Does anyone here do long trips pulling a travel trailer? Or, does anyone regularly pull their travel trailer 4000 miles a year?I ask this question as I pulled a fifth wheel for 20 on these long trips. I found the only tire that would support such trips was the Michelin XPS rib tire.We sold the fifth wheel thinking we were finished RVing. We bought a vacation home in the midwest. Then we got to thinking we would rather not use motels to travel to the vacation home so we purchased a small trailer - 23 ft long with dual axles and ST205/75R14C installed. They were a brand I never heard of.We like to drive at highway speeds and don't think these tires will cut it. Can anyone here with long distance driving in the hot summer tell what tires they use.I am not a fan of Goodyear Marathons. Had lots of trouble with them years ago.

I did 11,000 miles last year. The tires were Goodyear Wranglers size LT215/75-15. If you have room to go larger, I would do it. There are no great tires available, in my opinion, in your current size.My new Chinese wheel bearings were spent and ready to completely fail in those miles. I replaced with made in USA Timken bearings.The trailers made today are not ready for prime time, to make them reliable you have a lot of upgrades to do.

We average 4 to 6,000 miles per year pulling our TT. Our Sunline TT came with Mission ST tires LR C. Ran them for 5 years without a problem. Replaced them with Maxxis ST tires LR D and ran them for another 5 years before trading in the trailer for a 2016 Arctic Fox which came with Good Year Marathons. I'll run with them for a few years unless I have a problem with them. Then it's back to Maxxis. Bearings? Not all Timken brand bearings are manufactured in the U.S. Timken has manufacturing facilities in CHINA as well as other foreign countries and some of those bearings are shipped back for sale in the U.S.

I travel once a year to Florida which is a 2000 mile round trip for me.I have same size tire, being a new to TT I bought a brand from Discount Tire chain called Goodride, I only assume they are Chinese as well. I am in my fifth year and will use them and get new ones this year.Not sure how you qualify whether they will last for you, you can use them and keep an eye on them or replace them, a lot of folks here have a liking towards Maxxis.I also replaced my bearings with Timken....yes you have to be careful where they are made.

Many RVers here use Maxxis tires. Their satisfaction with the tires holding up well is pretty good.

Good tips everyone. ThanksPerhaps a few more could tell what they do.

Long Trips | Good Sam Community

Atlee
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2016
I will average at least 4k miles per year, the bulk of it in the fall during college football season.

Also, in 2014, we put over 7800 miles on the trailer during one cross country trip.

My trailer only weights 4950# loaded and has ST205/75R14 tires. I put 4 new Maxxis on it in July 2013. Knock on wood, I haven't had any trouble with them, and they still do not show much if any tread wear.

At this point, I'd put 4 more on the trailer. But I wouldn't be afraid of the new Carlisle tire.
DavidP
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016
We travel to Florida once a year (1600 Miles RT) as well as many neighboring states. We put between 4-6k on the tt each year. Current trailer has GY Marathons that I replace after 3 seasons of use. Third set on this trailer.
Jayco-noslide
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016
We have frequently covered thousands of miles in various trailers for over 30 years and now a 30 ft. motor home. Very few tire issues, really just 2 or 3 in all those years. Most important is to not let your tires get old (over 4 or 5 yrs) even if the tread is good. Make sure they are rated for your load, don't trust the original tires and don't overload. The road service programs available don't cost too much and I do not plan on changing a tire my self.
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2016
RoadRunners2 wrote:
Good tips everyone. Thanks

Perhaps a few more could tell what they do.

I have pulled my 31 foot TT in the last year more than 12,000 miles. I spent the winter in the Baja arriving there form Minot ND, I am now in Newport Oregon on my way to Alaska.

My Goodyear Marathons which were manufactured in the 48th week of 2005 and were on the trailer when I bought it are still going strong.

I think any major brand of trailer tire will serve you well if taken care of and kept inflated properly. (road hazards excepted).

I wouldn't be too quick to take seriously those who praise one tire over another so evangelically or that derogate another brand as if they were the spawn of Satan. They have axes to grind.
djsamuel
Nomad
Apr 19, 2016
Had over 7,000 miles on the cheap no name tires that came with my 24' TT (also 205-75-14) traveling from Florida to Arizona/Utah and return, as well as Florida to Townsend, TN. Replaced them with the Carlisle RH Radials. So far so good. Time will tell.

Forum Discussion

Long Trips

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

long trip

Long trip planning

How long for the trip North?

Preparing house for long road trip

Is my TT too big for long trips?