Forum Discussion
Jackathan
Mar 17, 2020Explorer
It's simple guys, I just bought a 2020 fifth wheel. First thing I did was look at the tires, in light of the many tire and bearing failures my family has had in the last ten years of camping, even with a brand new camper. The instant I looked at the tires, I knew immediately that I would not trust those tires for anything but local trips. The tires on our new 2020 Coachman 360IBL are Ridgway Sport St tires, 235/85R16 load range F. 7K Dexter Axles. GCWR 14,000lbs. Load Range F tires at 95PSI are good for 3,960lbs per tire. Plenty for this fifth wheel. Yet, I knew they would not survive, just by appearance.
I quickly ordered the Sailun S637 tires. The tires arrived. These highly recommended Sailun S637 tires are incredibly stout. The Ridgways are, in comparison, extremely flimsy, as expected.
Anyhow, in relation to this post, I have been bringing the wheels in one at a time to Discount Tire, to remove the ridgways and install the S637. When I brought the third one in, the young man at the counter asked me: "are these the big tires?". I said, well they are 235/85/R16. He the said Oh Yeah, you brought a couple in already. Those were um, interesting to mount.
I asked him what they aired them up to. I had requested 95PSI. He said their inflators only go to 90PSI with accuracy. I had to inflate them at home to where I wanted them.
So, lesson learned, standard automotive tire shops may have problems with the Sailun S637 load range G tires with max pressure of 110PSi.
I have never felt so confident in a trailer tire. Now I need to get USA Timkin bearings in the hubs, and do it myself, to feel confident. I have had failed bearings 3 times, resulting in RV damage. Twice on a 1 year old trailer. Once, on an older trailer. Yes, I was using an infrared temp gun on each hub and tire at every gas stop. On the last fifth wheel, I had invested in a TST pressure monitor. Never alarmed for temperature or pressure, as the bearing failed, and the tire and rim left us with a very loud and alarming "Bang" on I90 middle of nowhere, SD.
On our new 5th wheel, I have had the new Sailun tires balanced, and purchased Centramatic Balancing Rings for it. With my luck, I need all the help I can get.
On the positive side, the kids and I have gotten extremely efficient at changing tires on the side of interstates. We are like an Indy pit crew.
I quickly ordered the Sailun S637 tires. The tires arrived. These highly recommended Sailun S637 tires are incredibly stout. The Ridgways are, in comparison, extremely flimsy, as expected.
Anyhow, in relation to this post, I have been bringing the wheels in one at a time to Discount Tire, to remove the ridgways and install the S637. When I brought the third one in, the young man at the counter asked me: "are these the big tires?". I said, well they are 235/85/R16. He the said Oh Yeah, you brought a couple in already. Those were um, interesting to mount.
I asked him what they aired them up to. I had requested 95PSI. He said their inflators only go to 90PSI with accuracy. I had to inflate them at home to where I wanted them.
So, lesson learned, standard automotive tire shops may have problems with the Sailun S637 load range G tires with max pressure of 110PSi.
I have never felt so confident in a trailer tire. Now I need to get USA Timkin bearings in the hubs, and do it myself, to feel confident. I have had failed bearings 3 times, resulting in RV damage. Twice on a 1 year old trailer. Once, on an older trailer. Yes, I was using an infrared temp gun on each hub and tire at every gas stop. On the last fifth wheel, I had invested in a TST pressure monitor. Never alarmed for temperature or pressure, as the bearing failed, and the tire and rim left us with a very loud and alarming "Bang" on I90 middle of nowhere, SD.
On our new 5th wheel, I have had the new Sailun tires balanced, and purchased Centramatic Balancing Rings for it. With my luck, I need all the help I can get.
On the positive side, the kids and I have gotten extremely efficient at changing tires on the side of interstates. We are like an Indy pit crew.
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