tire advice

Here are the load/inflation tables for the XPS ribs. Note that Michelin RV tables give weights per axle.

Our 20k fiver has two 9k axles (duals) and I run LT235/85R16 XPS Ribs at 65 psi. Have had them on for 3 or 4 years with no issues at all.

Another slightly cheaper tire is the Bridgestone Duravis R250 ribbed tire. I caught them at Costco for $190 recently after a factory sales incentive. They're comparable to the Michelins--and just as heavy duty.

Costco has a $70 Michelin four tire rebate right now. They may can order in the ribbed tires for you on that promotion.

The XPS Rib is an excellent tire, but you need to personally check the GVWR/GAWR sticker at the left front of your 5th wheel to ensure that the 3042 lb rating of the LT235/85R-16 XPS Rib is sufficient to meet your rig's GAWRs.

Rusty

Thanks, I was confused about the weight. I think I will go with the RIB's, we don't travel as much as you guys; hopefully, that will soon change. JP

JRP264 wrote:
Not sure what axle weight Thor put on the unit, it's gross weight is 9000 something. Our stuff has probably added another thousand fifteen hundred.

Think you may be confused about gross weight....The unit should have a placard on it some where showing the units GVW..that is how much the unit can weigh...loaded....You state it's 9,000#, then say you've added another 1500#:h..So I'm figuring the "empty" or "dry weight" is 9,000# and you've added an additional 1500#, making it weighing around 10,500#...GVW is probably, or should be higher...

"IF" the unit came with E rated tires as you've indicated, odds are your 5er has no heavier than 6,000# rated axles....IF so, the Michelin XPS RIB would be a much better route to go than the Michelin LT that you're talking about....IF too pricy, the Duravis R250 is as good a tire and not as expensive.


I would't "crimp" on tires, no matter how often you tow...it only takes one blowout to ruin your trip and possibly cause enough damage to the 5er that it could be out of commission for a bit. If you can't afford the RIBS, go with the Duravis R250 tire....

I have been running Michelin xps rib tires for ten years now. Before finding these tires I tried many different brand of tires. Everything I purchased seemed to go flat, disintegrate or blow out. Since I went to the ribs I haven't had a moment of trouble. I did have a flat, but that was a Schrader valve problem. If your just pulling your fiver to a local campground you probably don't need the rib tires, but if you are like us and roam all over North America the ribs certainly bring peace of mind.

I've used the Michelin XPS Ribs and had unqualified success with them - on a 5th wheel with 6,000 lb GAWR axle ratings. The LT235/85R-16E XPS Rib is rated for 3042 lbs @ 80 PSIG, so its ratings will not be adequate for a 5th wheel with an axle rating > 6084 lbs. At that point, I would start looking at Load Range G tires such as the Goodyear G614 RST rated 3750 lbs @ 110 PSIG.

Rusty

I have the XPS Ribs on mine. They are a bit expensive, but do (at least for me) give peace of mind. In 6 yrs and about 17,000 miles I have never had a low tire and they ride great and still look new.

There are also other brands of LT tires that people have been very happy with at less costs. I would not put STs back on even though you have not had a problem with them. Just too many reports of ST tire failures for me to be comfortable with them.

Not sure what axle weight Thor put on the unit, it's gross weight is 9000 something. Our stuff has probably added another thousand fifteen hundred.

Do you have 6000 or 7000 lb axles under your 5th wheel? The GAWRs will determine your tire requirements.

Rusty