Forum Discussion

twodownzero's avatar
twodownzero
Explorer
Jan 06, 2019

Tires, what are you using? Trailer? Truck?

I just bought a used 5th wheel and I need to replace the tires. I'm not new to trailering but I know that trailer tires can really be a pain. I am used to using truck tires on trailers, however, LT235/85R16E tires won't have much cushion at max load for me; my trailer weighs about 9k pounds empty and has a GVWR of 13,500. It's a toy hauler and the empty pin weight is around 2,300 lbs.

Normally I'd go with an inexpensive, U.S.-made, E rated truck tire. I'm inclined to do that anyway, since they're rated for over 100 mph and I would not ever "overload" them although if I were to load my trailer to GVWR, they would be loaded to capacity.

Now I see there are trailer tires rated for 75 mph (Carlisle Radial Trail HD) that come in load range F, American-made trailer specific tires (Goodyear Endurance), and all steel construction tires in both Chinese brands (Tow-master, Sailun) and Michelin/Goodyear.

If money was no object, I'd be running the Michelin XPS Rib ($250) or Goodyear G614 ($320) tires. These are out of budget for my current setup.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a tire under $150? I'm inclined to stick to U.S. made, E-rated truck tires, but the F rated and G rated trailer tires that are made in China and rated for 75 mph, and especially the all steel ones, seem like something I should consider. Either way they will be replaced in 4-5 years, because they will age out before they wear out. I am religious about tire pressure, so it's really just a matter of wondering if I can trust a Chinese tire in 2019 and if not, I can probably live with a truck tire on my 5er.

I have searched and not much recent discussion on this topic; I'm trying to put some key words in my post here so that this thread may benefit others.
  • NMDriver2's avatar
    NMDriver2
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2019
    Lt tires dissipate heat and can handle 100 plus temps and not blowout, ST tires tend to store heat and even when new will blowout or have blisters develop in high temp summer driving. I have been running LT's here in NM for 3 years with no blowouts. I was using ST's and had at least one blowout every trip in the summer. I carry a compressor and check my tires at every stop. BTW I run within a couple of hundred lbs of the max load rating of my tires. If they are rated for xx lbs they will carry xx lbs, no need for a "margin". Either you trust the rating or you do not.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2019
    US Made GY's on all my trailers and US Made Michelin on my DRW. Well worth every $$$.
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2019
    time2roll wrote:
    If the 4080 rated Endurance is too tall consider the Towmaster F at 3853

    http://www.greenball.com/brands/tow-master/towmaster-ss

    I recommend tires that carry the full GVWR. Hitch weight is your safety margin.


    Any opinion on their all steel tire in LR G? It's rated for 4400 pounds. My wheels are not rated that high, but it'll still allow for a comfortable margin.

    I doubt my axles are rated for more than 6k a piece, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't appreciate having more cushion in the tires.

    I'm inclined to go with these:
    http://www.greenball.com/brands/tow-master/all-steel-construction-st

    A made in USA truck tire in E LR is available at a comparable price, but these offer more load range cushion and I doubt I'll ever exceed 75 mph.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2019
    Please reread my post azdryheat has it also. Springs and axles will be your weak link, so a LT tire rated at 3042 will be more than sufficient.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2019
    13,500 GVWR - 2300 Pin = 11,200 Max weight on tires

    11,200 / 4 tires = 2800 pounds on each tire at max weight

    3042 max allowed per tire - 2800 = 242 pounds remaining per tire

    242 pounds per tire on an LT tire is plenty of cushion for me since the truck tire is a real tire, not that cheap Chinese junk that gets put on our trailers by the manufacturers. I've run nothing but Michelin LT's on both of my 5th wheels with never a tire issue.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2019
    twodownzero wrote:
    I have searched and not much recent discussion on this topic; I'm trying to put some key words in my post here so that this thread may benefit others.
    Lots of questions there.. perhaps *some* of these posts may help. Pretty popular topic.

    7 pages of tires in heading, all forums
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2019
    donn0128 wrote:
    13,500 GVWR MINUS 20% for pin weight. You likely have 6000# axles so LT 235 85R16 tire with a 3042 capacity is plenty for your situation.


    If you read my post, I have actually measured the empty pin weight (2,300 pounds) and yes, 12k pounds worth of tires are sufficient (barely). So the question is (since I'm unwilling to spend $1000-1200 on U.S. made all steel tires), do I go with an LT, E rated tire, or do I go with a special trailer tire which will be rated for more weight (E load range 3700-3900, F/G load range even more)? Both will be within their ratings. The LT tire will be rated for more speed, the ST for more weight. LT will be American made and probably have a reputable brand name on the side, the ST will not.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2019
    13,500 GVWR MINUS 20% for pin weight. You likely have 6000# axles so LT 235 85R16 tire with a 3042 capacity is plenty for your situation.

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