Maxxis M8008 still good?

JBarca wrote:

HaulinBass02 wrote:
I am prepping for our big 3000 mile round trip this summer and want to get rid of the stock tires on our 2021 KZ Connect. I have used Maxxis M8008 tires in the past and they USED to be THE tire that was considered the best. I’m just wondering if they are still the best or a really good tire at the very least.

Hi Haulin,

I looked up your camper, this one correct? https://www.kz-rv.com/2021-products/connect-se-travel-trailers/2021-C312BHKSE.html

What I was looking for was the GVWR and the tire size. It lists a 9,460 GVWR and 15" tires, but does not state a load range. I'm going on the assumption you "might" have ST225/75R15 load range D? I'm hoping they did not set you up on ST205/75R15 Load range D which is a smaller tire in diameter and weight capacity. If you are on the ST205's we really need to talk about this.

Getting the right tire weight rating is as important for long-lasting as the tire brand. Those of us with 10,000# GVWR campers fall into this issue as interply shear wants to play havoc on tandem or triple axle trailers tearing the tire apart in turns. The only way to help gain more safety factor to ward off the interplay shear, is to get more reserve tire capacity above the heaviest loaded wheel. I was recommended to get at least 20% more reserve capacity above the heaviest loaded wheel as the target to help ward off the interplay shear effect.

I had 3 of my ST tires fail from this issue and was on the ST225/75R15 LR D's. I did not have the 20% extra, but I had all the weight slips and was under the tire weight rating. In this case, to get out of the problem, you up a load range to E's if you are staying with 15" ST trailer tires, or you change wheels to 16" and go to LT225/75R16 LR E. In my case, I spent the money to go with the 16" LTs and deal with the wheel well clearance issues on the 10K loaded camper in my sig.

Now on the brands, there are only three brands I would recommend from my experience.

The Endurance only makes ST's in the E load range on the ST225/75R15s; they do not offer the D's, hmmm maybe GY knows something about this!

The Maxxis, I have had good luck with them, other than the heavy weather checking in the treads and sidewalls at the 5-year mark. By then, the tire needs to be changed anyway. They do offer D and E, again getting the right size with enough reserve capacity.

The Carlisle Radial Trail HD, these, and only this tire from them for a travel trailer that tows long distance, heavy. https://www.carlislebrandtires.com/our-products/product-detail/radial-trail-hd/

Carlisle used to have a big issue with ST trailer tires, but when they redesigned them to this Radial Trail HD, they corrected their issues just like GY did with the Endruance over the Marathons. I used these on my flatbed trailers and project campers. Again, get the right weight rating with the needed reserve capacity.

Hope this helps

John

Yes that is my camper. They put 225/75/15 D on it from the factory. I’ve bee RVing for 20+ years and know they go with the bare minimum. They have been ok-ish for the few short trips but I’m not looking at having a failure in the middle of vacation if I can help it.
I am bumping up to the same size tire in an E rating. Not wanting to spend the money for 16” wheels and tires as I don’t think it is necessary for me.
I forgot about Carlisle but my last experience was prior to their re-design when my dad was going through tires left and right on his 5er. I will look into those as well.