Newbies need tire & insurance advice - Please help!

www.gilbertrvinsurance.com


Multi-line brokers with lots of RV experience.

I would recommend checking out Maxxis ST tires as found on their website:
http://www.maxxis.com/Industrial/Trailer/M8008-ST-Radial.aspx
When it comes to ST trailer tires, Maxxis is probably the bet going at this time. Be sure to have them balanced and install steel valve stems.
I'm insured through my regular provider. They didn't have any special deals when I got ours.

I switched my 11200 lb 5er with 5200 lb axles from OEM ST225/75-15 D at 2540 lbs to 16" LT215/85-16 E at 2680 lbs.

Also look at the Lt225/75-16 E as they are only 1" in diameter taller than your current tires.
Some folks move on up to a LT235/85-16 E at 3042 lbs if they have the room.

There are no 15" LT tires rated rated above 2000-2200 lbs that I'm aware of that I would put on a heavy highway trailer.

I don't get involved in insurance recommendations other than see your favorite insurance agent.

We just purchased our first camper today. It is a 2005 Starcraft Aruba 295-RKS. Unfortunately, it still has the original tires on it. New tires are at the top of our list of things to do immediately. The tires are ST225/75r15 and the GVWR of the camper is 11,690 lbs. I know there are a lot of crappy trailer tires out there and we would like to avoid buying them. I have seen that some people buy LT tires instead. What tires would you recommend for this fifth wheel?

Your on the right track by recognizing the tire issue:). Throw those original tires away today! All things being equal, I keep tires for 5 to 6 years then replace them unless their is a tire issue. IMHO based on 16 yrs. of RVing with a TT and now a 34' 5th. wheel weighing in about 12,600K when loaded, I only use LT tires. I have had good luck with Good Year tires that are 16' and at least "E" rated although now I am running "G" rated tires. I like Good Year's warranty policy for both replacing bad ties and paying for damage to your RV as the result of a tire blow out. I also read that a lot of RVer's use Michelin tires but they are a little pricer. I plan on putting some Michelin tires on my truck.


We will need to get insurance also. I remember reading somewhere that there is a difference in the coverage you get through your regular insurance company and the coverage you get through a company that specializes in rvs. I would be interested in hearing about the pros and cons of going with a regular insurance company vs rv insurance company. Recommendations for insurance companies would also be appreciated.

You are far from being a RV rookie based on your questions. Regular car insurance can be real different from RV insurance. Usually the difference is based on what is covered in the event of an accident and the emergency road service plan. As you examine different insurance policies, read very carefully what the exclusions are. Do a real through comparison of what each policy provides. For Emergency Road Side service I would not depend on a regular car insurance policy. The 2 most mentioned policies are Good Sam and Coach Net. I have had Good Sam for 25 yrs.
Then you are going to get into the whole topic of "Extended Warranty" polices. This is a
controversial subject. You will have 2 basic groups of RVers. a. RVers who believe that it is a waste of good $$ and that you should just put $$ a side in a savings account to take care of any break downs b. Rvers who figure that if your refrigerator or Air conditior/ heater have to be replaced, your extended warranty policy just saved you a bunch of money:). You will have to make that decision based on your own personal judgement. I have both the Emergency Road Side Service and the Extended Warranty. My decision is based on my experience with RV's----some part of the RV will break down or quite working at some point!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to help some newbies. Since this is our very first rev, we are a little confused and overwhelmed at the moment.

Based on your questions, your are not Rookies who will be confused or overwhelmed for too long. Let us know what you decide:)

Look at switching it to16" rims and LT tires. You will have more and better tire choices. Chris

For tires, I'd stop in at your local Discount Tire for advice. They've treated me well over the years.

I compared Good Sam RV insurance to my "regular" insurance (Auto Owners Insurance) and Sam was about double. This will take some shopping around. Just remember to turn off collision while it's in storage for the off season, that will save you a few bucks.