Forum Discussion

howardwheeler's avatar
howardwheeler
Explorer
Sep 23, 2020

New tires for my 16K fifth wheel

I just checked my current Goodyear G614 RST tires for age and they are five and a half years old. They are load range G LT235/85/R16. This is the first set I’ve ever NOT had a blowout on. Basically trouble free. First question, should I age them out at five years? Second question, though these Goodyear’s have finally been good tires with zero problems, are there any recommendations as to a better choice? I am most concerned with no blowouts. I’ve had my share of experiences and don’t want any more. I am fastidious with air pressure and keep my TST TPMS active at all times when towing. What do you think is the best choice if indeed I should age out at five years. Thanks for any recommendations. I am okay with replacing these with the identical tire since finally I’m getting good service from a tire. I have relatively new HiSpec rims and don’t want to move to a 17.5 rim because of expense. Again, thanks for any thoughts.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2020
    howardwheeler wrote:
    I just checked my current Goodyear G614 RST tires for age and they are five and a half years old. They are load range G LT235/85/R16. This is the first set I’ve ever NOT had a blowout on. Basically trouble free. First question, should I age them out at five years? Second question, though these Goodyear’s have finally been good tires with zero problems, are there any recommendations as to a better choice? I am most concerned with no blowouts. I’ve had my share of experiences and don’t want any more. I am fastidious with air pressure and keep my TST TPMS active at all times when towing. What do you think is the best choice if indeed I should age out at five years. Thanks for any recommendations. I am okay with replacing these with the identical tire since finally I’m getting good service from a tire. I have relatively new HiSpec rims and don’t want to move to a 17.5 rim because of expense. Again, thanks for any thoughts.


    Have always used the G614 LT 16 in. Tires. I use them for 5-7 years depending on their condition. At 7 years I replace them all. I use metal stems including the spare. Never had one flat tire??????
  • howardwheeler's avatar
    howardwheeler
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2020
    When I travel it is usually on fairly lengthy trips—4000 to 6000 miles. But as of late I can’t get away very often. I did just return from a shorter 2500 mile trip to Colorado. I’m looking very seriously at the Sailuns. I believe they have a 75 mph speed rating. I wouldn’t want anything less. I just don’t trust those 65 mph rated tires.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Sep 23, 2020
    A lot depends on the kind of traveling you do: short distances several times a year, full timing, long trips several times a year. Personally if the tread is good and they look good, I would run them another year or so. I have a little over 6 years on the Sailuns I'm running and will probably replace them next year if I have a long trip scheduled.

    I don't think you can do better than the Sailun S637 tire for trailer use. You can certainly pay more, and they are made in China, but if you want a tire that you can depend on, the Sailun is it.
  • Thermoguy's avatar
    Thermoguy
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2020
    My tires had a date code of 1513 - thought I could make it one more season, I didn't... They looked fine on the outside, no cracks, no wear, great tread. I actually caught one before leaving for a trip, you could see a big bulge forming that would have blown. It's not the wear, it's them drying out. On another trailer I had a set I drove 10 years on, they were an LT tire, never had a blow out, changed because of cracking. So, it's a gamble - feeling lucky?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2020
    After perfect service why would you search for something else?
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Sep 23, 2020
    Did you look for cracks between the tread? If tires are worn half way down, I'd replace them. It also depends on your use. If you still travel long distance, or stay somewhat local? If you decide to replace them, I'd go with same, as they have served you well. There are other choices, maybe even cheaper, if that is an issue. Many members are very happy with the Sailun brand tires, in the size you are using.

    Jerry
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2020
    What I've learned over the years is that when you start to question whether you should replace something that very well could cause damage if it failed, then replace it. The peace of mind alone is worth it. I try to never start a sentence with "I should have......." and that's what you would be doing if you experience a failure with those tires.
  • howardwheeler's avatar
    howardwheeler
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2020
    They are LT235/85/R16. Tires look good. No noticeable cracking and still have tread. I just know that I’ve never had tread depth be a problem on any tire I’ve had that has blown. They seemed to have blown due to internal problems. So tread depth seems to me to not be a big concern. And I don’t remember any problem with obvious cracking. I used to always keep covers on them but now they are simply in the shade.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Sep 23, 2020
    Are those tire ST or LT type? If LT then we just installed 4 new Goodrich Commercial LT tires on our TT. They have very good recommendations. Michelins are often highly rated but quite expensive. As to aging out that depends on the tire condition, are they cracked, lots of tread left? You have to make the decision.

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