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GoPackGo's avatar
GoPackGo
Explorer
Jun 12, 2017

Sailun Tires Question

I have a 14k GVWR fifth wheel and put Maxxis M8008 tires on it back in July 2014. Things were fine till yesterday when one of them blew while I was going down the interstate (sounded like a gunshot !). Just some minor damage, which was lucky for me, because I just had disc brakes installed over the winter so I was immediately worried about the hydraulic lines. I really am not sure why it blew. I was running my normal 60 mph and the temp was in the upper 80s. I keep them aired up to 80 psi. Maybe a piece of debris, a nail etc. But maybe it just plain blew. The tire service guy said he sees many that blow on the kitchen slide out side, which did pertain to me (36' Bighorn). He seems to believe that side is always heavier.

I full time so the tires do accumulate mileage - probably 20-30,000 miles now.

I'm looking to (again) replace all four and am seriously considering the Sailun S637T. I have not heard of any Sailun failures but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I just spent some time on their site and I see they have two versions -

1. ST235/85R16 with 4400 pounds capacity. This one is .9 inch taller.

2. ST235/80R16 with 4080 pounds capacity. This would be a same size replacement.

Both are 110 psi tires, 14 ply and take the same size rim. #1 has a little more tread depth. It looks like both are 'L' speed rated (75 mph), which I do not care about, although I do like the increased margin over the speeds I normally run.

So, which would be your the tire of choice, assuming I have the necessary clearance to mount either one ? If I choose #2 (direct replacement) I still have lots of extra capacity, based on a 20 percent pin weight. Theoretically each tire would be carrying 2800 pounds. I guess maybe the better question might be - Is there a reason to go with #1 over #2 if I have the necessary clearance ?

Please - I do not want to go the LT tires route - or start up the debate again. I believe that the stiffer sidewalls of ST tires are what you want under a trailer. And I also want tires that have an adequate load rating (including a generous reserve).

Last -
I have Good Sam as my road side assistance and they did great. The guy on the phone was professional and efficient. Called me back after they located a provider and told me how long it would be (30 minutes) and also sent me a text msg.
  • I just did the #2 option this spring, I changed out all 5 tires. My GVWR is maybe 600lbs lighter than yours. I have only pulled around 1000 miles so far. With all that said I am very happy with the setup. I believe option #2 will serve you well based on what I have experienced so far.
  • Get the same size as your OEM tire. Why change? Don't get to caught up in the ST/LT debate my Sailun's are labeled LT but they are the same tire that is now labeled ST. AS mentioned a tariff forced the change in designation, but the tire is the same
    I had my LT Sailun's going on 4 years now no issues thus far.
  • I just bought your #2 tire from SimpleTire.com. It's the size that is on my fifth wheel. I ordered them last Tuesday and they arrived at the installers Saturday. I haven't actually seen them yet. I am getting them installed in the morning. I looked hard and found no real negative reviews. My fivers GVWR is also 14K. Memorial Day blowout caused $3K in damage and held us up 4 hours. I don't want that to happen again. Good luck.
  • GoPack wrote:
    Both are 110 psi tires, 14 ply and take the same size rim. #1 has a little more tread depth. It looks like both are 'L' speed rated (75 mph), which I do not care about, although I do like the increased margin over the speeds I normally run.GoPack

    Your #35 in trailer users who have has issues with their Maxxis ST8008 tires.

    The 75 mph speed rating is more about a the tire ability to cope with heat rather than one can drive faster.

    The Sailun S637 came as a multi position LT tire when they first hit the USA market. Due to high tariff charges on P and LT tires Sailun re-id'd them to a ST to avoid high tariff costs.
    I have a set of the LT S637's on a triaxle trailer which were bought during the transition from LT to ST....which both carried the same Sailun part number for a while till the LT were purged from the system.

    Regardless your getting a true medium duty commercial grade all steel tire.
    As others say #2 makes better sense as a trailer unlike a truck can have too much tire for best long term service. Good choice.
  • GoPackGo wrote:


    Please - I do not want to go the LT tires route - or start up the debate again. I believe that the stiffer sidewalls of ST tires are what you want under a trailer. And I also want tires that have an adequate load rating (including a generous reserve).



    The Sailun because it is an all steel ply tire with have a stiffer sidewall than your Maxxis tires or any other poly carcass ST tire.

    The stiffer sidewalls of run of the mill poly carcass ST is marketing hype that does not exist in real life.

    Sailun #2 is a good choice. You will not need to run them at 110 inflation. 90 or so should be fine. Make sure your rims are rated for the tires you purchase.
  • Yeah, I'd go with #2 also. Which I would have done if that size would have been available when I bought mine. Great tires.
  • I go for # 2 as well. We have had our Sailun's going on 3 years, not a bit of problem or concern for that matter. Goodyear has come out with a new trailer tire as well, but have not heard any feedback on them yet. I'd stick with the Sailun. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!
  • I would use #2. ... it has more than enough weight rating.. and Sailun is a excellent tire with very good quality.. Your 5er has a GVW of 14K, the 4 tires in your #2 example can handle 16K plus... more than enough tire.. at 14K GVW for your 5er, your truck will handle at least 2800# of the trailer, pinweight.. Either is a great choice, but simpler replacement would be your #2

    I prefer "designated LT tires.. at one time the Sailun tire readLT... but these tires, ST or not, are a great tire with great reviews.. You can't go wrong with these tires.

    Jim