the dreaded tire topic...

JJBIRISH wrote:


While switching to the LT tire can be a good move, it just isn’t possible for some, and it is costly for all…
Even though I agree with John, and tireman on the reporting and think it is important to do so… it is so wrong in so many ways that it takes changing tire types to be or even just to feel safe and comfortable…

Reporting won’t bring the needed change… the only thing that will cause meaningful change is US… if we don’t demand better, if we don’t make it a deal breaker, if we don’t start to insist, you will never get nor could you ever expect better…

Yet I talked to my dealer and another local dealer yesterday, and both say they are never even asked about what type of tires they have and they both say unequivocally they have never ever had anyone demand LT tires as a condition of sale, or even a upgrade to a LT tire…

So IMHO there is plenty of blame to go around for the cause of the problem but we are the blame for the lack of a cure… we have done precious little to pressure the tire or the trailer industries, and when buying replacements our first question is how much…

Hi JJ,

Yup I agree with ya. Proper running gear is not a sales point. Power awnings, interior conveniences, creature comforts etc are selling points.

While I hope it is not impossible...I doubt many new camper sales or PDI's even talk about running gear, not alone tires. During the PDI where you ever told the brakes on the camper are manual adjust, to make sure you have proper TW and balance as you load the camper, the fact that the camper did not come with very much grease in the bearings and make sure you come in soon for an service appointment, make sure you weigh the axles when you load the camper so you do not overload these axles we put on, the list goes on.

If I ever do buy a new camper, I do not know yet what I'm going to run up-against but unless the gas economy goes totally off the charts, the camper size will be in the same league I am now. There will be a discussion about running gear and LT tires. The list of brands I'm even considering is small due to the TT quality and I'll wait for it to be built if need be. And yes, I know I have to pay something more. I might be a minority, but it will happen. There is nothing left much original in my running gear. OK the springs are still the same....

The sad part is, running gear upgrades do not show up in too many camper brochures. You can not sell it, if it is not offered. Some are finally coming with rubber equalizers, shocks and I even saw self adjusting brakes but they are far and in-between. I have yet to see an adjustable axle seat even though they have been around a long time. And they still keep using these light duty hangers and frame attachments.

As far as NHTSA, they get very few complaints. For us towing campers, tires are a big deal when a failure happens to us. I know compared to the auto industry we are a spec of the problems they have to deal with. If no one is complaining, what are they going to focus on? Many of the reports that are filed, lack correct information. I was ignorant too. Until my tire failure I did not even know how or where to file a complaint or that I should. I really wish government doesn't have to force regulation to make a quality trailer tire.

I agree "WE" the folks who use campers are the ones that have to help the cause. The 1st part is helping to spread the understanding. Like this post.

Bigcitypopo now has a little better understanding, hey that's progress. One camper at a time.