The first one is my spare. I've got 3 other tires that are similar. The issue is a wave in the sidewall that is usually just in one place on each tire, but if its present, its on both the inside sidewall and the outside sidewall. . These are Towmaster tires and they've been like that since the trailer was new.I stood the tire on a board so you could hopefully see the wave by the letter T.The one below is my right front. I just had my axles straightened and am contemplating junking this tire...or using it as a spare. Naturally, it doesn't have a wavy sidewall, but took the brunt of the alignment issue on the outside edge. Would you run it?Thanks!

This is a loaded question and I think you know what answers you will get already.

Ok...answer is likely to be no on the worn one, but not so clear on the wavy sidewall ones. The one in pic is the worse of the ones I have with waves. The others are less pronounced.When my trailer was new, I tried to get dealer to replace them, they took them to a tire shop who said they're fine. They also said it is common for tires to look like that, so I looked around their service lot and alot of trailers had tires with wavy sidewalls. I didn't like em then and don't like em now...especially in light of a guy I know who just had a blowout for no apparent reason.Question boils down to, is it cosmetic or structural?

How old are the tires?..Date code is on sidewall

The wave in the sidewall is normal. It's caused when manufacturering the tires.

Would you run either of these tires? | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Charlie_D_
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
d-mac1 wrote:
Allworth wrote:
I wouldn't run them, but not because of the conditions shown in the pics. I wouldn't run them because they are Towmasters.

Note in my sig that I run Commercial TA's.

Aha! What looks to be a great tire recommendation! Thanks!!

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tires/bfgoodrich/size/viewProductDetail.do?ra=%2Ftires%2Fbfgoodrich%2Fsize%2FviewProductResults&fl=&pc=38938&ar=85&rd=16&cs=235

If installed, I'll have about 1" gap between the tires. According to a Dexter axle document, that should be ok. You guys agree? I don't plan on running any chains on my trailer.

Here-You can have this BFG Commercial TA and 2 more that did not explode but do have broken belts. All at the same time on my trailer. Dealer says manufacturing defect-BFG said sorry-you have them on tralier service. My truck had BFG Commercial T/A's and were recalled. Had lots of problems getting them replaced. Called BFG and they were no help-wouldn't even call the dealer.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
Me Again wrote:
If I was to choose a poly carcass LT right now it would not be the BFG Commercial TA, as there are to many problems be reported with them at this time. The Firestone Transforce HT might be a better choice in a cheaper poly carcass. Chris

Not only trouble but BFG will not warranty when placed on a trailer. Believe me I know what I am talking about.
Vulcaneer
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
The 1" gap should be fine.
jaycocamprs
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
No I would not run those tires, I won't run ST tires any more. Either the XPS Rib or the Duravis would be better than the ST, but would be over their rated weight. You really should look at either Goodyear G614 or Sailun S637 G rated tires.
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
Me Again wrote:

If I was to choose a poly carcass LT right now it would not be the BFG Commercial TA, as there are to many problems be reported with them at this time. The Firestone Transforce HT might be a better choice in a cheaper poly carcass.

However, you are must likely load pretty heavy, so the R250 is an excellent choice. I ran Ribs for 6.5 years and bought R250's this time because of the lower cost per tire. There is no substitute for the benefits of the steel ply carcass of the Rib or R250.

Chris

You are correct about weight. When loaded, I've got just over 12k on my 2 rear axles. Based on your description of the steel ply carcass, you'd think the R250 would have a higher load capacity than 3,042 lbs.

Any concerns on the 1" gap if I upsize? I take my rig off road and just had my axles straightened...
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2014
d-mac1 wrote:
Me Again wrote:
If it has 6k axles put XPS Ribs or R250's on it quit worrying about tire issues.

Those both look like they'd be good too. The XPS Ribs are pretty much through the roof on price at $300 each and while the R250's are cheaper, they're still about 230 each.

Anybody ever see a comparison between the R250s and the Commercial T/A All Seasons? I'm leaning toward the latter at this point at $175 each and using one of my current tires as a spare.

I'm also in no hurry, so maybe they'll have a coupon at some point or a rebate. Ever see one?

If I was to choose a poly carcass LT right now it would not be the BFG Commercial TA, as there are to many problems be reported with them at this time. The Firestone Transforce HT might be a better choice in a cheaper poly carcass.

However, you are must likely load pretty heavy, so the R250 is an excellent choice. I ran Ribs for 6.5 years and bought R250's this time because of the lower cost per tire. There is no substitute for the benefits of the steel ply carcass of the Rib or R250.

BTW I have a brand new Rib as a spare, bought it in Feb of 2005. Probably will replace it with a Transforce before another long trip.

Chris
noteven
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2014
We run R250's on tri 7K Dexter axles with Mor-Ryde suspension- there is 1-1/4" +/- between the tread faces. No issues with this.
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 26, 2014
Me Again wrote:
If it has 6k axles put XPS Ribs or R250's on it quit worrying about tire issues.

Those both look like they'd be good too. The XPS Ribs are pretty much through the roof on price at $300 each and while the R250's are cheaper, they're still about 230 each.

Anybody ever see a comparison between the R250s and the Commercial T/A All Seasons? I'm leaning toward the latter at this point at $175 each and using one of my current tires as a spare.

I'm also in no hurry, so maybe they'll have a coupon at some point or a rebate. Ever see one?
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 26, 2014
Allworth wrote:
I wouldn't run them, but not because of the conditions shown in the pics. I wouldn't run them because they are Towmasters.

Note in my sig that I run Commercial TA's.

Aha! What looks to be a great tire recommendation! Thanks!!

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tires/bfgoodrich/size/viewProductDetail.do?ra=%2Ftires%2Fbfgoodrich%2Fsize%2FviewProductResults&fl=&pc=38938&ar=85&rd=16&cs=235

If installed, I'll have about 1" gap between the tires. According to a Dexter axle document, that should be ok. You guys agree? I don't plan on running any chains on my trailer.
2PM_s
Explorer
Jul 26, 2014
That tire is maybe as strong now as it was when it was new, but it looks to be down to the wear bars, so the strength of the tire is not very well protected by the thread. I would replace it. Yea, I guess it would work as a spare if needed, not far though.

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Would you run either of these tires?

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