for an E range tire.



Skip

 

[Bob Cochran]

While the XPS is the best and I use the rib on my trailer in place of the Generals load range E that came on it(shredded 2 of them). They are not available in 15". Alternative I would think would be a Michelin or Goodyear LT load range E or better if possible.

 

[JCasper]

I also agree with the Michelins. Load range E is a must. Be sure to ask the tire dealer if your rims have the correct weight bearing specs for an E range tire.



Skip

So say I go and buy some 16" rims if I can get them with a 5 hole pattern. What about my small axles, Is there any reason I shouldn't put Michelin XPS Ribs on it?

 

[JimBob24]

You obviously will have an overall increase in tire diameter if you go with 16" rims and larger tires. Make sure you will have adequate clearance between the tires in this case.



You can find info for the XPS here:

XPS Rib®: Light Truck: Tires: Michelin Tires



It looks like the smallest diameter in the XPS is the LT225/75R16/E with a diameter of 29. 4".



Jim

 

[JCasper]

You obviously will have an overall increase in tire diameter if you go with 16" rims and larger tires. Make sure you will have adequate clearance between the tires in this case.



You can find info for the XPS here:

XPS Rib®: Light Truck: Tires: Michelin Tires



It looks like the smallest diameter in the XPS is the LT225/75R16/E with a diameter of 29. 4".



Jim

That is about 2. 5" larger in diameter then what is on there. I will have to do some measuring. These are also about $200/tire and I will need new wheels. I am looking at over $1,000 for tires and wheels to go this route.

 

[LRutigliano]

Joe,



Please go to my photo gallery to see the tires I went with and the story of why I changed.



I went with "E" rated ST Carlisles ilo the "D" rated ST Missions that came with the RV.



Both Les Schwab and Americas Tire highly recommended the Carlisle brand. I went to Americas Tire and my good friend with the exact same trailer as me went to Les S. and we both ended up with the same "E" rated ST tire.



Both places had never heard of a Carlisle having an issue and at Americas Tire, some of the folks there have or have gone camping with large toy haulers with the Carlisles on them.



I've ran these all the way to the Redwoods, Kahneeta, Cannon Beach, etc last summer doing up to 80mph.



Hope this helps,

Louis

 

[Grizzly]

Joe,



Please go to my photo gallery to see the tires I went with and the story of why I changed.



I went with "E" rated ST Carlisles ilo the "D" rated ST Missions that came with the RV.



Both Les Schwab and Americas Tire highly recommended the Carlisle brand. I went to Americas Tire and my good friend with the exact same trailer as me went to Les S. and we both ended up with the same "E" rated ST tire.



Both places had never heard of a Carlisle having an issue and at Americas Tire, some of the folks there have or have gone camping with large toy haulers with the Carlisles on them.



I've ran these all the way to the Redwoods, Kahneeta, Cannon Beach, etc last summer doing up to 80mph.



Hope this helps,

Louis

You're taking a big chance of your tires coming apart if you haul that RV 80 mph. All ST tires are clearly noted that the top speed is 65 mph. That tells me you are not well informed on RV tires. Tire dealers are like auto dealers, they are going to tell you what you want to hear about brands of tires because they want to sell them.



Go to the RV Forums and listen to the experience of those that have used Carlisle brand and other China made ST tires.

 

[JCasper]

You're taking a big chance of your tires coming apart if you haul that RV 80 mph. All ST tires are clearly noted that the top speed is 65 mph. That tells me you are not well informed on RV tires. Tire dealers are like auto dealers, they are going to tell you what you want to hear about brands of tires because they want to sell them.



Go to the RV Forums and listen to the experience of those that have used Carlisle brand and other China made ST tires.

Are there any good LT tires in a 225/75/15 size or similar size that will work well?



I only plan on having this trailer for another year or two. I also have a 5-lug hub so I don't think I can get 16" wheels for the 5-lug.



I do like to tow at 70ish on the freeway. My cummins really does good at that speed.

 

[CUMMINZ]

The issue of tires for RVs has gone on for a long time. St's or LT's??? Please view this

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/149362-tire-size-differences-hauling.html



I am convinced that RV manufacturers place tires on their RVs that are maxed out on capacity. When you loadup your RV you are almost already overloaded. Anytime you can upgrade the the heaviest wheel & tire the better off you are. :-laf

 

[hutch]

I have two tow masters on my boat trailer for three years and having good luck. Before had chain junk and blow out two in a year. I think the tow masters are made in canada. Royce

 

[Grizzly]

Are there any good LT tires in a 225/75/15 size or similar size that will work well?



I only plan on having this trailer for another year or two. I also have a 5-lug hub so I don't think I can get 16" wheels for the 5-lug.



I do like to tow at 70ish on the freeway. My cummins really does good at that speed.

The answer is yes, but I am not as familiar with 15's since my 5er came with 16's. I'd go to a Discount Tire or Costco store. Remember, you have to decide on what tires you want. Tire Dealer's don't know what's best for your trailer. They just tell you whatever it takes to sell you tires.



I hear what you are saying about only keeping the trailer a year or two, but you have to consider the safety aspect and the potential damage that a blowout can do to the trailer. If you are going to tow 70 mph, you are best off with a good brand of LT tire such as a Michelin.

 

[JCasper]

I called americas tire and he really wants to sell me Trailer tires also. Here is what he says.



Option #4 Goodyear Marathon

225/75/15 8 ply $550/4 Mounted and balanced



Option #5 Carlisle

225/75/15 8 ply $434/4 Mounted and balanced



Option #6 Carlisle, same as Schwaab

225/75/15 10 ply $526/4 Mounted and balanced



Option #7 GBC Tow Master

225/75/15 8 ply $458/4 Mounted and balanced

 

[SBettencourt]

JCasper,
I put 30x9. 50-15 LT BFG Longtrail TAs on my 22' Dutchmen 5th wheel. I put them on a set of chrome US Wheel mags. I wanted a taller tire and they worked out great. I had the camper like that for 3 years 2 trips to Myrtle Beach and many to New Hampshire and PA. The trailer is pretty light at a bit over 5K. I recently sold it and now it is down in FLA.
SteveB