I have a 10 year old KZ Frontier 28 foot travel trailer that I've had for 7 years now and in the last few years have had a blowout (or 2) on my annual long distance 800 mile trip to Florida from Texas. My tires are Maxxis M8008 (which I thought was the best) 205x75x14. These tires are < 3 years old when they blow.My question is, can I upgrade to say, 225x75x15, that way I could get a 10 ply 2830 lb max load tire? Or maybe even a 235x80x16? I realize it'd be hard to tell without looking at my RV but just wondering if anybody has an opinion.

Maxxiss are the best your going to find in a ST tire but I suspect there's just too much weight for a 14" tire. So I would move up to the 15's or even 16's if you have room.Also remember to keep your speed at or below 65 with any ST tire.How many inches of clearance do you have between your tires?

I like you used to have blow outs every time we went camping. I got a large tire all the way around. went from 14's to 15's and a big tread print. no more blow outs. cost me over $1000 but worth it.

I had similar problems with blow outs. I changed from my Goodyear Marathons to Maxxis and changed my driving / loading habits and have had good luck since.The following are my tips:#1: Hit the scales. Ensure you aren't overloading the tires#2: Watch your speed. I used to drive at 70+ mph. I have now slowed it down to 60 mph or lower.#3: Tire maintenance. Cover them from the sun when you store for any length of time. Keep up your tire pressure (cold inflation) and check it often. #4: Purchase a TPMS. They watch your tire pressures and temps while driving. Good piece of mind.#5: Have the tires balanced.#6: Watch the heat. Any blowout I've ever had happened when the weather was 95+ deg with strong sun.If you have the rooms to do so, upgrading your tires (and possibly rims) will be an added benefit. Even when doing so, the tips above are good practice.Good Luck!

I doubt you will be able to move to the 16 inch wheel , you should be able to find a better tire in the 15 inch size . Choice between LT and ST is yours alone to make . I prefer tires rated for a higher speed and weight capacity , running a tire at or close to its maximum capacities both speed and weight can lead to problems .

Tire Advice | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

DRSMPS
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
I had similar problems with blow outs. I changed from my Goodyear Marathons to Maxxis and changed my driving / loading habits and have had good luck since.

The following are my tips:
#1: Hit the scales. Ensure you aren't overloading the tires
#2: Watch your speed. I used to drive at 70+ mph. I have now slowed it down to 60 mph or lower.
#3: Tire maintenance. Cover them from the sun when you store for any length of time. Keep up your tire pressure (cold inflation) and check it often.
#4: Purchase a TPMS. They watch your tire pressures and temps while driving. Good piece of mind.
#5: Have the tires balanced.
#6: Watch the heat. Any blowout I've ever had happened when the weather was 95+ deg with strong sun.

If you have the rooms to do so, upgrading your tires (and possibly rims) will be an added benefit. Even when doing so, the tips above are good practice.

Good Luck!
old_guy
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
I like you used to have blow outs every time we went camping. I got a large tire all the way around. went from 14's to 15's and a big tread print. no more blow outs. cost me over $1000 but worth it.
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 24, 2014
Maxxiss are the best your going to find in a ST tire but I suspect there's just too much weight for a 14" tire. So I would move up to the 15's or even 16's if you have room.
Also remember to keep your speed at or below 65 with any ST tire.

How many inches of clearance do you have between your tires?

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