New Tires For A Brand New Trailer
So as someone that has yet to own a travel trailer I have been watching YouTube and a couple of the videos are recomending getting new tires or upgraded tires when you buy a new or used RV. I plan to...
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Some important factors on ST trailer tires.
You want at least 15% reserve load capacity - the tire's load rating compared to actual weight on tires (not dry wt. or total divided by 4). Some TT manufacturers provide tires that are very close to a GVWR, despite the RVIA now wanting a 10% min compared to the axle ratings. We upgraded from the TT manufacturers standard LRC to their optional LRD (Marathons) and have about 30% reserve capacity. Zero issues in 5 seasons.
Always run ST tires at their max. sidewall psi (providing rims are rated for higher pressure). It's recommended to periodically check pressure, esp. on a long road trip.
Tires on one side of a TT (or FW) can be overloaded depending on size/weight of slides or kitchen. Or can be overloaded on one axle while under on the other. It's a good idea to not only run through a scale to get total weight, but also side-side and per axle if at all possible.
Check date codes on the tires to make sure they aren't old stock (on new tires) or otherwise aren't more than 5 years old.
Heat is what kills ST tires. Besides low reserve load capacity, can be from towing over their speed rating, towing overloaded or towing under-inflated. Internal damage from heat is cumulative and some day a tire can fail for no apparent reason. Contrary to what many say, it's much more likely to be improper treatment, not the country of origin that results in "blowouts".
The new Endurance tire is getting excellent reviews and Maxxis is highly regarded too. A generic unknown-brand Ch*naMaster tire should be avoided in any event. If you ever end up with a blowout, it can cause some very expensive damage. Just not worth the savings and risk.
You want at least 15% reserve load capacity - the tire's load rating compared to actual weight on tires (not dry wt. or total divided by 4). Some TT manufacturers provide tires that are very close to a GVWR, despite the RVIA now wanting a 10% min compared to the axle ratings. We upgraded from the TT manufacturers standard LRC to their optional LRD (Marathons) and have about 30% reserve capacity. Zero issues in 5 seasons.
Always run ST tires at their max. sidewall psi (providing rims are rated for higher pressure). It's recommended to periodically check pressure, esp. on a long road trip.
Tires on one side of a TT (or FW) can be overloaded depending on size/weight of slides or kitchen. Or can be overloaded on one axle while under on the other. It's a good idea to not only run through a scale to get total weight, but also side-side and per axle if at all possible.
Check date codes on the tires to make sure they aren't old stock (on new tires) or otherwise aren't more than 5 years old.
Heat is what kills ST tires. Besides low reserve load capacity, can be from towing over their speed rating, towing overloaded or towing under-inflated. Internal damage from heat is cumulative and some day a tire can fail for no apparent reason. Contrary to what many say, it's much more likely to be improper treatment, not the country of origin that results in "blowouts".
The new Endurance tire is getting excellent reviews and Maxxis is highly regarded too. A generic unknown-brand Ch*naMaster tire should be avoided in any event. If you ever end up with a blowout, it can cause some very expensive damage. Just not worth the savings and risk.
