Hi everyone, just recovering from an unexpected tire blowout this past weekend. The tires on my TT are Freestar. I want to replace all with new tires that are quality. My choices in brands in my area are TowMax and Carlisle. Does anyone have any first hand experience with these two brands? Yes, I am meticulous- my trailer is always covered when not in use for long periods and I always keep the air pressure checked,etc, etc ,etc. Based on your personal experience, can I expect these two brand to last 5 years if I maintain them properly? Thanks everyone for any first hand experience you can give me to help make a better choice.

In my opinion trailer tires are all similar unless you're using LT truck tires.Installing the next load size if possible i.e. D to E and a TPMS is the way to go.

Got a question? How long were the Freestar on your trailer? Just curious...haven't had no blow out on my trailer but I have had one on my truck while pulling the trailer. My truck tires were manufactured about 2006 on a 2007 Chevrolet but they only had 16K on them.

Use Maxxis tires. All the other trailer tires are made in China and are blow-outs just waiting to happen. If your trailer has 16" tires then I would go with an LT truck tire.

I bought my trailer new Jan 2013. This is their fourth summer.

I had Carlisle tires on my previous camper. They were 4 years old when we traded for our current trailer and the tires were still good. (so my dealer said, anyway, because I had them specifically inspect the tires for the sale).

I need first hand experience from you all...please

campigloo
Explorer
May 12, 2016
I have run Carlesle RadialTrail for about 40,000 miles over the last ~4 years. I had several blow outs with the factory TowMax but I think the real problem was the D rated tire was just overloaded. Changed to the E rated and it pulls better and the tires run cooler with more even tread wear and no problems so far.
My trailer is about 10,000 lbs.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 12, 2016
I have used Carlisle`s the last 7 years. the first set went 5 years and around 15k miles. I replaced them at 5 years old when I noticed one had a shifted belt. I again went with Carlisles. I have had good luck with them. The first set replaced the OE China bombs after a year and 400 miles when 3 of them had a shifted belt!

Carlisle`s have become a very respected brand in the last 10 years.
Lantley
Nomad
May 12, 2016
Seek out Maxxis. It appears you have c rated tires. Upgrade to Maxxis D rated
rbpru
Explorer II
May 12, 2016
What caused the blow out? Did the tire fail or was it caused by a road hazard?

Road hazards will flatten any tire you buy.

Name brands are always a good bet because they care about their reputation.
time2roll
Nomad
May 12, 2016
Rainier wrote:

Their size is ST205 75 R14

Load is 1760lbs/tire at 50psi

If I remember correctly TT is 5500lbs Dry and maxes out at 7700lbs

Thanks for any help.
I recommend getting tires to cover the full GVWR 7700?

Try Kumho 857 on Tire Rack rated 2271 pounds. Anyone can mount them.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Radial+857

Otherwise Maxxis has a good reputation. And I would be looking to go up a size to get more load rating that probably requires new wheels.
B-n-B
Explorer III
May 12, 2016
If it matters to you, not all Carlisle tires are made in China, some are made in the USA.

See here in the first FAQ from the Carlisle website:

http://www.carlstargroup.com/about-us/faq

It would take some homework to find out if their trailer tires are USA made or not since they don't seem to spell it out.

All I can add is another vote for Maxxis in an ST.
samhain7
Explorer
May 12, 2016
I have towmax on my trailer.. This will be their third year.
They look perfect and hold air well. Aired them up to 65 psi in the fall. When I went to get the trailer this year, all 4 tired were still at 65.
path1
Explorer
May 12, 2016
Retired JSO wrote:
You can get a D or E rated Maxxis tires in 15". They are available through Discount Tire stores in the Washington State Area.

(Heads up maybe)And don't let Les Schwab tell you Maxxis is on back order in order to sell you tow max Like they did me. Still mad about that. Maxxis warehouse in in LA area and discount tire can get them. And have rubber valve cores replaced with steel if not already steel.
mtofell1
Explorer
May 12, 2016
IMO the brand is way more important than the rating (assuming you're within the rating for a given tire). Too many China bomb stories going around the net.

I talked to a fellow customer at my local dealer that had a tire explode and tear through the floor into his kitchen.
Rainier
Explorer
May 12, 2016
Also, for fun, I thought I'd share the pics of the trashed tire, wheel and underbelly. Sucks to be me right now:)

Link to Pics