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maxum1989's avatar
maxum1989
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2014

need tire advice

Last week I had my first blowout. Nobody's fault but mine, I was going too fast for the tires (rated at 65), I was doing just shy of 75. Normally I drive up and down the West coast but this trip I turned inland a bit and went through Nevada, Utah, Idaho towards home in B.C. What I found was that the speed limit is quite a bit higher in this area than on the west coast. I would like to get some tires that can handle higher speeds on a regular basis.
So I am going to replace all four of my trailer tires and was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on what tire to get.

Here is what the tires need to be able to handle:

Fifth wheel trailer weight 9500 to 10000 pounds total
Hitch- about 1600 so 8400ish on the tires

I would like to be able to run at 75+ when possible
Current size is 225 75 r 15 if that matters

I have put around 25000 to 30000 miles on my 2006 fifth wheel with no tire issues. Started with the factory originals and changed a few years ago to Goodyear marathons. No problems other than the blowout last week. I knew I was pushing the envelope that day but we had a scheduling issue we were dealing with.

In the future I plan on using the inland route a little more which means higher speed limits so does anyone have any input on what tire would best suite my needs?
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    Gargo G26 LT 225/70R15 load range D
    2470# x 4 = 9880 #
    8500 / 9880 = 86 % of capacity .
    G26 weighs 33 # for cords and rubber .
    Other tires ST 225/75R15D weigh 28 # to 32 #
    I have not yet found a 15 incher that is better .
    Continental makes the same tire in a Vanco 2 .
    It is less available but also a great choice .
  • MrVan's avatar
    MrVan
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    FastEagle wrote:
    Mile High wrote:
    Well, you kind of have yourself worked into a box FE, because you know the ST tire sizes are unique to ST tires, so any deviation towards an LT tire puts you in a tire size not listed on the side of your trailer, and no trailer manufacturer is going to stick their neck out and give you written acceptance of your alternative tire when the tire manufacturers keep telling them that an ST is the RIGHT TIRE for the job.


    But you see, I did not build the box. Until the DOT finds reasons to pull the DOT certifications from the ST tire industry the box is self imposed by the regulatory people and the ST tire manufacturers.

    There are tires for the smallest diameter all the way to the 16" tires with LRF certifications at 3960# covering all axles thru 7000#.

    There is no valid excuse for using replacement tires deemed as misapplications for ST tires.

    FastEagle


    There is at least one valid reason to use LT tires in place of ST tires. The have a much lower failure rate!
  • FastEagle's avatar
    FastEagle
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    Mile High wrote:
    Well, you kind of have yourself worked into a box FE, because you know the ST tire sizes are unique to ST tires, so any deviation towards an LT tire puts you in a tire size not listed on the side of your trailer, and no trailer manufacturer is going to stick their neck out and give you written acceptance of your alternative tire when the tire manufacturers keep telling them that an ST is the RIGHT TIRE for the job.


    But you see, I did not build the box. Until the DOT finds reasons to pull the DOT certifications from the ST tire industry the box is self imposed by the regulatory people and the ST tire manufacturers.

    There are tires for the smallest diameter all the way to the 16" tires with LRF certifications at 3960# covering all axles thru 7000#.

    There is no valid excuse for using replacement tires deemed as misapplications for ST tires.

    FastEagle
  • maxum1989's avatar
    maxum1989
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2014
    Lowsuv,

    Thanks for reposting what you suggested already. This looks to be the leading contender right now. I am still trying to find some close to home to check out. Unless I am mistaken, LT tires need a little wiggle room on the weight rating. Is the weight rating on this tire sufficient for my 8500ish axle weight?
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    All the way back to page 3 of this thread .
    Quoting LOWSUV on this :
    " There are better choices in a 15 inch tire such as the heavy duty Goodyear Cargo G26 in a size 225/70R15D rated for 2450 pounds on an LT scale and 106 mph speed rating .
    The G26 fit your current wheels and wheel wells . "
    There it is :
    Designed to exactly do what you need .
  • elkhorn98's avatar
    elkhorn98
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    So the Carlisle trail rh tires are the next best thing in st tires? Limited to 62 mph... sounds like progress. I wonder how long it will be until we see st tires rated in increments less than 1 mph...59.5 or 60.5 mph. Maybe they will give a max temp rating the tires can be driven in too.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Apr 09, 2014
    maxum1989 wrote:
    Tireman,
    Your suggestion is a 16" tire. I am still trying for a 15". If it doesn't exist then there will have to be a different plan but I am still trying to figure out if there is a 15" tire that will work.

    16" wheels and tires were an option on my trailer at the the time of purchase so clearance would not be an issue going to a bigger tire.


    Just do it and don't look back. Actually you really will not have to look back as in mirrors all the time.

    At your weight Firestone Transforce HT which are fairly reasonable in cost should be fine.

    Do it in Bellingham and save some bucks. However with the current exchange maybe that will not matter that much. Chris
  • maxum1989's avatar
    maxum1989
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2014
    Tireman,
    Your suggestion is a 16" tire. I am still trying for a 15". If it doesn't exist then there will have to be a different plan but I am still trying to figure out if there is a 15" tire that will work.

    16" wheels and tires were an option on my trailer at the the time of purchase so clearance would not be an issue going to a bigger tire.
  • Tireman9's avatar
    Tireman9
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    JIMNLIN wrote:
    maxum1989 wrote:
    Hi all,

    I'm back. The one who unfortunately started this mess. So, just so we can move on, let's say that all st tires won't do with my original question. Trying to find a higher speed rated st tire isn't going to happen. I have now moved on and decided if I want to drive at the faster speeds in the States that allow it I will need LT tires. Does anyone have a tire suggestion for size 225 75r 15 that can support 8500ish pounds on the axles and have a speed rating north of 80 or so?

    We don't have much out here in the way of 15" LT or a all position tire. Years ago when /12 ton trucks came OEM with 15" wheels and LT tires we had many 15" tire choices for our trailers.

    I see the Vanco2 in a 225/70R15 65 psi rated with 2470 lbs capacity that is very popular with the RV crowd.
    Another is the commercial grade Maxxis U-168 in a LT225/70R15 D load range at 2469 lbs capacity. Those folks that use them on their trailers like them however they may be hard to locate in your area.

    And of course the excellent upgrade to LT tire such as the LT225/75-16 E at 2680 lb capacity. This move opens the doors for many excellent tire brands.


    I like the LT225/75R16 LR-E 2680@80 psi Do you have clearance? Do you know your hub bolt circle? and what is required for center bore?
    Are your two axles & springs rated at 4250# each or more?

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