Just a Heads-Up on Toy Hauler Tires
I know this subject has been beat to death over the past 10 years, but just thought I'd add a personal experience for everyone's info and digestion.
I drive a 2009 GMC Silverado 3500HD with a Western Hauler bed and 90 gallon extra fuel tank. 134 gallons of diesel. I pull a 2008 Keystone Fuzion 373 (total lenght 39'and about 15-16K loaded) and haul a 2015 Polaris Ranger 570 full size (on occasion). GMC had 6 Michelin LT high-end tires on it when I bought it. Tires manufactured in 2010. When towing, I try to maintain road speed at about 60-65 mph. In April, rear inside Michelin blew while on I-95 near Charleston, SC. In early July another rear Michelin separated while pulling RV into town for roof work. Around the 1st of this month, front right Michelin separated while driving too town with no external load. Discount Tire replaced two of the tires for free, under their warranty coverage. I then replaced the remaining 4 tires with new Michelin LTX M/S2, LT235/80R17. I estimate the original tires had about 45K miles on them with about half that towing the RV.
When I bought the Fuzion in 09, within 90 days I removed the 15" China-poppers and replaced all 6 with Michelin Rib XPS 225/75R16's and new wheels. The tires were manufactured in 2009. Let me say, that from August 09 until this month, those tires have NEVER given me any problems. Enroute to west Texas this week, however, the rear right RV tire separated. Minutes later, the center right tire separated. Limped into Big Springs, Texas and I had both replaced at Walmart with cheap LT tires. Turned around and headed home hoping no others would blow.
So why the disertation? I don't think the best tires out there are going to last 10 years on an RV. Heat seems to be the tire assassin. Direct sunlite, high highway speed and age all combine to do-in the best tires out there. Notice how many of the new toy haulers such as Grand Design are coming out with 17" tires on their trailers. Hmm, wonder why? More tire on the ground to compensate for the weight, heat and speed. My bottom line opinion: If you're towing a big, heavy RV, when your tires reach the 5 year mark, you need to start watching them very carefully. At 6 years, you need to start seriously thinking about replacing them and at 7 years if you're still running on them, say a little prayer everytime you head out on a trip. Good luck.
I drive a 2009 GMC Silverado 3500HD with a Western Hauler bed and 90 gallon extra fuel tank. 134 gallons of diesel. I pull a 2008 Keystone Fuzion 373 (total lenght 39'and about 15-16K loaded) and haul a 2015 Polaris Ranger 570 full size (on occasion). GMC had 6 Michelin LT high-end tires on it when I bought it. Tires manufactured in 2010. When towing, I try to maintain road speed at about 60-65 mph. In April, rear inside Michelin blew while on I-95 near Charleston, SC. In early July another rear Michelin separated while pulling RV into town for roof work. Around the 1st of this month, front right Michelin separated while driving too town with no external load. Discount Tire replaced two of the tires for free, under their warranty coverage. I then replaced the remaining 4 tires with new Michelin LTX M/S2, LT235/80R17. I estimate the original tires had about 45K miles on them with about half that towing the RV.
When I bought the Fuzion in 09, within 90 days I removed the 15" China-poppers and replaced all 6 with Michelin Rib XPS 225/75R16's and new wheels. The tires were manufactured in 2009. Let me say, that from August 09 until this month, those tires have NEVER given me any problems. Enroute to west Texas this week, however, the rear right RV tire separated. Minutes later, the center right tire separated. Limped into Big Springs, Texas and I had both replaced at Walmart with cheap LT tires. Turned around and headed home hoping no others would blow.
So why the disertation? I don't think the best tires out there are going to last 10 years on an RV. Heat seems to be the tire assassin. Direct sunlite, high highway speed and age all combine to do-in the best tires out there. Notice how many of the new toy haulers such as Grand Design are coming out with 17" tires on their trailers. Hmm, wonder why? More tire on the ground to compensate for the weight, heat and speed. My bottom line opinion: If you're towing a big, heavy RV, when your tires reach the 5 year mark, you need to start watching them very carefully. At 6 years, you need to start seriously thinking about replacing them and at 7 years if you're still running on them, say a little prayer everytime you head out on a trip. Good luck.
