235 85 16 tires, what are you guys running?

RUFFSTUFF wrote:
. . . I chose the Hartland ST Radial All Steel, 235/85-R16. G rated (4080lbs @110psi), M speed rated (81mph) from my local Discount Tire. With tire warranties, 7 tires set me back <$1700 total. The Cyclone 4200 that parks next to me has the G614 tires in the same size and I noticed that they are load rated quite a bit lower, 3750lbs @110psi. Specs on their construction seem very similar. Add in that Discount Tire replaced all 7 tires (6 loaded, 1 spare) in less than an hour, and I'm very happy . . .

I also went with the Hartland, "all-steel", G-rated, 235/85/16's. I was particularly impressed with the N (87 MPH) speed rating. Hartland also makes this tire in a version with non-steel sidewalls. I prefer the extra ruggedness of tires with steel sidewalls (i.e., all-steel).

Hartland is a Discount Tire housebrand. I'm pretty sure it's made by Gladiator. Tread and sidewalls on the Hartland are almost identical to the G-rated, all-steel, Gladiator. The Discount Tire in my area price-matched similar all-steel tires (Sailuns) I found online. Was able to get four of these Hartlands, mounted/balanced including tax for about $675 out the door.

So far have almost 6,000 miles on these tires with no problems. With about 10,000 lbs. of total axle weight (~2,500 lbs. per tire) I've found 85-90 PSI provides the best wear and tire/road contact. Tires are rated at 4,080 lbs. at 110 PSI.

CJW8 wrote:
...With the Sailuns, sitting on an unmounted tire is like sitting on a mounted inflated tire. They are at least 10-15 LBS heavier that the original tires, the sidewalls are so much stronger. Believe me, I did a lot of research before buying and it came down to the Sailun or the Goodyear G614. Settled on the Sailuns for the reviews and the price.

When you step up to G rated tires from Load Range E, the difference is quite astonishing. I am seriously questioning why any large trailer would be sold without them. Ok, I know why, but it doesn't make it any better. Distributors must not care if our lives are at risk.

After a long hot trip and the sidewalls starting to bubble on my Blowmax tires I went with Sailun 235/85R/15 S637. Great tire! With the Blowmax tires I could sit in an unmounted tire and literally collapse it. With the Sailuns, sitting on an unmounted tire is like sitting on a mounted inflated tire. They are at least 10-15 LBS heavier that the original tires, the sidewalls are so much stronger. Believe me, I did a lot of research before buying and it came down to the Sailun or the Goodyear G614. Settled on the Sailuns for the reviews and the price.

lawnspecialties wrote:

Robert6401 wrote:
I have verified that the wheels on the rig I'm buying are 8-lug. So the craigslist wheels should work. Not crazy about the inch and a half diameter difference (the Westlakes are smaller), but the price is pretty good i would think. I've also confirmed with the seller of the wheels and tires that they are still available. You guys think I should jump on them? Even if I eventually need to get taller tires, I'll have more options that will handle the weight with a 17.5" wheel, right?

I'm also watching to see if anyone else has a comment on why or why not you should jump on these. The first time I saw the ad, I wished they would have worked for me. But for starters, I have a triple axle and two more new wheels and tires would have ruled that idea out.

As you stated, the only negative I really see is the tire size. But everything else is so much stronger than what most of us here on this forum have.

Also, make 100% sure the lugs fit. My guess is the distance between lugs on an 8 lug wheel is going to be the same but that's not true on 4 and 5 lug wheels. The distances can vary. That would be terrible if you come up here and buy them and when you get home, they don't fit.

Keep us posted.

One thing I hadn't thought of is that there are 2 different lug/stud diameters available also on 17.5 wheels. I think they can either be 9/16 or 5/8. I noticed when I have looked them up there is usually a choice for the 2 different sizes. So the OP needs to know what size stud he has on his RV and make sure those that are on sale are the size he needs.

Really not seeing many options other than the Towmax ST tires that came on the rig. Talking dual 7k axles on a 5er TH with gvwr of 15.5k.

so with 2000lbs on the pin you are at 13500 and the trailer is equipped with 14000lbs of axles.. hmm.. see a problem there with RV manufacturers.. ?

oh and sorry, I can't help you with a tire choice..

Robert6401 wrote:
I have verified that the wheels on the rig I'm buying are 8-lug. So the craigslist wheels should work. Not crazy about the inch and a half diameter difference (the Westlakes are smaller), but the price is pretty good i would think. I've also confirmed with the seller of the wheels and tires that they are still available. You guys think I should jump on them? Even if I eventually need to get taller tires, I'll have more options that will handle the weight with a 17.5" wheel, right?

I'm also watching to see if anyone else has a comment on why or why not you should jump on these. The first time I saw the ad, I wished they would have worked for me. But for starters, I have a triple axle and two more new wheels and tires would have ruled that idea out.

As you stated, the only negative I really see is the tire size. But everything else is so much stronger than what most of us here on this forum have.

Also, make 100% sure the lugs fit. My guess is the distance between lugs on an 8 lug wheel is going to be the same but that's not true on 4 and 5 lug wheels. The distances can vary. That would be terrible if you come up here and buy them and when you get home, they don't fit.

Keep us posted.

Robert6401 wrote:
I have verified that the wheels on the rig I'm buying are 8-lug. So the craigslist wheels should work. Not crazy about the inch and a half diameter difference (the Westlakes are smaller), but the price is pretty good i would think. I've also confirmed with the seller of the wheels and tires that they are still available. You guys think I should jump on them? Even if I eventually need to get taller tires, I'll have more options that will handle the weight with a 17.5" wheel, right?

Yes, the 17.5s have a weight rating of over 4800# each, definitely a better rating for user piece of mind.

LT's on our dual axle. Keeps me happy, I just replaced the Firestone Transforce after 4 years cause it was time, and they performed perfectly, even after repeated air downs. Once I see sidewall cracks they get replaced, the desert eats tires cause of the heat.

I have verified that the wheels on the rig I'm buying are 8-lug. So the craigslist wheels should work. Not crazy about the inch and a half diameter difference (the Westlakes are smaller), but the price is pretty good i would think. I've also confirmed with the seller of the wheels and tires that they are still available. You guys think I should jump on them? Even if I eventually need to get taller tires, I'll have more options that will handle the weight with a 17.5" wheel, right?

As mentioned, Westlakes tend to get mixed reviews on the E rated tire. My Westlakes on our Work & Play were awesome and they carried a heavy load for over 8000 miles before we sold the camper. The treadwear was hardly noticeable and I would guess they could have easily gone over 20,000 miles.

But going with an H rated tire is a whole new concept. Massive strength.